There is No Health Without Mental Health.

International Family Foundation aims to remind you to take care of your mental well-being.
Mental health includes your emotional, psychological (affecting the mind) and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. When experiencing mental health problems your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

In recognition of IFF 2024 THEME Mental Health Awareness Campaign , we encourage you to take care of yourself mentally and physically. Help break the silence around mental health by practicing the following:

Take Care of Yourself: Seek the right care for you by finding a safe place to talk – use your family, friends, social support groups or a professional. Practicing self-care can look different for everyone. Find activities that work for you such as journaling, practicing breathing techniques, exercise or practice good sleep hygiene.

Take Care of Others: Take time to check in on friends, family and teammates.
Questions to start the conversation:

It seems like you’re going through a difficult time. What do you want me to know about how you are feeling?

I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?

I’m concerned about you, but I’m not sure what to do, let’s talk to someone about this.
If the friend doesn’t want to talk, remind them you are there for them when and if they need support.

Talk about Mental Health: Bring awareness about mental health by talking about it. The more you talk about it the more normalized it will become. Mental health problems are common, and help is available for all. View resources offered on our website iff-foundation.org
Better Family
Better Society

Professor Steve Sinikiem Azaiki OON, a renowned international academician and technocrat, has been appointed a Patron of the International Family Foundation.

Prof. Steve Azaiki, who recently completed his service at the National Assembly as a lawmaker, was a former commissioner in Bayelsa State and later appointed the Secretary to the State Government. He had served in various capacities, such as Chancellor of Niger Delta University, and held numerous other positions.

The award was presented by the foundation’s Secretary General, HRH.SIR Ovie Omeleh KSP.JP on behalf of the President; Professor Emeka Oguzie a Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC- Research and innovation) with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

He received his certificate at the Azaiki public Library, one of the Nations’ best private libraries. The Certificate was accompanied by a letter from the foundation’s President, who described Professor Steve Azaiki as a “Leader, who has been consistent in selfless service and passion for development of humanity.”

In his response, Azaiki described the appointment as a formal recognition of what he does normally.

For me, he said,

“Life has given me so much for which I am contented and grateful. My primary responsibility, therefore, is to give back to society in any way I find possible.

My promise to you is that I will not relent in doing my best for humanity. He noted that he had been following the brilliant work and activities of the foundation and quite impressed by the dedication of its members and their quality of service.”

He, therefore, called on all men and women of goodwill to support the foundation’s work in whatever way possible, and admonished them on this part of credibility, integrity and ensure that they stay focused on their vision and there is no limit for such a noble foundation’s cause.

The Secretary General of the Foundation appreciated him for his time and resounding confidence in the foundation.

He assured him that the Executive Council would update him with their activities and submit timely reports for advice.

He confirmed that the foundation sticks with due diligence and financial discipline, having registered with EFCC and just received a 3-year financial audited report from an independent auditor.

He said that the wealth of experience, knowledge, and capacity of their patron is a cherished asset to the foundation that can not be taken for granted.

Poverty Eradication Day: Upholding Dignity for All

The International Family Foundation (IFF) recognizes 2023 as the midpoint since the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for people, planet, and prosperity. This set of 17 interrelated goals will be up for review at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit in September, focusing on the theme of investing in people.

The theme for the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023 is “Dignity for All in Practice.” This observance, held annually on October 17th, seeks to raise awareness and draw attention to the importance of living a dignified life.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated worldwide, emphasizing the critical need to address poverty and its devastating consequences.

The first commemoration, titled “World Day to Overcome Poverty,” occurred in 1987 in Paris, France. On that day, 100,000 people gathered at the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadéro to pay tribute to the victims of poverty, hunger, violence, and fear.

Joining hands, let’s work towards ensuring human dignity, fostering a better family and society, and ultimately eradicating poverty from our world.

Prof. Emeka Oguzie, President of the International Family Foundation (IFF), has arrived in Seoul, South Korea, in response to an invitation by Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration (HWPL). Prof. Oguzie is in Seoul to attend the 9th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit.

