Okwuosa: Community Devt Responsibility of Govt and Public-spirited Personalities
Oilserv Group, the company, handling the construction of the $2.8billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project, is the promoter of Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF). In this interview, the Chairperson of SEOF, Chibundu Okwuosa-Nwadei, unveils the impact of this nonprofit organisation that began philanthropic activities across Nigeria in the 1990s.
What inspired the creation of SEOF, and what fundamental needs was it designed to address?
The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) was founded with a vision of creating an Africa where every citizen has access to the resources needed to effect positive change globally. The motivation behind its establishment stemmed from the founder’s deep commitment to addressing systemic challenges in Nigerian communities, particularly in healthcare, education, and socio-economic empowerment. Initially inspired by charitable acts dating back to the 1990s, the foundation was formally established in 2011 to create sustainable, community-driven development. It aims to build self-sustaining communities, equip individuals for self-actualization, and foster collaborative relationships for transformative impact.
Could you highlight the key humanitarian services the Foundation has delivered since its inception?
Since its inception, SEOF has made monumental strides in uplifting lives through multi-sectoral interventions. The Foundation’s initiatives have grown steadily, touching countless lives across Nigeria. In 2021, we established a state-of-the-art hospital, Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital (DIOMH), with advanced cardiothoracic facilities. Over the past three years, in partnership with Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial Foundation (VOOM), we conducted seven biannual open-heart surgery missions. Launched in May 2022 with just eight beneficiaries, the Foundation’s medical missions have flourished.
A total of 145 life-saving surgeries has been performed, including 90 Adult Open-Heart Surgeries, 53 Pediatric Open-Heart Surgeries, 22 Pediatric Interventional Catheterizations, 39 Adult Interventional Catheterisations; and a Vascular Surgery mission in October 2024. These surgeries were conducted either at a subsidized cost or free of charge. Also initiated in May 2022, starting with 258 participants, our biannual community health fair expanded to benefit 4,545 individuals by May 2025. The services include: Free treatment for tropical ailments, infections, allergies, and vitamin deficiencies; Screening and management of malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, and diabetes; Optometry services, visual tests, and medications for eye-related disorders
The SEOF has donated N45 million worth of medications to over 15 health facilities and teaching hospitals across Delta, Anambra, Imo, and Enugu States, strengthening medical response and public health infrastructure. The SEOF recognizes education as a catalyst for progress and personal empowerment. The Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Convent (DIOMeCO) was established in 2019 in Oraifite, Anambra State and handed over to the Anglican Diocese of Nnewi. This state-of-the-art all-girls secondary school offers modern facilities and can accommodate up to 600 students. It continues to empower young girls through quality education and values-based learning. Over the last 10 years, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 1,500 students. In 2023, SEOF launched the Fabian and Patricia Okonkwo Scholarship Scheme (FAPO) and has awarded scholarships worth ₦12 million to 36 exceptional students under the scheme.
The SEOF organizes awareness events that introduce young girls to cutting-edge career paths in technology, engineering, and innovation, expanding their horizons and aspirations. The SEOF drives financial independence and fosters community growth. Through entrepreneurship support, SEOF provides mini-grants and equipment—including Hilux trucks and motorcycles—to individuals and community organizations. For over a decade, the Foundation has distributed over 10,000 bags of rice and groundnut oil annually to families across Anambra State, providing nutritional support during festive and challenging periods.
Can you provide insight into the healthcare interventions driven by the Foundation?
The Foundation delivers critical healthcare services through DIOMH. The hospital provides affordable, high-quality care in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery, interventional cardiology and vascular surgery; diagnostics (CT, X-ray, 4D ultrasound, lab services); urology, orthopaedics, neurology, nephrology, OB-GYN, paediatrics; and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 24-hour ambulance services.
Patients of all ages, particularly from underserved communities, benefit from these services, which now extend to all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria through outreach programmes, medical missions, and health fairs. In 2023, SEOF launched a primary health centre built from repurposed shipping containers.
It was designed by Texas A&M University students, donated by VOOM Foundation and adapted by our Nigerian engineers for rural healthcare delivery. Our ongoing partnership with the VOOM Foundation has provided free and subsidised treatment to over 5,000 Nigerians.
DIOMH is equipped with Cath Lab; 128-slice CT scanner; state-of-the-art, 10-bed ICU with cardiovascular and ventilatory support; medical gas plant; blood fractionation machines and other laboratory equipment; and a 24-hour critical care ambulance service that is integrated with the Anambra State emergency response service.
It is common for humanitarian foundations to partner with international organisations to deepen their impact. Does SEOF currently maintain any such foreign or local partnerships?
Yes, the SEOF actively fosters both international and local partnerships to expand its humanitarian reach and deepen impact across Nigeria. SEOF’s flagship partnership is with the VOOM Foundation, a Texas-based nonprofit organization that is renowned for global medical missions. Through this alliance, volunteer cardiac surgeons and specialised support teams are deployed to Nigeria. The partnership has facilitated dozens of life-saving heart surgeries and interventional procedures. VOOM contributes to knowledge transfer, training local healthcare personnel in advanced cardiac techniques. The Foundation has received vital backing from United Nigeria Airlines, which has funded transportation for medical teams and high-tech equipment, provided logistical support that enhances the efficiency and reach of SEOF’s medical missions.
