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