With deep sadness, Wiki In Africa announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Wilson Kelechi Oluoha. As the project and community facilitator of Wiki Loves Africa, Wilson was a dedicated team member and, as a Wikimedian, a passionate advocate for open knowledge and African representation in the digital space.
Wilson joined Wiki In Africa as the Wiki Loves Africa facilitator in 2023, bringing his expertise as a multilingual information and media scientist to our organization. His contributions to the Wikimedia movement began in 2018 through the Wikimedia Igbo Usergroup, a language affiliate in Nigeria. He went on to found the IG Wiki Commons Hub in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to building sustainable knowledge communities.
As the Wiki Loves Africa Community facilitator, Wilson was crucial in organising and promoting Wiki In Africa’s flagship project, the annual continental photo contest. His efforts in community engagement, particularly in facilitating training and support sessions and workshops and coordinating with local organisers across Africa, were instrumental in the success of the Wiki Loves Africa project in the last two years. He was a valued and beloved member of the Wiki In Africa team, and it is in his honour that a Wiki Loves Africa prize in 2025 will be dedicated in his name, ensuring that his memory lives on in the work that he so passionately advocated for.
Wilson’s passion for open access to knowledge, his skills as an amateur photographer, and his dedication to the Wikimedia movement have left an indelible mark on our organisation and the broader Wikimedia community. Beyond Wikimedia, he was a passionate cyclist, public speaker, and lover of jazz and the music of yesteryear.
His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Wilson’s wife, family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we continue the missions of Wiki Loves Africa and Wiki In Africa.
Wilson’s family has set up a memorial website for Wilson where those who wish to can leave a message of condolence or share a tribute.
Wilson was part of the larger Wikimedia movement in Africa. Read a joint statement from the Wikimedia communities he was part of here.