Festus Ogbu unveils foundation in honour of deceased daughter

Human rights lawyer, Festus Okechukwu Ogbu, will on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, launch a foundation in memory of his late daughter, Praise, who died in 2024 after a decade-long battle with multiple life-threatening conditions.

Ogbu, in a statement on Tuesday, said the initiative was inspired by his family’s painful 10-year experience caring for Praise, who was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease, Systemic Sclerosis, and Juvenile Arthritis.

Ogbu described Praise as a brilliant and ambitious child whose health challenges began at age nine.

He said Praise underwent several surgeries and endured recurring medical complications that kept her in and out of the hospital.

“Praise became like a medical laboratory,” he said, praising the consultant paediatrician who managed her case.

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“The attack on her immune system was devastating. At one point, she had to learn how to walk again,” he added.

Ogbu noted that while Sickle Cell Disease is widely known, public awareness of Systemic Sclerosis and Juvenile Arthritis remains extremely low — an issue the foundation hopes to tackle.

Named The Praise Ogbu Foundation, the organisation will focus on supporting children under 18 suffering from the three conditions.

It will also provide public enlightenment, organise medical forums, and donate medications to hospitals.

Ogbu said the family’s experience with a supportive NGO during Praise’s illness motivated him to set up a platform that will “extend the same love to other families facing similar struggles.”

He added: “Our mission is to create awareness and support vulnerable patients.

“No family should go through these challenges alone.”

The Star