True Love In Action: Cleric Launches Foundation To Empower Vulnerable People 

It was the German philosopher, Albert Schweitzer, who once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” That statement has now found fresh expression in the life of United Kingdom–based Nigerian, Dr. Frederick Iloegbune, who has launched the OGEMEK Charity Foundation, an initiative focused on empowering vulnerable groups across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking at the inauguration in Enugu, Dr. Iloegbune, an indigene of Awka in Anambra State, South East Nigeria, said the idea was borne out of his 2010 research in Lagos on the role of faith-based organisations in supporting vulnerable people.

“International aid will not last forever. Africa is greatly blessed, and we must build Sustainable and workable systems,” he said, adding, “OGEMEK Charity Foundation, anchored on agape empowerment, is about humanitarian service without expecting anything in return.”

Dr. Frederick Iloegbune addressing some volunteers

According to him, the foundation, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2020, has since extended its reach to Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe with programmes covering health, education, skills acquisition, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

In the health sector, Dr. Iloegbune explained that the foundation runs medical outreaches, supports hospital patients unable to afford their bills, provides free check-ups for the elderly, partners with hospitals for subsidised treatment, and raises awareness on food hygiene and healthy living.

He added that the skills acquisition programme offers beneficiaries training in fashion design, catering, digital businesses, content creation, and IT, with mentorship and start-up support provided to help them begin their own ventures.

Highlighting agricultural empowerment for widows and orphans in rural areas, Dr. Iloegbune said scholarships are reserved for children who have lost both parents, while widows and widowers are supported to care for their children.

He emphasized that the foundation is volunteer-driven, sustained by Camaraderie and community support.
“Real joy comes from giving. Agape empowerment means sharing, even when it leaves you with less,” he noted.

The Vision of this Foundation is not just to give, but to build a future where the empowered become the empowerers, bearing in mind that the Foundation has raised them up to a bright future. This will breed a future where True humanity is defined by selfless service and Love.

Dr. Iloegbune further explained that the foundation operates on the principle of “humanitarian work without borders,” stressing that sincerity, rather than politics or publicity, is its driving force.

“We may not have donors today, but when people see sincerity, they will support. Those we empower today will tomorrow empower others,” he said.

A minister in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Dr. Iloegbune pointed out that his vision is guided by biblical teachings on compassion, charity, and selfless service.

“Our volunteers are motivated not by publicity or profit, but by genuine service to humanity.

ICT Dept

The Foundation will settle hospital bills for vulnerable patients, organise medical outreaches, provide quality drugs, and offer free health checks for the elderly.

We will also deliver palliatives, create awareness on food hygiene, and support widows and orphans.

Orphans who have lost both parents will be awarded scholarships, while widows and widowers will be empowered to support their children.

You don’t need to be Dangote or Bill Gates to help. If you can share half of your meal with your neighbour, that is empowerment,” he said.

This Foundation is a light in the darkness, it broadly explores that when a Godsent chooses to care, entire families and communities can rise.

The inauguration featured departmental presentations and interactive sessions, where stakeholders were urged to partner in building a sustainable model of grassroots empowerment across Africa.