The Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation has commenced a new humanitarian initiative aimed at creating opportunities for individuals and families through education, skills development and support for vulnerable members of society.
Founded by US-based scholar, educator, entrepreneur and registered pharmacist, Mrs Maureen Idehen-Ovabor, the foundation is built around the core values of Educate, Empower and Elevate, reflecting its founder’s longstanding commitment to making a positive difference in society.
Epe Insight reports that Mrs Maureen Idehen-Ovabor, daughter of the late Madam Bosede Idehen, has distinguished herself across education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and business.
She is the Director and Proprietress of Springfield Private School (SPS) and Bosede Idehen International Academy (BIIA), Lagos, where she has continued to develop an educational model that combines local relevance with global exposure.
Under her leadership, Bosede Idehen International Academy operates a dual-curriculum system incorporating the Nigerian and American curricula, a move driven by her belief that African children should be adequately prepared to participate in a rapidly evolving global environment.
For Mrs Maureen, however, the responsibility to impact lives extends beyond the school environment.
Her decision to establish the Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation was influenced by years of personal encounters with individuals seeking assistance for education, healthcare and other essential needs.
She said these experiences made her realise that what some people consider necessities remain significant challenges for many families.
According to her, access to quality education should not be determined by a person’s financial status or background.
She also expressed concern about challenges affecting access to healthcare and justice, stressing the need for individuals and organisations to contribute their quota towards improving society.
From Charity to Sustainable Empowerment
A major distinction in the foundation’s vision is its emphasis on empowerment rather than dependency.
Mrs Maureen believes that while direct assistance may be necessary in some situations, sustainable intervention should also equip beneficiaries with the capacity to improve their own circumstances.
This explains the foundation’s emphasis on education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.
She believes that individuals who may not have the opportunity to pursue conventional academic education can still become productive and financially independent when provided with relevant skills and opportunities.
The foundation is also expected to support vulnerable groups, including widows, widowers, orphans and elderly people.
“If You Can Think It, You Can Make It”
At the centre of Mrs Maureen’s philosophy is a strong belief in the power of vision and determination.
Her popular expression, “If you can think it, you can make it,” captures her conviction that meaningful ideas can become reality when people are willing to act.
She believes people should not wait until they become extremely wealthy before extending a helping hand to others.
For her, everyone has something to contribute towards building a better society.
MrMrsaureen’s approach to success is also reflected in her belief that “God is blessing me to bless others.”
Rather than seeing success as an opportunity to display superiority, she considers it a responsibility to create opportunities for people who may not have had similar advantages.
Continuing the Bosede Idehen Legacy
As the daughter of the late Madam Bosede Idehen, Mrs Maureen’s journey in education is also closely connected to a family legacy.
By taking over and developing the school established by her mother, she has continued that educational heritage while introducing new ideas and a global outlook.
The establishment of the foundation now adds another dimension to that legacy.
Through the Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation, she hopes to extend the impact of her work beyond the classroom and reach individuals who need support, guidance, education and opportunities to improve their lives.
She emphasised that the initiative is ultimately about humanity and the responsibility to help others whenever the opportunity arises.
Her message is particularly directed at people who have achieved a measure of success: rather than waiting for perfect circumstances, they should begin with whatever resources are available to them.
The foundation’s mission therefore goes beyond philanthropy. It seeks to build a culture where education opens doors, skills create independence and support restores hope.
With its guiding philosophy of Educate, Empower and Elevate, the Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation is positioning itself as a platform for meaningful social impact.
For Mrs Maureen Idehen-Ovabor, the journey is only beginning, but the objective remains clear — to use her opportunities to create opportunities for others and continue contributing to humanity.
