TEAM MEMBERS AND LEADERSHIP
Ivo Foundation was established by a team of catholic priests led by Rev. Fr. Joseph B. I Onyia (Esq). Others involved include Fr. Dr Luke Ibeh, Fr Paulinus Onyii Anaedu (PhD), Fr Izunna Okonkwo (PhD) and Fr Malachy Elo Nwosu (M.A). The intent of the Founder was to bring evangelization mission to the indigents/less privileged youth and widows through economic empowerment and/or poverty alleviation, provision of legal representation to indigent inmates who are needlessly or unlawfully being incarcerated and the education of the less privileged youths in sub-Sahara Africa. Ivo Foundation is registered in the United States of America and recognised as a Tax Exempt 501(C) Not-for-profit Organization. It is also registered under the Nigerian Law as an Incorporated Trustee (Non-Profit Organisation). Other Board members apart from the original founders include Fr Justin Ileka Esq, Mr. Larry C. Fejokwu and Mrs Uju Osude.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at St. Ivo Foundation Inc. comprises a diverse group of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our mission. Guided by shared values and a deep sense of responsibility, our board members work tirelessly to steer the foundation towards achieving its goals.
Each member contributes unique expertise and perspectives, ensuring that every decision made aligns with our vision of empowering the underprivileged, promoting access to justice, and fostering sustainable development. Together, they embody the spirit of service and compassion that defines our foundation.
Rev Fr Joe Ben Onyia Esq
Founder and President
Fr. Joseph B. I. Onyia (Fr. Joe Ben) is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha. Trained as a lawyer, he is an alumnus of the University of Lagos and Fordham University, New York, and is licensed to practice law in both Nigeria and New York. He previously worked with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and Schwartz Law Firm LLC, and served as a hospital chaplain in the Archdiocese of New York. He currently pastors Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Ikorodu, Lagos, and serves as Dean and Head of the Legal Department, Archdiocese of Lagos.
Rev Fr Izunna Okonkwo (PhD)
Member
Fr. Izunna Okonkwo is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria, and a devoted advocate of social justice. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome; master’s degrees in Religious Studies and in Theology and Religion; and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, where he also obtained his Doctorate in Theology. His research focuses on the transformative power of religion, particularly Christianity and African Traditional Religion. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha.
Mr Lawrence Fejuokwu
Member
Mr Fejokwu is a USA trained Mass Communication/Entrepreneurship Innovator and organisational communication development consultant. He has over 40years international experience as a Journalist, Corporate and Political Communication Consultant, Researcher, Lecturer and Mentor. He has a M. CAM London, MA from Fairfield University of Connecticut, Doctoral Research Fellow at Ohio University, Athens, USA. He was also a government Scholar, Military Public Relations Officer and a Captain in the Nigerian Army.
Rev Fr Dr Luke Ibeh
Secretary/Treasurer
Fr. Luke Ibeh is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Nnewi. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology from Urban University, Rome, and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Uyo, Nigeria. He earned a Diploma in Acculturation from St. John’s University, New York, a master’s degree in Theology, and a Doctorate in Counselling and Mental Health. He served as a parish priest for ten years in various Nigerian parishes and currently ministers as a hospital chaplain in the Archdiocese of New York.
Rev Fr Malachy Elo Nwosu
Member
Fr Eloo Nwosu is a native of Catholic Diocese of Awka, Nigeria. A Pioneer priest of Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, Owerri Imo State Nigeria. He also holds a Masters Degree in Catholic Education and Leadership from University of Rochester, New York. He calls himself an Educationist. He has worked in several parishes in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester USA. Currently his Pastoral Ministry is at Saint Christopher Parish, North Chili, New York.
Mrs Uju Osude
Member
Mrs Osude is an accountant with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Accountancy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is highly active in both religious and societal activities. She is a practising accountant and currently runs her own businesses in both Lagos and Anambra.
Rev Fr Paulinus Onyii Anaedu (PhD)
Member
Fr. Onyii Anaedu is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology from Urban University, Rome; a Diploma in Intercultural Competence; a Master’s in Intercultural Studies; and a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from the University of Salzburg, Austria. He served six years as a missionary in the Archdiocese of Lagos, pastoring Our Lady of Fatima, Aguda, and Regina Mundi, Mushin. Currently, he ministers as a pastor in the Diocese of Linz, Upper Austria.
Rev Fr Justin Ileka Esq
Member