The ONE Foundation Unveiled!

It was, by all accounts, a grand affair. The kind that Nigeria’s political and business elite have come to expect from one of their own. Yet, amid the feasting, a noble initiative was birthed: ONE FOUNDATION, a Non-Governmental Organization of global standard aimed at uplifting the downtrodden, was unveiled.

That, to me, was the highpoint of Obong Nsima Ekere’s 60th birthday bash on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

A princely sum of ₦250 million was donated as a seed fund by Ekere and his wife, Ese.

In a country where the rich often flaunt their wealth with obscene indifference to the suffering masses, here was a man pledging part of his fortune to the vulnerable. N250 million of personal cash as a start off, pledging to do more – that’s certainly heart warming and inspiring.

Let’s rewind the tape a bit. Obong Nsima Ekere isn’t your run-of-the-mill politician. This is a man who has worn many hats—successful business mogul, Chairman, Ibom Power Company; former Deputy Governor, former Managing Director – Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He, therefore is no stranger to Nigeria and its peculiar challenges. A trained estate manager, he cut his teeth in the private sector before venturing into public service.
He has firsthand knowledge of Nigeria, and is in a vantage position to grab the bull by the horns. To add, Ekere has the experience, the network, and the resources to ride the wave.

The launch of ONE FOUNDATION on his 60th birthday is, at once, symbolic and strategic, serving as a beacon of hope to the vulnerable communities and a challenge to especially Nigeria’s political elite in emulating same.

Ekere in his speech said the Foundation would focus on education, community development, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Noble targets!

But the road before ONE foundation is rough as per the fact that Nigeria’s history is littered with the bones of dead Foundations launched with fanfare and forgotten with time.

ONE FOUNDATION is set up to be self-sustaining and if it succeeds where others have failed, then Ekere will have set a new standard.

Best of luck.

(C) Imaobong Akpan/ Ofonime Honesty

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