NGO targets widows, orphans, less privileged
The family of the late Lady Rachel A. Ubani has launched a foundation in her honour to sustain her legacy of humanitarian service, Christian faith and community empowerment.
The Lady Rachel Ubani Foundation was unveiled on Sunday during the deceased’s second memorial and reception service at Chief Ubani’s Compound in Umuala Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa, Abia State.
The event attracted family members, clergy, community leaders and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the life and enduring contributions of the late matriarch.
Proceedings began with a memorial service at St. Gabriel’s Anglican Church, Umuala Nsulu Parish, followed by a solemn procession to the graveside at Chief Ubani’s Compound.
The Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Isiala Ngwa, Rt. Rev. Temple Nwaogu, officiated at the graveside consecration, leading prayers for peace, unity and continued grace upon the Ubani family.
The deceased’s children subsequently laid wreaths at their mother’s grave in a solemn tribute to her memory.
Guests were later received at the family compound in keeping with Igbo traditional hospitality. The reception featured the symbolic breaking of kola nuts and prayers for long life, prosperity and communal peace.
The major highlight of the gathering was the formal unveiling of The Lady Rachel Ubani Foundation, established to translate the late matriarch’s passion for helping others into sustainable humanitarian interventions.
Dr. Emmanuel Akwuruoha delivered the keynote address and performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to formally declare the foundation open.
Presenting the vision and objectives of the organisation on behalf of the family, Dr. Chinweuba Ubani said the foundation would be guided by Christian faith, compassion and selfless service.
He explained that its primary focus would be to support widows, care for orphans, assist less-privileged individuals and strengthen the local church.
According to him, the foundation would draw inspiration from Lady Rachel’s life of generosity and devotion to demonstrating God’s love through compassionate service, economic empowerment and sustainable assistance to people in need.
The reception also featured emotional tributes from the deceased’s children, who recalled her influence as a mother, mentor, prayer warrior and source of support to members of the community.
Opening the family tributes, Dr. Chinweuba Ubani said their mother taught them that true greatness was measured by the willingness to give to others.
“Our mother taught us that true greatness is measured by how much we give to others, and this foundation is our commitment to keeping her generous spirit alive,” he said.
Dr. Chioma Utsalo described their late mother as a woman whose steadfast faith and prayers shaped the family’s values, particularly unconditional love, resilience and unwavering trust in God.
“Mama was an anchor of prayer who instilled in us the power of unconditional love, resilience, and unshakeable trust in God,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr. Ugochi Ubani highlighted her mother’s warmth and commitment to community service, recalling how she welcomed people in distress and offered them comfort, counsel and food.
“She was a refuge for the brokenhearted, and her home was always open to anyone in need of comfort, advice, or a meal,” she said.
In her tribute, Dr. Ogonnaya Ubani-Emeka said her mother’s legacy extended beyond her family to the numerous lives she touched and supported during her lifetime.
“Mama’s legacy is not just written on gravestones, but etched into the countless lives she touched, fed, and uplifted throughout her journey on earth,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the foundation would expand the impact of a woman whose compassion and generosity continued to inspire her family and community.
The launch marked a significant step by the Ubani family to preserve Lady Rachel’s memory through practical interventions that will support vulnerable people and promote the values of faith, love and service she embodied during her lifetime.