In partnership with Child Aid Nigeria, SEOF sponsored a child’s open-heart surgery during its May 2025 medical mission, exemplifying the Foundation’s commitment to vulnerable populations. SEOF partners with Pure Bond Insurance to provide life insurance coverage for staff, Promote long-term security, motivation, and organisational well-being. Foreign partnerships have been instrumental in scaling up and elevating the quality of the SEOF programmes—especially in the areas of healthcare. Through VOOM Foundation, over 100 open-heart surgeries were successfully performed. These efforts also led to the historic launch of interventional cardiology and vascular surgery in South-east Nigeria.
How has SEOF performed in the education sector, and what key initiatives have been implemented to support the growth and development of education in the communities you serve?
Well, education remains a core pillar of the SEOF mission. Over the years, SEOF has directly supported the educational development of more than 1,500 students at the secondary school level through its scholarship program, annual prize-giving ceremonies, and the provision of high-quality learning materials. Hundreds more at the primary and university levels have also benefited. DIOMECO provides girls from across Nigeria with access to quality education in a safe, inspiring environment. Facilities include an ICT lab, library, science lab, learning hub, art studio, sports area, and a medical bay. To promote gender equality and inspire future leaders, SEOF also organises career workshops and symposiums, introducing female students to STEM-related fields and professional development opportunities.
One of our flagship programs since the 2023/2024 academic year, the Fabian and Patricia Okonkwo (FAPO) Scholarship, now exceeds N12 million in disbursements, offering substantial academic support to outstanding students. Through these sustained investments, SEOF continues to empower young Nigerians with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to thrive academically and lead purposefully.
Over the past two years, what specific contributions or landmark achievements has the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation made in advancing humanitarian causes?
The Foundation key contributions over the past three years include surpassing 100 successful subsidised open-heart surgeries through DIOMH, performing the first interventional cardiology procedures in South-east Nigeria, conducting the first-ever vascular surgeries in the region, reaching over 4,500 individuals through free community health fairs, disbursing millions in educational scholarships through the FaPo scheme, and supporting DIOMECO, a fully equipped all-girls school. Other interventions include: Training over 11 nurses in cardiac critical care and over 50 student nurses in live simulations, and drug donations to different health care facilities in Anambra State.
Some of these locations include: University Teaching Hospital Enugu; Delta State University Teaching Hospital; Oghara (DELSUTH); University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); Immaculate Heart Specialist Nkpor; University of Niger Teaching Hospital, Iyienu; Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, and others.
Are there any new projects or initiatives the Foundation plans to launch in the near future?
The SEOF has several promising initiatives underway aimed at deepening its impact across key sectors. SEOF plans to increase the frequency of its medical missions from biannual to quarterly, ensuring broader and more consistent access to specialized healthcare services. Enhanced training programmes for doctors and nurses will be launched to build capacity within the local health system. A structured mentorship and life skills development initiative is being introduced for DIOMECO students, preparing them for university life and future career paths.
The Foundation will establish a vocational training centre to equip youth with practical skills in various trades such as tailoring, carpentry, electrical work, and ICT, among others. Plans are in place to broaden the scholarship programme to support outstanding indigent students at various academic levels. DIOMH will expand its use of telemedicine and continue partnering with international experts to facilitate skill transfer and capacity development. The Foundation is committed to scaling its outreach footprint to reach more underserved communities and maximize social impact.
Does the SEOF receive any form of support, collaboration, or recognition from government agencies at the local, state, or federal level?
While the SEOF is not formally partnered with any single government agency, it enjoys strong recognition and cooperation from various local, state, and federal authorities. Notably, the Federal Ministry of Health has played a supportive role during our medical missions, offering institutional presence and platforms through which the Foundation has showcased its work and impact.
SEOF’s contributions to public health and education have been acknowledged by key government stakeholders, and engagements with public institutions continue to evolve in ways that complement national development goals. Additionally, the Foundation holds temporary registration to operate as an NGO under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, further affirming its alignment with national frameworks for social impact. Additionally, the Foundation has received a tax-deductible donation certificate from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, in recognition of its philanthropic work. We actively welcome formal collaboration with government agencies at all levels as we believe these collaborative efforts will help us achieve our mission and reach many more beneficiaries.
Are there plans to deepen or expand the Foundation’s alliances in the near future?
Yes, SEOF is actively looking to expand its partnerships, both international and local, particularly in the areas of advanced healthcare delivery, primary healthcare innovation, and STEM education. Following successful collaborations with institutions like the VOOM Foundation, Child Aid Nigeria, United Nigeria Airlines and Texas A&M University, we are seeking new partners to help scale our medical missions, training programs, and youth-focused educational initiatives across Nigeria.
