By Mary Ugorji
In a heartfelt ceremony held last Sunday at St. James Anglican Church, Uzii, Mbaise Road, Owerri, Imo State, Mrs. Eunice C. Ikwuagwu, founder of the Mother Tabitha Foundation, officially launched the Tabitha Philanthropic Office — a new initiative aimed at supporting the poor, empowering women, and nurturing small-scale entrepreneurs.
Founded in 2023, the Mother Tabitha Foundation was born out of a personal vision and a deep desire to serve humanity through acts of kindness and spiritual devotion. Inspired by the legacy of her late mother — a selfless giver and community supporter — Mrs. Ikwuagwu explained that the foundation is not a typical NGO, but rather a faith-driven mission grounded in love, compassion, and service to God.
“This is a vision from my heart. My late mother was deeply philanthropic. I inherited her passion 100%,” she shared. “When I traveled to the United States, my priority wasn’t wealth or luxury, but how to give back to the people back home. That’s how Mother Tabitha started — to honor my mother’s spirit of giving.”
The newly opened office will serve as a hub for community outreach, offering free medical care, food palliatives, skill acquisition programs, and small business support. Since its inception, the foundation has already reached 13 communities, providing practical help and spiritual encouragement.
“At first, we moved from one community to another, creating awareness. But now, it’s time to stay rooted in one place, where people can find us, speak to us, and receive the help they need,” she explained.
According to Mrs. Ikwuagwu, the foundation offers more than material aid. It also provides emotional and spiritual support. “Whatever complaints people bring, we listen. If we can help, we do. If we can’t, we commit it to God,” she said.
One of the core missions of the Tabitha Philanthropic Office is to uplift women and unemployed youth through empowerment and vocational training. The foundation equips beneficiaries with hands-on skills and helps them establish small businesses to reduce dependency.
“We want to help women support their families through small trades. We also assist young graduates with no jobs to learn trades and even open their own offices,” she said. “We’ve even been distributing palliatives from my own home for the past four months. Now, the office will serve as another base to reach more people.”
The foundation also caters to specific vulnerable groups, including widows and older single women who often face neglect. “As a born-again Christian, I believe in supporting those who have no one. Widows and aging single women deserve care and respect,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Ikwuagwu encouraged others to remain spiritually alert and not miss opportunities to connect with divine purpose. “Many people don’t come to church regularly, but today, those who came saw something different. You never know the day you’ll encounter God,” she advised.
The foundation’s name — Tabitha — was inspired by the biblical figure known for her charity and compassion. “Tabitha was known for helping the poor and widows, sewing clothes and caring for the needy. That is the spirit we carry,” she concluded.
The Tabitha Philanthropic Office now stands as a beacon of hope in Owerri — not just as a building, but as a living vision of faith, generosity, and community upliftment she added.
