I made a decision as part of my 2001 New Year’s Resolution to act. On one hand, there was the strong urge to give back and do more, and on the other hand there was a compelling case from the myriad of indigent students (students without role models and mentors, school dropouts with a low moral compass and those with an attraction to cultism) to proceed sooner than later. Furthermore, I met with groups of women, widows especially, that were downtrodden and defeated with no way to eke out a living. I had a choice to make. I could have decided to escape and continue with a good life outside of the shores of Nigeria, or to look back and support the growth and development of some (a few), as best as I could. I chose the latter. 

I recall the words of Hillel The Elder….If not I who..? A profound statement that been modified by many motivational speakers to include “If not now, when?” and “If not here, where?”.

The complete amalgamation of Hillel The Elder’s forward thinking and the need to impact change was not only the tonic that clarified the case for action for me, but it was also the foundation for my sense of urgency. By the end of January 2001, I had decided on my next steps and mandated my attorney to set up a trust to manage an educational and vocational scholarship scheme, and fund it from the proceeds of my real estate investments while I was away.

At the same time, and in appreciation of the challenges of women in the community I commissioned an annual end of year appreciation fund. Now, more than 15 years later, the women appreciation fund has been modified to a widow’s appreciation and empowerment fund. We are exploring options to expand again to add seed money for failing businesses or start-ups for widows.

In 2010, I added extra curricular activities to the foundation goals with support to football. I always had a passion for football. I played in primary school, a little in secondary and then more actively again at graduate school level. My love for football has not abated. I support Rivers United, I support Arsenal and I support Barcelona. I trained kids ages 5 to 14 years in Gamba, Gabon for the 4 years that I lived there and kids ages 7 to 14 years at RA Rumuokwurusi in Nigeria for 4 years. I coordinated a weekly training of expatriates living in Nigeria and Nigerian natives at the Shell RA Rumuokwurusi Club, leading to the formation of Amadi FC. The goal of Amadi FC is to provide an avenue for recreation and rejuvenation after a hard days job. It is meant to be an outlet to keep fit mentally and physically and get individuals off the streets and out of harm’s way by actively engaging their minds and bodies, showing them the opportunity to escape street problems, poverty and disease. Amadi FC has an annual budget and our dream is to start in the Rivers State league and progress to Nigeria league while launching some young ones to a full international professional football career in Nigeria and overseas.

The AEA Foundation is just starting and can only go in one direction.. upwards.