Who we are

HISTORY OF ST IVO FOUNDATION INC

St Ivo Foundation Inc, is named after Saint Ivo Kermartin. St. Ivo (Yves) (priest and lawyer) was born at Kermartin, near Tréguier, Brittany in 1253. Ivo studied civil law at the University of Paris and was parish priest of the parish of Tredrez. As a priest- lawyer, he was a champion of the downtrodden and this won him the name, ‘the poor man’s advocate. He defended the poor in the church court and also served as their attorney in civil-court trials. If they couldn't afford court expenses, he would pay them out of his own pocket. If they lost and were jailed, he visited them in prison. Bringing certain cases to trial might have meant profit to him but he won’t accept money from the poor and, if possible, tried to assist them settle their cases out of court.

He was often invited to serve as arbitrator between contestants. He also established legal-aid confraternities to assist the poor. These fraternities eventually spread throughout France and Belgium, reached Rome, and even far-away Brazil. Some of them still continue in operation today. St. Ivo built a hospital in which he tended the sick with his own hands. He would often give the clothes off his back to beggars. He died on May 19, 1303 at the age of fifty. He was canonized in 1347 by Pope Clement VI, his feast being kept on 19^th of May. He is the Patron Saint of Lawyers and abandoned children.

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

Our desire is to contribute to the evolution of a society where no person suffers from hunger due to deprivation of economic and educational opportunities, as well as a society where justice is accessible to the citizens and the Child Rights Act is effectively implemented within the prison sector. In line with the life and philosophy of St Ivo, this Foundation was set up to ensure that indigent people have access not only to economic and educational opportunities but also access to justice especially prompt access to justice for indigent incarcerated persons especially those illegally being incarcerated. Where possible, the foundation follows up with a rehabilitation program to ensure that such released prisoners stay out of prison and become gainfully occupied. It primarily seeks to ensure that those who are innocently languishing in prison get the desired assistance. It also assists with the education of young people including those whose parents are being incarcerated in prison and other indigents where necessary.

core values

Ivo Foundation prides itself to a set of core values that are fundamental to its mission. These values—Integrity, Empathy, compassion and Accountability—serve as the guiding principles for the foundation's work, ensuring that every action taken, and decision made is rooted in a deep sense of purpose and responsibility.

PARTNERS AND AFFILIATIONS

To achieve its goal, Ivo Foundation is vastly affiliated with various organization with similar purpose of ensuring access to justice to indignant persons such as the Catholic Lawyers Association, the Justice Peace and Development Commission, Female religious congregations with similar apostolate and the Comptroller General of Prison.

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

Rev Fr Izunna Okonkwo (PhD)
Member

Rev Fr Dr Luke Ibeh
Secretary

Mrs Uju Osude
Member

Rev Fr Paulinus Onyii Anaedu (PhD)
Member

OTHERS:

Rev Fr Malachy Elo Nwosu - Member
Rev Fr Justin Ileka - Member
Mr. Lawrence Fejuokwu - Member

Thinking about supporting our work?

Your support can make a real difference in transforming lives and communities. At St. Ivo Foundation Inc., we are committed to empowering the underprivileged, providing legal aid, and creating opportunities for education and economic growth.

Every donation, partnership, or volunteer effort brings us closer to building a world where everyone has access to justice, dignity, and opportunity.

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