We uplift widows, young girls, and vulnerable children through skills training, education, and community support, restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope where it’s needed most.
The Rosemary and Benedict Ihekaozor Charity Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of widows, young girls, and vulnerable children within underserved communities. The Foundation focuses on addressing the effects of poverty through practical support, skills development, educational assistance, and advocacy initiatives.
By empowering women and creating access to education for children, the Foundation works to strengthen families, restore dignity, and promote sustainable development that leads to lasting community impact.
To empower jobless widows and young girls through training, skills acquisition, and support programs.
To safeguard and improve the welfare of vulnerable women and children through advocacy, empowerment, and community-based initiatives.
To alleviate the suffering and hardship of women and children affected by poverty and social challenges.
To promote access to education for indigent children, especially orphans, by providing educational support and materials.
To become a reliable, credible and sustainable humanitarian foundation dedicated to reducing poverty, giving a sense of belonging to the vulnerable and supporting equitable access to care, education and opportunities for widows, orphans, indigent children and other vulnerable populations.
To alleviate hardship and promote social inclusion by delivering structured humanitarian assistance and empowerment programs to vulnerable widows, deprived and indigent children, while upholding their dignity and providing a pathway to a better future.
We provide practical support that helps women and children overcome poverty-related challenges and build sustainable livelihoods. Our work focuses on skills training for widows and young girls, educational support for indigent children and orphans, and community-based initiatives that improve welfare, promote advocacy, and strengthen long-term development.
Educational support and scholarships for indigent children and orphans
Welfare and advocacy initiatives for vulnerable women and children
Community-based programs that promote sustainable development
INTRODUCTION
ICHIE BENEDICT ILOKANUNO IHEKAOZOR was a gentle and inspiring man whose quiet strength and kind heart left a lasting mark on those who knew him. Born into the family of Ihekaozor and Ajadotuigwe Anochie in the year 1929 in Umunwaugo, Umuduru, Amagu, Oru East LGA. He lived a life of dedication to his family, faith, and career until his passing on the 6th of October 1988. As a respected banker, a loving father, and a peaceful Christian, our Daddy’s legacy shines through his generosity and devotion to those he held dear.
EARLY LIFE
Growing up in an Igbo community, he was raised with values of hard work, respect, and faith. His early years were shaped by the traditions and communal spirit of his hometown, fostering a quiet yet determined character. He had his primary and secondary school education in Amagu, Oru East LGA before taking interest and enrolling in a chartered school for banking. As a young man, Daddy developed a strong sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to his Christian faith, which guided his actions throughout his life.
SIGNIFICANT LIFE EVENTS
In December 1963, Daddy married our mum then Ms Rosemary Nnedi Nnabugwu and both began their family life in Jos, Northern Nigeria and were blessed with seven children.
Daddy started his career as a clerk with First Bank PLC there in Jos and later joined the African Continental Bank (ACB). His home in Jos was a place of love and warmth. In 1967, with the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War looming, he was transferred to the African Continental Bank branch in Orlu, in the Eastern region of Nigeria.
This move brought him closer to his roots, where he continued to serve his bank and community with dedication.
In Orlu, and later at the Umuahia Branch, our Daddy excelled in his banking career, managing financial operations with skill and care. His quiet nature did not diminish his impact; colleagues and clients admired his professionalism and warmth. Despite the challenges of the war and its aftermath, he remained a steady presence for his family, providing stability through his hard work and faith.
His love for country music and newspapers brought moments of joy amidst busy days, while his stylish suits and grooming habits reflected his pride in his appearance. As a father, he was deeply involved in his children’s lives, teaching them values of kindness, diligence, and faith. Our Daddy also loved and desired for his children to always appear as stunning as him in dressing. His peaceful approach to life helped him navigate challenges with grace, earning him respect as a friend and community member.
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Daddy was a man of quiet grace and remarkable generosity. As a kind-hearted fellow with a heart of gold, he was always ready to help others, whether through a kind word or a thoughtful gesture. Daddy’s peaceful nature made him a calming presence, and his hardworking spirit was evident in his successful career as a banker.
Rising to the rank of Manager Grade III at the African Continental Bank, with his final posting at the Umuahia Branch, he was respected for his professionalism and integrity.
Our Daddy had a flair for Western lifestyle, particularly in his impeccable sense of style of dressing. Always smartly dressed in suits, he carried himself with elegance, complemented by his signature Happiness perfume, Joy or Lux soap, and Jet cream.