This three-day summit, stretching from September 18-20, 2023, is an international event devoted to exploring practical measures for achieving global peace.

HWPL’s acknowledgement of its partnership with the IFF hinges on the foundation’s dedication to peace education and its continued advocacy for sustainable peace.

The IFF firmly believes that there’s a growing global demand for peace to become an integral part of our everyday lives, reflecting in our cultural and social norms.

Three years ago, IFF members received comprehensive training from HWPL and were consequently certified as peace educators.

Dr. Edoja Ukwedeh, who leads the directorate, expressed gratitude for this recognition of the foundation’s endeavors towards peace education. He emphasized that the lack of peace poses a significant threat to humanity, leading to the devastation of lives and properties through wars and various conflicts.

This year’s HWPL ceremony aims to review the accomplishments of the past decade of its collaboration with governments, international bodies, and civil societies. It also plans to introduce a new plan of action for the forthcoming decade.

The Secretary-General of the Foundation is optimistic that a joint peace movement will lay the foundation for a more harmonious family, society, and world ultimately.

He asserted that the International Family Foundation will continue to intensify its peace education campaign and urged for increased support towards this significant endeavor.

The International Family Foundation is conducting a membership induction training for interested persons with a passion for charity and humanity.

This is a prerequisite training for members and volunteers, who must be acquainted with the goals, mission, and vision of the foundation for effective delivery and participation.

All interested persons are to:
1. Study our induction manual.
2. Take a quiz.
3. Fill out a registration form
Successful members and volunteers will be given membership certificate, registration numbers and assigned to their primary units.

DATE: AUGUST 18TH  – 26TH

VENUE: IFF Induction Training Platform

Link to join the induction training:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GD0pDpp62NE3NeSZioiSZW

THE CERTIFICATE AND TRAINING ARE FREE.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated January 24th as the International Day of Education, acknowledging the pivotal role of education in promoting peace and development around the world.

Education is a fundamental human right, critical for advancing public good and shared responsibility. Without inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, and lifelong opportunities for everyone, it’s impossible to achieve gender equality or break the cycle of poverty that has left millions of children, youth, and adults behind.

Today, a staggering 244 million children and young people remain out of school, and 771 million adults lack basic literacy skills. These figures represent a blatant violation of their right to education, and demand immediate attention from all interested parties.

We cannot tolerate this ongoing educational crisis any longer. It’s time to take transformative actions that will turn the tide.

Everyone must work together, at all levels of society, to ensure that every child, every teenager, and every adult, regardless of their background, has access to a quality education. It’s only through this kind of united effort that we can hope to end the scourge of educational inequality, and give all people the means they need to pursue their dreams and improve their lives.

So on this International Day of Education, let’s pledge to redouble our efforts to provide education for all. And let’s make education everyone’s responsibility and priority, so we can build a better future for all of us.

Support our cause. Donate towards providing education for all:

On Sunday, December 18th, 2022, the International Family Foundation (IFF) Kaduna state chapter, a non-governmental organization (NGO), demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged by visiting the Tukur-Tukur Children Orphanage in Zaria-Kaduna.

During the visit, members of the organization shared a joyful celebration with the children, engaging in activities such as eating, drinking, and dancing together to express their love and foster a sense of belonging.

The orphanage warmly received and welcomed the organization, represented by Mal. Tijani, the assistant director of the orphanage who stood in for the director.

The highlight of the occasion was a 15-minute drama skit presented to the children, in commemoration of this year’s International Human Rights Day with the theme “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.” The drama skit, titled “What Will You Do?”, emphasized the importance of empathy for humanity and highlighted that violence against children is a grave offense.

As part of their visit, the organization also presented the orphanage with essential items such as foodstuffs, clothing, and educational materials including exercise books, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners.

To further encourage the children, a quick quiz was conducted by the teachers among the group, and three winners were awarded gift items along with scholarships that will support their primary education until its completion.

The project was a resounding success, bringing purpose and meaning to the organization’s mission of making a difference. It reaffirmed the belief that even small acts can have a significant impact on the lives of those we touch.

