In two days time, on Saturday the 30th day of November 2024, the serene community of Udenu Local Government Secretariat — Obollo Afor, will host the grand launch of the Valentino Empowerment Foundation (VEF). This historic event, chaired by Auditor Chuma Emmanuel Onah, will feature Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, the representative of Udenu Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, as the Chief Launcher. Aka Eze Aka will honor the occasion as the Host, lending his support to this transformative initiative.
The VEF represents a bold step towards alleviating the plight of widows, youths, and underprivileged children in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. The Foundation is a visionary initiative born out of the benevolent spirit of Comrade Dr. Valentine Oliver Nwodo, a philanthropist and leader deeply committed to improving the lives of the underprivileged in Nigeria.
Its establishment marks the culmination of years of consistent commitment by its founder, Comrade Dr. Valentine Oliver Nwodo, a Philanthropist and Humanitarian who has steadily demonstrated a passion for improving the lives of the most vulnerable in society.
The idea for VEF was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that brought unprecedented hardship to individuals and communities worldwide. In Nigeria, the lockdown measures severely impacted businesses, leaving many, especially widows, in dire straits. Responding to their cries for help, Dr. Nwodo extended personal assistance to numerous widows, providing much-needed succor during those challenging times.
On June 23, 2020, Dr. Nwodo organized events in Abuja and Enugu to celebrate these widows and bring attention to their struggles. This act of kindness planted the seed for what would become the Valentino Empowerment Foundation. After years of planning and growth, the Foundation was officially registered and recognized by the Nigerian government on August 28, 2024, paving the way for its formal launch this November.
The Foundation is driven by a clear mission: to develop, support, and inspire vulnerable individuals while building human capacities for a better tomorrow in Nigeria and beyond. Its vision is to foster love and care within communities by reducing poverty and promoting best practices among widows, youths, and children.
The Foundation’s core values—transparency, integrity, care, ethics, and professionalism—guide its activities and ensure accountability in all its endeavors. Its objectives include creating inclusive communities where everyone can participate in socio-economic activities and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
VEF’s priorities are centered on providing consistent support to widows, empowering youths through education and training, and offering medical assistance to underprivileged children. These interventions are tailored to address the specific needs of rural communities, where access to resources and opportunities is often limited.
By focusing on empowerment, education, and healthcare, the Foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable growth for individuals and communities alike.
The launch of the Foundation presents a unique opportunity for all Nigerians, particularly the well-to-do in society, corporate organizations, and community stakeholders, to contribute to a cause that seeks to uplift the most vulnerable among us.
Philanthropy is not just an act of charity; it is an investment in the future of our society. Through generous donations, we can ensure that widows regain their dignity, youths acquire the skills they need to succeed, and underprivileged children have access to the healthcare and education that will secure their futures.
VEF therefore is extending a passionate appeal to our parliamentarians at all levels—Members of the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, Local Councilors and indeed all political office holders. While infrastructure projects are essential, constituency funds can also be effectively utilized to support human capital development initiatives. Donating to credible Foundations like VEF is a powerful way to impact lives directly, fostering empowerment and reducing poverty on a scale that physical infrastructure alone cannot achieve.
As the count down to the launch keeps ticking, it is pertinent to remember the words of Dr. Nwodo: “True greatness lies in our ability to uplift those around us.” This event is not just a celebration of a new Foundation but a call to action for all Nigerians to join hands in building a society where no one is left behind.
Everyone is encouraged —individuals, corporate bodies, and policymakers—to attend the launch and contribute generously to this noble cause. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for widows, youths, and underprivileged children in Nigeria.
Let us seize this opportunity to invest in humanity and make a lasting impact through the Valentino Empowerment Foundation.
May daylight spare us!
✍️Jude Eze.