His peculiar haircut style added to his distinctive charm, making him stand out in any crowd. A lover of country music, he found joy in its soulful melodies, often playing records that filled his home with warmth. Daddy’s love for newspapers was unmatched, as they were his constant companions, keeping him informed and engaged with the world. His devotion to his family was profound, and he cherished his children, always making time to guide and support them. As a Christian to the core, Daddy held a deep respect for the things of God, living his faith through his actions and quiet devotion.
LEGACY
Our Daddy, Mr. Benedict Ilokanuno Ihekaozor passed away on the 6th of October 1988, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and quiet strength. His impact as a father was immense, instilling in his children values of generosity and hard work. His career as a banker left a mark on the communities he served, particularly in Umuahia, where his professionalism was remembered fondly. His love for newspapers and country music reflected a curious and soulful spirit, always seeking knowledge and beauty.
As a Christian, Daddy’s faith guided his life, and his peaceful nature brought harmony to those around him. His Western- inspired style, from his tailored suits to his signature scent, remains a cherished memory for his family and friends.
Benedict’s life was a testament to living simply yet meaningfully, with a heart open to others and a deep love for his family.
INTRODUCTION
Madam Rosemary Nnedi Ihekaozor was a woman of remarkable repute whose life touched many hearts. Born in 1933 in Umudiokpala Azia, Ihiala LGA, in present-day Anambra state, as Rosemary Nnedi Nnabugwu, she lived a life filled with faith, love, and dedication until her passing on the 15th of February of 1981.
Known for her devotion to God, her family, and her community, Our Mummy was a teacher, a mother, and a beacon of peace. Her legacy endures through the lessons she taught and the love she shared.
EARLY LIFE
Raised in a close-knit Igbo community, Mummy was shaped by values of family, faith, and hard work. As a young woman, she developed a love for learning and a deep connection to her Catholic faith, which guided her throughout her life. Her devotion to Mother
Mary, whom she revered as a daughter of Mary, began early and remained a cornerstone of her spiritual life. Mummy had her early primary and secondary education at her hometown in Azia, before heading into a Juniorate Novitiate at Akpulunuga in the present-day Anambra state, to accomplish her childhood ambition of becoming a Reverend sister.
But as fate would have it, Mummy was not able to actualize that dream for reasons beyond her control. When Mummy came out of the Novitiate, she did not allow the disappointment of life to weigh her down, instead she insisted on fulfilling another aspect of her dream which was to become an erudite teacher.
Hence, Mummy enrolled in St. Joseph’s Teachers’ Training College located at Umuna, Orlu in the present day Orlu LGA, Imo state, where she bagged a teacher training certificate. Mummy equally had intentions to further her career before death knocked.
SIGNIFICANT LIFE EVENTS
In December 1963, our Mummy married and became Mrs. Rosemary Nnedi Ihekaozor of Umunwaugo, Umuduru Amagu, Oru East LGA. She and Daddy began their married life in Jos, Northern Nigeria, where they built a home filled with love and faith. In 1967, as the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War approached, our Daddy was transferred to the African Continental Bank (ACB) in Orlu, in the Eastern region of Nigeria.
This move brought Mummy back to her roots in the East, where she continued to raise her family amidst the challenges of the war.
During her years in Orlu, Mummy balanced her roles as a mother, teacher, and farmer. She taught at local schools, shaping young minds with her knowledge and discipline. Her love for farming provided food for her family and taught her children the value of hard work.
Despite the difficulties of the war and its aftermath, Mummy remained a pillar of strength, using her faith and humour to keep her family united. As a singer and composer, she contributed to her church community, writing songs that praised God and Mother Mary. Her preaching and peaceful nature helped resolve conflicts in her community, earning her respect as a peacemaker.
Through every challenge, Mummy’s devotion to her family and her faith never faltered.
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Our Mummy was a woman of many talents and strong character. She was deeply prayerful, often found in quiet moments of reflection or leading prayers for her family and community. Her faith as a devoted Christian shone through in her unconditional love for God. As a preacher, she shared her beliefs, spreading messages of hope and peace.
Her devotion to Mother Mary made her a respected figure in her Catholic community, where she was known as a daughter of Mary. Mummy was also famously known as the first individual who donated trips of sand and stone for the purpose of building the Catholic Church which was completed and today is known as St Patrick Church Amagu.
She was a disciplinarian, firm yet fair, ensuring her children and students grew with strong values and this made several families in the community send their children and/or wards to her for training and discipline. Our Mum was also a gifted singer and composer, creating songs that uplifted those around her. Her love for music brought joy to her home and church. As a teacher, she was incredibly outstanding, inspiring her students with knowledge and encouraging them to strive for excellence.