The organization wholeheartedly advocates for the spirit of giving, as every act of kindness has the power to transform lives. They encourage everyone to find ways to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small.

Dr. Edoja, the coordinator of IFF North, expressed his hope that the orphanage would utilize the donated items for the welfare and benefit of the orphans, understanding that many of the children may not have the capacity to make informed choices due to their young age.

On November 25th, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness about an ongoing human rights issue that affects countless women worldwide. The theme for 2022 is “UNITE!” as we strive to address the prevalent issue of violence against women.

Despite the efforts of government officials and international leaders over the years, violence against women remains alarmingly common. It continues to be a widespread and persistent violation of human rights.

Statistics reveal the gravity of the issue:

1. Approximately one in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence, often perpetrated by an intimate partner.
2. Globally, 35% of women and girls have experienced some form of physical and/or sexual violence. Shockingly, in some countries, this number rises to nearly 70%.
3. Human trafficking victimizes nearly half of all women worldwide.
4. Around 650 million women and girls are forced into marriage before the age of 18.
5. Female genital mutilation has affected around 200 million women and girls in 30 countries.
6. Disturbingly, about 15 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have experienced forced sexual acts at some point in their lives.

Sadly, many women and girls who experience violence do not seek help. While 144 countries have laws addressing domestic violence, enforcement isn’t always consistent. In addition to raising awareness, this day aims to break the silence, combat the stigma, and eliminate the shame surrounding acts of violence against women.

We must all come together and unite to eradicate violence against women, advocating for the implementation of effective laws, empowering survivors to seek support, and fostering a society that rejects all forms of violence against women.

Professor Emeka Oguzie, the President of the International Family Foundation (IFF), a distinguished scientist, who serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research Development & Innovation at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has urged members, associates, intergovernmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations to actively encourage relevant institutions, associations, and individuals to sponsor events and activities that focus on the study and dissemination of information on the links between progress in science and technology and the maintenance of peace and security.

In particular, Professor Oguzie notes that African member states should promote international cooperation among scientists, recognizing that science is the backbone for the 4th and 5th industrial revolutions.

The International Week of Science and Peace plays a crucial role in promoting peace and encouraging greater academic exchanges on this topic of universal importance. By shedding light on the relationship between science and peace in public discourse, the International Week of Science and Peace generates a more profound awareness of the challenges society is facing and the ways science and technology can be applied to promote peace.

In light of the successful observances of prior Science and Peace Weeks, we expect that increased participation each year will contribute to greater international understanding and opportunities for cooperation in the application of science for promoting peace throughout the year. As such, we must make sure to actively support and encourage events and activities that focus on science, technology, peace, and security.

The International Family Foundation (IFF) is deeply committed to its core mandate of poverty reduction. IFF has been actively conducting campaigns and advocating for poverty reduction throughout the country. As we observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, 2022, we rally under the theme of “Dignity For All in Practice.”

“Dignity for all in practice” is the overarching theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty for 2022-2023. We believe that the dignity of every human being is not only a fundamental right but also the foundation of all other fundamental rights. The concept of “Dignity” is not abstract; it is a right that belongs to each and every individual.

Sadly, many individuals living in persistent poverty have their dignity denied and disrespected. Despite commitments made under the 2030 Agenda and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the current reality is sobering. Approximately 1.3 billion people, including a significant number of children and youth, continue to live in multidimensional poverty.

Inequalities in opportunities and income are soaring, and the gap between the rich and poor is widening each year. This past year has seen a surge in corporate power and the wealth of the billionaire class, while millions struggle with dwindling workers’ rights and job quality. Poverty and inequality should not be seen as inevitable but rather as the result of deliberate decisions or inaction that disempower the most vulnerable in our societies and violate their fundamental rights.

The silent and sustained violence of poverty, including social exclusion, structural discrimination, and disempowerment, makes it exceedingly difficult for people trapped in extreme poverty to break free and denies them their basic humanity.

On this significant day, IFF reaffirms its commitment to ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all. We believe that together, through collective action, we can create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where the dignity of every individual is respected and upheld.

Support our cause towards the eradication of poverty: