‘Women should strive to stay focused’

Adaora Vivian Offor is a lawyer, business leader, a certified human resources management and an interior design expert. She is Vice President and Executive Officer of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), focused on sustainable philanthropic interventions. In this interview she speaks about implementing projects, channeling her passion into life-changing initiatives and campaigns to uplift marginalised communities.

Take us through your career path
I firmly believe that my career path has been divinely guided by God. From an early age, during my secondary school years, I was drawn to becoming a criminal lawyer. I felt a strong desire to contribute to society, believing that my addition to the legal field could make a difference, so I pursued a law degree. After law school, I practised briefly but soon realised I wanted more.

This led me to Human Resource Management, a field I truly enjoyed. I obtained numerous certifications and thrived in the role, yet again, I felt the need for something more. A pivotal moment came during a trip to the Middle East, where I encountered a travel concierge model that meticulously catered to my travel needs. Recognising a similar need in Nigeria, I decided to establish a travel concierge company, which coincided with the time I was about to get married. Today, I continue to practice law in partnership with a friend, run my travel business and have expanded into other entrepreneurial ventures. I take pride in my accomplishments and find great satisfaction in the work I am currently doing. I am confident that God has guided my steps thus far and will continue to lead me on this journey.

How do you combine being an entrepreneur and your passion for the indigent in communities?
At the start of my entrepreneurial journey, I was fortunate to co-run a foundation in the same year. This opportunity has been immensely rewarding, thanks to the incredible people who have embraced and executed my vision with dedication. The support, mentorship, and encouragements from my husband, Sir Dr Emeka Offor gave me the boost and balance to excel in both fields. The support and collaboration from my team have been pivotal in my success, both in my business ventures and at the foundation. I have also been blessed with a clear focus and robust structure. I have learned that having a committed team, maintaining a strong vision, and ensuring a well-organised approach is essential for achieving balanced progress. These elements help ensure that no aspect of the work suffers and that all areas advance harmoniously. Alongside my professional responsibilities, I am deeply committed to my roles as a wife and a mother. Balancing these assignments is vital to me, and I strive to excel in all aspects of my life.

What informed the causes you choose to run your interventions on?
The causes we choose to support through the Foundation are deeply rooted in our experiences and a keen awareness of pressing community needs. An example of this is our focus on neurodiversity in children, as seen in the Blue-Ribbon Campaign, which stems from a profound recognition of the struggles faced by children with special needs and their families. This cause is often overlooked, and we aim to advocate for better understanding, acceptance, and access to necessary therapies. Similarly, our work with widows addresses the systemic challenges and cultural practices that disadvantage them. The Touch a Life Initiative was born out of a desire not only to provide immediate support but also to advocate for legal protections and social acceptance, ensuring that widows are treated with dignity and allowed to rebuild their lives.

These causes align with our larger vision of creating impactful, sustainable change. They embody our dedication to addressing both visible and hidden needs within our communities, and we remain continually inspired by the positive transformations we see as a result of our efforts.
Share with us some of your activities at SEOF and what stands out for you.

At the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), our activities span several sectors, each designed to address critical needs and support community development. We actively contribute to educational advancement through partnerships, such as with Books for Africa. We purchase and distribute books across the continent, including countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Our goal is to ensure that every library in government-owned schools, from primary to tertiary levels in Nigeria, is stocked with our books. Additionally, we provide educational products, including laptops and reading materials, to enhance learning environments. In collaboration with Medshare, a US-based organisation, we donate medical equipment to hospitals throughout Nigeria. We facilitate the delivery of a minimum of two containers of equipment annually, catering to a wide range of healthcare facilities, from university teaching hospitals to general hospitals.

Furthermore, we run a free clinic in our village and work with the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital in Nnewi to refer complex cases that exceed our clinic’s capacity. We also advocate for neurodiversity through activities that raise awareness for children with special needs, promote acceptance, improve access to necessary therapies, and push for inclusive educational practices. Our initiatives focusing on empowering widows provide essential support such as housing, financial aid, community resources, and legal aid to protect widows from exploitation, ensuring their rights are upheld. To support the youth, we are launching the SEOF Youth Master Class, an initiative aimed at equipping young people—including fresh graduates and those who have not completed their education—with practical skills. This programme seeks to empower them to be self-reliant and innovative, rather than solely relying on traditional job searches. Additionally, our longstanding scholarship scheme continues to support students pursuing higher education, enabling them to make significant strides in their chosen fields.

Your programme is also targeted at widows, tell us about this.
Our programme focuses extensively on supporting widows within our community, empowering over 3,000 women. In some African cultures, widows often face significant challenges, including the risk of losing everything upon the death of their husbands. Our Foundation is committed to helping these women rebuild their lives by providing them with cushioning sustainable support. We provide various forms of support, including monthly stipends, shelter, capacity development and quarterly palliatives. These widows, known as the SEOF Women Cooperatives, whom I affectionately refer to as the “wives of Jesus” have grown increasingly to be able to support each other through a micro finance scheme which loans out petty loans to each other and the rest of the communities.

One notable project, the Touch A Life Housing Project, has already led to the construction of over 21 homes. Additionally, the SEOF Legal Aid programme offers crucial legal support to widows, addressing issues related to harassment and property disputes. We collaborate with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to provide effective legal aid and have achieved considerable success in this area. Widows, already grappling with the loss of their spouses, should not face additional burdens. Our legal aid aims to provide them with the necessary support to protect their rights and dignity, ensuring they do not endure further injustices.

In a decade of running the foundation, what have been the challenges and how do you overcome them?
Co-running the foundation has presented many challenges, each of which has taught me valuable lessons. One significant challenge has been the realisation that, despite our efforts, there is still so much more to be done. The more we achieve, the more apparent the gaps and needs become, which can be overwhelming at times. Another challenge has been navigating relationships with individuals whose intentions or goals may not align with ours. I have come to understand that this requires a great deal of patience and discernment to ensure that we work with the right people and stay focused on our mission.

There have also been instances where our good intentions were met with scepticism or attempts to undermine our efforts. These situations, though disheartening, have strengthened our commitment to our purpose and reinforced the importance of focusing on the impact we wish to create. To overcome these challenges, I relied on the coaching and support of my husband. His experience and guidance were instrumental in shaping my approach to philanthropy. I also approach challenges with a mindset of learning and growth, viewing obstacles as an opportunity for self-improvement rather than setbacks. I ask myself what each situation teaches me and how I can use those lessons to navigate future challenges more effectively. Ultimately, my faith and commitment to our vision have made it easier to overcome these challenges. By staying committed to our vision and understanding that challenges are part of the journey, I have learned to view them not as problems but as opportunities for growth.

You wear many hats; how do you combine your different sides and still be at your best?
I consider all the roles I undertake to be assignments, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of wearing so many hats. I am fortunate to have an exceptional team and a strong support system surrounding me. My husband is incredibly supportive, always believing that no goal is too ambitious to achieve. I am equally blessed with a team of creative individuals who seamlessly bring my vision to life. Additionally, my sons also provide invaluable support.

What key lessons have you garnered in your years of service and career?
In my years of service and career, I have learned invaluable lessons that have shaped my approach to both professional and personal growth. I have discovered the importance of tolerance and patience, understanding that facing challenges with perseverance and resilience is crucial. Interacting with a diverse range of individuals has taught me to respect and value everyone, learning from their actions and personalities while remaining open to continuous learning.

Humility has been a cornerstone of my leadership, reminding me that true leadership is about serving others rather than asserting dominance. Aligning with those who share my vision and regularly revisiting my goals has kept me on track, even in the face of adversity. I have also come to appreciate the significance mentorship and support, with figures like my husband, who remains my mentor. Keeping a mindset of gratitude has allowed me to appreciate my journey and recognise my worth. Recognising that even the smallest action can have a significant impact on others, I maintain a strong relationship with God to receive guidance and support in my endeavours.

What advice will you give to a younger woman seeking to navigate her path?
My advice to younger women is to embrace the mantra, “Focus on your focus,” and recognise that distractions will inevitably arise. I recommend seeking guidance through prayer, asking God to help you discern His instruction from the market noise. Additionally, remember that everyone has a unique purpose on this earth. Strive to stay focused, and when you face setbacks, make every effort to recover and persist.

What is your life mantra?
My life mantra is: “Focus on your focus”. No matter what is happening around you, remember that God is in control and there is a reason you are here. Discover your purpose, give it your best effort, and share as much love as you can. Aim to make a positive change and start by simply trying. It is also essential to remain aware of others, not just yourself. Strive to make your mark, however small, and keep trying to make a difference.