Her industrious nature was evident in her work ethic, whether in the classroom or on her farm, where she loved tending crops and nurturing the land. Mummy had a unique love for Indian culture, often dressing in colourful saris and other Indian-inspired clothing, which made her stand out in her community. Her sense of humour and love for peace made her a joy to be around, as she brought laughter and calm to any gathering.
Above all, Our Mummy was a mother, first to none, pouring her heart into raising her children with care and wisdom.
LEGACY
Our Mummy, Madam Rosemary Nnedi Ihekaozor passed away on the 15th of February 1981, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience. Her impact as a mother was profound, raising us, her children, with values of discipline, faith, and hard work.
Her teachings as an educator inspired countless students to pursue their dreams. Her songs and prayers continue to resonate with those who knew her, and her love for farming reflected her connection to the land and her community.
Her devotion to Mother Mary and her Christian faith left a lasting spiritual legacy in her family and church. As a peacemaker, Mummy brought people together, and her humour brought light to even the darkest moments .
Rosemary’s love for Indian culture added a unique vibrancy to her life, fondly remembered by those who saw her in her colourful saris. di Nnabugwu, she lived a life filled with faith, love, and dedication until her passing on the 15th of February of 1981.
Known for her devotion to God, her family, and her community, Our Mummy was a teacher, a mother, and a beacon of peace. With her small teaching salary, she supported many widows, paying school fees for their children and orphans. She paid hospital bills for those who could not afford it. She started businesses for young men to give them a start in life. Where she could not provide financial aid, she helped in kind. Her excessive generosity came into light at her funeral. Many came to express their gratitude for what she did for them. Her legacies endure through the lessons she taught and the love she shared.
The Foundation is established to empower widows and young girls through skills and support programs, promote education for indigent children and orphans, providing healthcare assistance to vulnerable women and children, alleviate poverty-related hardship and engage in charitable initiatives that improve welfare and development within
communities.
Our mission is to empower individuals and foster collaboration for a better, more connected world.
Give A Helping Hand For Needy People is a call to compassion and action. Our organization is devoted to reaching out to those facing hardship — offering food, shelter, medical care, and emotional support to individuals and families in need.
888 99 0032
My dearest Mum, my sweet smelling Rose, you left too soon, like a candle whose flame was stolen by the wind. Yet even in your brief time here, you burned so brightly, warming hearts and lighting paths for those in darkness. I was only five when the cold hands of death stole you away. I have thought through the past years but have not been able to pick up a single memory of my time with you.
I can only remember your funeral, the beautiful decorations with white lace, the old iron bed where your beautiful lifeless body laid looking so innocent and peaceful, people wailing and weeping uncontrollably when I tried climbing the bed to wake you up because I thought you were just sleeping. Through my years growing up, people told touching stories of your wonderful works on earth, the pupils you taught with love at People’s Primary School Amagu, the couples you mended their failing marriages, the widows and orphans you gave hope, the pagans you led to Christianity, the youths you taught the path of integrity and dignity, the list is unending my sweet Rose.
You were a river of kindness, flowing endlessly into lives that thirsted for hope. Your hands gave without hesitation, your heart loved without condition, and your spirit soared above self, teaching the world the beauty of sacrifice. Though death claimed your body, it could not silence your song. It echoes still—in every life you touched, in every smile you inspired, in every act of kindness that blooms in your name.
Yes the world lost you early, but Heaven gained a radiant soul. My dearest Mum, my Sweet Rose, I carry your love like a compass, your legacies like a torch, promising to walk the road of compassion that you so gracefully paved. Your story inspires me so greatly. This is why you are being honoured and celebrated today.
Rest well, my angel, my mother, my guide, my SWEET ROSE of INESTIMABLE VALUE. Your absence is deep, but your presence is eternal. I hope to see your beautiful face on the resurrection morning. Rest on my Sweet Rose
Your daughter, Dr Sylvia Ifeoma Obu
We welcome inquiries, partnerships, and support from individuals and organizations who share our commitment to empowering women and children. Whether you would like to donate, volunteer, collaborate, or learn more about our work, we would love to hear from you.
Reach out to us using the contact details below, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Â
Email: rbicharityfoundation@gmail.com | Phone: +234 803 715 3644
Board Chairman
+234 803 715 3644
Secretary
+234 806 065 6992
Member
+234 802 318 3033
Member
+234 803 566 6525
Member
Â
Your donation helps us empower widows, support young girls, and provide education and care for vulnerable children. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports programs that create lasting impact within our communities.
To make a donation via bank transfer, please use the details below:
If you would like to notify us of your donation or have any questions, please contact us. Thank you for your generosity and support.
This will close in 0 seconds
