From Flame to Foundation: The Nwabuezes’ Inspiring Journey of Love and Philanthropy

By Olisemeka Obeche

In a world where hope often flickers like a candle in the wind, Martin and Chisom Nwabueze found their flame. On that fateful day of July 5, 2008, two hearts intertwined to brave the storms of life, embarking on a journey marked by love, challenges, and relentless determination.

Little did they know that their union would not only blossom in a foreign land but also ignite a transformative movement for countless lives back in Africa.

As they settled into their new life in the United States, they witnessed the stark contrast between their safety and the struggles faced by their compatriots across the ocean. The vivid images of families grappling with poverty, insecurity, and limited opportunities fueled a burning desire within them—a desire to create change. Refusing to rest on their laurels, the Nwabuezes took the bold step of establishing a foundation – Tilova for Africa, which later became a beacon of hope and advocacy for social and economic rights.

Driven by a shared vision, the couple ventured into a Philanthropic mission that would take them to the heart of Africa’s struggles. For a decade, Tilova for Africa has given voice to the voiceless, challenging the status quo, and uplifting those shackled by adversity.

Their advocacy shines a spotlight on the oppression faced by many, as they seek not only to alter narratives but also to transform lives, embodying the very spirit of resilience and hope they once sought for themselves.

Wedding Anniversary:

On July 5, 2025, the marriage between Martin Nwabueze and Chisom clocked 17 years. The union is blessed with children who are doing well in the United States of America. Expectedly, the occasion afforded the couple opportunitt to celebrate what they largely testified as blessed, blissful and fulfilling union.

Decade of Philantropy:

Tilova for Africa, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has dedicated the past ten years to advocating for the social and economic rights of millions of Africans. In a continent where existential threats loom daily, many people struggle with limited access to basic necessities and are hindered by deep-rooted cultural values and belief systems that restrict their economic and social rights. In this context, Tilova for Africa emerges as a crucial voice, addressing these challenges and striving to empower those who are marginalized and oppressed.

So, for 10 years, Tilova for Africa, co-founded by Martin and Chisom, has been in the vanguard of giving voice to the voiceless, advocating for freedom of the oppressed and uplifting the economic lives of thousands of Africans back home.

In the area of advocacy, the Nwabuezes through their NGO have continued to challenge rights of Africans especially Nigerian in the face of perceived persecution and oppression on the basis of their religion or belief system by the government.

The Foundation has added voice to the argument in favour of protection of rights to people with HIV as well as safe sexual practices. Speaking on the plight of HIV/AIDS patients in Africa, Nwabueze said “it is sad that our people still discriminate against them in Nigeria and this has led to apathy in the number of persons going for tests in recent times.

“The implication is that most people will be carrying the virus without knowing it and the danger is that there is a possibility of a great spike in incidence.

“Tilova for Africa” is also concerned with poverty and unemployment which are the major challenges facing Africa.

Tilova for Africa has also condemned the arrest and detention of traditional African Medicine Practitioners or Native Doctors popularly known as ‘Ndi Dibia’ in Igbo land, Southeast Nigeria for allegedly encouraging crime by their activities without trial.

Tilova for Africa holds the view that every legal move to fight crime in Nigeria and Igbo land in particular was commendable but no person or group should be scapegoated because of their religion or way of life.

“Traditional medicine practice is an age long profession which existed in many African societies and should not be abolished in Anambra because of presumptive evidence.

“This type of crime fighting is primitive and unacceptable in 21st century Nigeria, we support the government to arrest crime and not content creators,” Martin said.

Under the Charity arm of the NGO, Tilova for Africa has supported small businesses especially the economically vulnerable with start up packs, encouraged youths/students with giveaways and granted scholarships to indigent children.

While hundreds of businesses have received finances ranging from between N50,000 and N500,000 while over 5,000 youths have received between N5,000 and N10,000. This is funded under the Uber Bonanza, Destiny helpers galore, Munachi award, Osinachi and Scholarship and the Mr white memorial in memory of Late Mr F. O. Nwabueze.

“We endeavor to make the giveaways happen on a consistent basis, but it will depend on the availability of funds, participants are required to follow us on our Facebook page, www.tilovaforafrica.com where winners will be announced,” it announced.
Already, testimonies abound that the charity activities of Tilova for Africa, have helped to cushion the economic impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Chioma Mba, a Lagos-based single mother, abandoned by her husband for giving birth to three girls, appreciated Tilova for Africa for the N250,000 cash gift.

“It will go a long way to support my business and help me cater for my children, “she said.

Ms Jaiyeoba Omotolani, a physically challenged orphan and a single mother of one who got a sum of N250,000 said it was a huge relief.

“I had a disability as a result of polio at age three and I lost my parents at age 15. I am also taking care of my three nephews who lost their parents in 2017,” she said.

Vivian Eze, a restaurant operator based in Abuja was also a beneficiary of business cash support of N250, 000.

Nwabueze called on the governments of African countries to pull more people out of poverty by implementing policies that would leave more money in the hands of Nigeria including decriminalising ‘tip money’.

He said ‘tip money’ was a normal practice in western world especially in the United States and wondered why a customer would not support an attendant with it in Nigeria without the employee being punished.

“Most workers in the US rely on tip money to stay on their jobs, that is a rich country, talk more of a poor country where wages can not sustain these for two weeks. Tip is a legitimate income, it should be encouraged, there should be tax waivers for small businesses,” he argues.

The Nwabuezes have set an example worthy of emulation by Nigerians in diaspora, they supported households and the national economy through their regular remittance through charity and through their advocacy attacked the institutions that perpetuate poverty in Africa.