Mother Teresa once said, “It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Philanthropy is one of the greatest services to humanity, and there is no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others. Unfortunately, our society is fast losing the essence of genuine philanthropy, which has become an act of showmanship or leverage for those seeking political power.
However, Ignatius Onyeka Aguowo, an Anambra-born businessman from Nibo, has stepped up to redefine and reinvent philanthropy. Born into a humble family, Ignatius’ childhood was marked by hardship and austerity. He recalls his mother mopping the wet floor in the middle of the night, as rain seeped through the thatched roof of their rustic home. This experience instilled in him a deep understanding of lack and a compassion to lighten the burden of others. Today, Ignatius is driven by a passion to give back to society, inspired by the love and resilience of his family.
Today, the IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF), founded and solely funded by Ignatius Aguowo since 2020, is becoming the most impactful charity in Southeast Nigeria. The foundation is funding over 600 students in 13 states across the federation, rebuilding dilapidated educational infrastructures, paying huge hospital bills, and providing a better life for indigents.
IGAHA Foundation has plans to build international schools across the 36 states of the federation dedicated to the less privileged, construct community hospitals for indigents, and provide a sustainable welfare scheme for the very poor. The foundation transcends tribal, cultural, and religious boundaries, adhering to globally accepted standards for NGOs.
As Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away.” Ignatius Aguowo has indeed found his gift, and his selfless contributions to humanity will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
