Civil society organizations (CSOs), government commissioners, and community stakeholders have lauded the launch of the Dr. Divine Igwe Impact Foundation, describing it as a transformative initiative poised to address healthcare, education, and socio-economic challenges across Ebonyi State and beyond.
The formal launch event, held on Thursday at Nwode Primary School Umuoghara in Ezza North Local Government Area, brought together distinguished guests, elders, community leaders, and partners in the non-profit sector.
The foundation, founded by the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, JP, a renowned healthcare leader and humanitarian, is structured as a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization dedicated to restoring hope, empowering vulnerable populations, and driving sustainable community development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Divine Igwe emphasized the foundation’s mission to transform lives and strengthen communities through healthcare access, educational support, economic empowerment, and agricultural development.
He outlined the foundation’s core values of compassion, integrity, service, equity, and sustainability, underscoring a commitment to long-term and transparent impact.
“The Dr. Divine Igwe Impact Foundation is not merely an organization; it is a movement to create pathways of opportunity, restore dignity, and shape the future of entire communities,” Igwe said.
The foundation has already made tangible impacts across several sectors including partnering with the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency by enrolling over 5,000 children and 1,000 pregnant women into health insurance schemes, ensuring access to life-saving medical care. Additionally, it has sponsored free eye, hernia, and fibroid surgeries for approximately 200 beneficiaries.
On education, according to the founder, the foundation has provided scholarships to 18 basic education students, sponsored a beneficiary for a Master’s degree program, and supported the School of Nursing, Uburu, to strengthen quality training for healthcare professionals.
On community support, he said, vulnerable individuals have received housing assistance, while police services benefited from support in branding and operational mobility.
On economic empowerment and agriculture, Igwe said the foundation has implemented skill-building programs for women, widows, and youth, while providing farmers with tools, training, and resources to boost productivity and food security.
Looking ahead, he announced the foundation plans to expand educational support to 13 more citizens of Ezza North with a total investment of ₦3.25 million, and to launch a football tournament across 11 wards, investing over ₦5 million to foster youth engagement, talent development, and community unity.
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Offia-Nwali, who chaired the event, extolled Dr. Igwe’s dedication, highlighting the alignment of the foundation’s goals with the government’s developmental agenda.
He described the initiative as a model for healthcare access, rural development, and youth empowerment, emphasizing that the government would continue to support the foundation’s efforts.
“This is a moment to recognize the value of responsibility, compassion, and leadership.. Dr. Divine Igwe has demonstrated the kind of commitment that uplifts society, and the government stands firmly behind this foundation," he said.
The National Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Ibiam Azu, reiterated the importance of partnerships, inviting stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and community members to contribute to the foundation’s mission. “Sustainable impact requires collaboration. Together, we can ensure that healthcare, education, and empowerment reach every corner of our communities,” he said.
CSO leaders, local government officials, and community representatives, including Moses Ogodo Ali Nome, Executive Chairman of Ezza North, and Simeon Onyemaechi, Chairman of the Forum of CSOs, described the launch as historically significant for its potential to touch lives across multiple sectors, praising Dr. Igwe’s commitment to humanitarian service.
It was gathered that the Dr. Divine Igwe Impact Foundation has also adopted a fully digitized accountability framework, allowing donors, partners, and the public to track contributions and ensure transparency in all operations.
Meanwhile, as the foundation begins its journey, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will set a new benchmark for non-profit work in Nigeria, driving sustainable change and fostering an inclusive society where every individual has access to healthcare, education, and opportunities for growth.
