THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
This is the highest executive organ of the Foundation. The Governing Council has responsibility for devising and implementing the Foundation’s fundraising plans, investment of its funds in profit-making ventures, deciding the management structure and the appointment of its senior staff. It also oversees policy implementation. Members are appointed for a term of three years.

The pioneer members of this body are:
* Chief (Mrs.) H.I.D. Awolowo – Chairman
* Chief F.R.A. Williams, SAN
* Chief A.Y. Eke
* Mr. Oludayo Sonuga
* Professor O O Akinkugbe
* Chief J.O. Irukwu
* Mr. Olujuwon Adesina
* Mrs. M. O. Amu
* Dr. Lai Ogunbambi
* Dr. V.A. Sambo
* Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu,
Executive Secretary

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
This body advises on the conduct of the affairs of the Foundation and acts to ensure that its integrity remains inviolate. The Board is composed of eminent Nigerians representing a broad spectrum of social, political and economic constituencies in Nigeria, to reflect the profile and stature of the personage in whose memory the Foundation has been established. Members are appointed for a term of five years.
The pioneer Trustees are:
* General Yakubu Gowon – Chairman, former Head of State of Nigeria
* Chief (Mrs.) H.I.D. Awolowo – Chairman of the Foundation
* Mr. Alfred Rewane -Elder statesman. Businessman
* Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule -former Nigerian Ambassador to the UN
* Chief F.R.A Williams, SAN – Legal counsel
* Alhaji Yahaya Gusau, Community leader, elder statesman.
* Chief M.K.O. Abiola – Businessman. Politician:
* Professor O. O. Akinkugbe – Physician. Emeritus professor
* Dr. Tai Solarin – educationist; social critic
* Chief Bola Ige, SAN – Former state Govemor, legal counsel
* Chief Arthur C. I. Mbanefo – Accountant
* Chief A.Y. Eke – Former federal minister of education
* Alhaji Shehu Musa  – Former Secretary to the Government of Nigeria.
* Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu – Retired soldier
* Dr. Ime Umanah – Businessman
* Otunba Adekunle Ojora – businessman
* Chief Wahab Yinka Folawiyo – Businessman
* Chief J. O. Irukwu – Insurance executive
* Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN – Legal counsel
* Professor Saburi Biobaku – Historian. University administrator
* Mr. Oludayo Sonuga – President, Lagos chamber of commerce
*Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN – legal counsel
* Professor Jibril Aminu – Physician. Former federal minister
* Chief (Mrs.) Fola Ighodalo – retired civil servant
* Princess Tejumade Alakija – retired civil servant
* Professor Sam Aluko – Economist
* Mr. Ken. Saro-Wiwa (deceased) – Author, Environmentalist
* Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu – Physician

The Foundation, additionally, has an Honorary Grand Patron and Honorary Patrons. They are:
HONORARY GRAND PATRON
His Royal Highness, Oba Okunade Sijuwade,
Olubuse 11, Ooni of Ife

HONORARY PATRONS
His Royal Highness, Ofala Okagbue,
Obi of Onitsha

His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero,
Emir of Kano