This page honours Chevening alumni who have left this world but whose impact continues to live on in the communities they served. At the Yemen Chevening Hub, we pause on 20 February each year to remember these cherished souls and celebrate the legacy they leave behind.
Honouring the lives, achievements, and lasting contributions of Chevening alumni whose legacy continues to inspire.
Sakhawat passed away on 10 Dec. 2025 following a courageous battle with cancer. Entrepreneur, environmentalist, and social impact leader, Sakhawat dedicated his life to empowering marginalized communities through technology and sustainable innovation. From supporting over 50,000 artisans to founding transformative ventures, his work exemplified resilience and purpose. His enduring legacy continues to inspire future leaders committed to equity, sustainability, and positive change.
Alwaleed passed away on 1 April, 2025 after a period of detention amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan. He was an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and community builder dedicated to empowering youth and advancing innovation in Sudan. As a Chevening Alumnus and Mandela Washington Fellow, he championed entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development. His legacy lives on through the communities he strengthened and the leaders he inspired.
Dr Maisara Alrayyes was killed on 5 November 2023 at 28 by an Israeli airstrike on his family home in the Gaza Strip, which also killed 11 family members, during the genocide in Gaza (2023–2025) committed by the Israeli occupation forces. A Palestinian physician and Chevening Scholarship scholar, he was committed to improving healthcare for women and children in conflict-affected settings. He is remembered for his compassion, dedication, and vision to strengthen equitable healthcare services in Palestine and beyond.
Vicensia Fuko passed away on 28 November 2024. A Tanzanian lawyer, journalist, and Senior Programme Officer at Tanzania Media Foundation, she was committed to advancing data-driven journalism to strengthen accountability and decision-making in Tanzania. A Chevening Scholarship alumna, she is remembered for her vision, dedication, and lasting impact on the media and the next generation of journalists.
Dr Olije Helen Alexandria Ega-Wakdok passed away on April 17, 2021. A Nigerian physician, researcher, and Chevening alumna, she was committed to improving healthcare policy and tackling health inequalities in Nigeria. She completed a joint MSc in Health Policy, Planning & Financing and later pursued a PhD focused on healthcare policy. Dr Ega-Wakdok is remembered for her dedication to service, her care for her family, and her lasting impact on health systems and research in Nigeria.
Artan Venhari passed away on 7 September 2019 in a paragliding accident near Prizren, Kosovo. A Kosovan professional, sports enthusiast, and Chevening alumnus, he was deeply committed to his work and passionate about sport. Artan is remembered for his warmth, dedication, and the care he showed to friends and colleagues, leaving a lasting impact on his community and inspiring young people through his example.
Dr Herbert Wigwe passed away on 9 February 2024 in a helicopter crash in California, USA, alongside his wife and son. A Nigerian banker, entrepreneur, and Chevening alumnus, he co-founded Access Bank and transformed it into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. Known for his visionary leadership and commitment to developing future leaders, he also founded The HOW Foundation and established Wigwe University. He is remembered for his dedication, innovation, and lasting impact on the financial sector and education in Nigeria.
Binyavanga Wainaina passed away on 21 May 2019 at the age of 48. A Kenyan writer, literary activist, and Chevening alumnus, he used his scholarship to complete an MPhil in Creative Writing and founded the influential literary magazine Kwani?. Renowned for his essays and books, he amplified African voices globally and inspired a generation of writers. He is remembered for his creativity, courage, and lasting impact on African literature and cultural expression.
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