About us

Named for a father, run by his family

The Foundation carries the traditional title of Late Chief Paulinus Okafor — Idi Ezeani Nzekwubuo — and has worked in Akwaeze town for more than ten years.

Our story

It began with one town and one idea: that no child in Akwaeze should leave school because the fees could not be found.

In the beginning the Foundation did two things — it paid school fees for children of Akwaeze, and it stood by the town’s widows. Both are still at the centre of the work.

Since then it has grown outward. It sponsors students in several schools and a seminary, supports blind students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the Sickle Cell Group of Anambra State, and in December 2019 it opened a medical outreach that treats anyone who comes for care.

It is funded entirely by Chief Sir Dr. Ikenna K. Okafor, KSS, and the Okafor family. There are no outside donors.

Idi Ezeani Nzekwubuo

The traditional title of the Chairman’s late father, Chief Paulinus Okafor. His memory is the reason the Foundation exists.

Photo — Late Chief Paulinus Okafor, or the family at the tenth anniversary, 2023Photo — Late Chief Paulinus Okafor, or the family at the tenth anniversary, 2023

What we set out to do

Three objectives, stated by the Foundation and unchanged since the beginning.

Education

Scholarship and support for indigent persons

From nursery through university, including Common Entrance, WAEC and NECO fees.

Care

Provision and support for widows

Ongoing financial and material support for widows and widowers in Akwaeze and nearby communities.

Dignity

Any venture that restores the dignity of humanity

The clause that lets the Foundation answer needs as they appear — medicine, safe delivery, a roof.

Leadership

The Foundation is run by the Okafor family, its coordinators, and the priests who give it their time.

Portrait — Chief Sir Dr. Ikenna K. OkaforPortrait — Chief Sir Dr. Ikenna K. Okafor

Chief Sir Dr. Ikenna K. Okafor, KSS

Founder and Chairman — Ide Akwaeze

Founded the Foundation in his father’s memory and funds it, with his family, entirely. He approves every new sponsorship himself.

Portrait — Lolo Dr. Esther N. OkaforPortrait — Lolo Dr. Esther N. Okafor

Lolo Dr. Esther N. Okafor

Medical outreach lead

Wife of the Founder and Chairman. She has piloted the medical outreach since it began in December 2019.

Portrait — Rev. Fr. Alphonsus EzeokePortrait — Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Ezeoke

Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Ezeoke

Secretary

Keeps the Foundation’s record and delivers the address that opens each year’s gathering.

Also serving: Lolo Patience Okafor, Dr. Emeka Okafor and Dr. Nnamdi Okafor of the Okafor family; the coordinators who identify beneficiaries in the community; and the Foundation’s priest members. Roles to be confirmed.