Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, on has formally unveiled the Ssonic Gas Company Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through sustainable development initiatives.
The Foundation, established by Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Douglas, daughter of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, seeks to enhance quality of life and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the launch held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Marquee, Maitama, Dr. Doro praised the Foundation’s vision, urging its leadership to remain focused on delivering impactful programmes that address the country’s development challenges.
In her welcome address, Dr. Douglas, who serves as Managing Director, said the Foundation was designed to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental issues while creating lasting change.
“Our goal is to work collaboratively with government agencies, the private sector and local communities to drive progress and achieve sustainable development,” she said.
She outlined the Foundation’s core areas of intervention to include:
- Education and skills development
- Healthcare and wellness
- Economic empowerment
- Environmental sustainability
- Community engagement
Dr. Douglas explained that the Foundation would provide access to quality education and vocational training for underprivileged children and youth, expand healthcare access, promote disease prevention, and support small businesses—particularly women- and youth-led enterprises.
She added that the organisation would champion environmental conservation and renewable energy initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources. Community partnerships, she said, would also be central to its strategy.
On her motivation, Douglas credited her family’s long-standing tradition of philanthropy and mentorship. “I am also strongly motivated by my belief that every act of kindness is an offering to God,” she noted.
In a brief interview, Senator Araraume commended his daughter’s initiative, saying her passion for charity and education reflected the family’s values. “My father, Ifeoma’s grandfather, was deeply devoted to education and mentorship. What she is doing now is taking that legacy to a higher level,” he said.
The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including the Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arokwe (representing the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari), the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku (represented by Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Otunba Ifedayo), and legal luminary Dr. D.D. Dodo (SAN), among others.
