Afam Onyema talks about transforming lives in Africa

London based Nana Churcher is an international coach, motivational speaker, award-winning broadcaster and host of  one of the most sought-after television shows and popular productions in the United Kingdom, across Europe and the Caribbean, The Nana Churcher Show.

On the sidelines of an event by the David Oyelowo Leadership For Girls recently held in London, Nana Churcher had an instructive conversation with philanthropic powerhouse, Afam Onyema, on opportunities being created by his foundation towards empowering young women across the African continent.

Growing up as the second of four children, Onyema absorbed his father’s story and decided to step away from a legal career to build GEANCO, an organization established in 2005 to create opportunities and transform lives in Africa. GEANCO is derived from the initials of the Onyema family — Godwin, Ebele, Afam, Nche, Nma, and Chukwugozie.

According to Afam Onyema, GEANCO saves and transforms the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Africa. “We lead special surgical missions and run a network of innovative solar-powered maternal and infant health clinics in Nigeria as well as provide life-changing scholarships to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality in the country”, he added.

GEANCO is supported by some high profile personalities including Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Andrew Garfield, and Zoe Saldana. Other supporters are Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Oyelowo, Yvonne Orji, Chris Rock, and Jimmy Kimmel who are making sure the foundation realizes its dreams.

Speaking about the programs of the foundation, Afam indicated that they provide mental and menstrual health support to teens, power rural family clinics with their modern and solar-powered system, and help the poor, vulnerable pregnant women safely deliver healthy babies, vaccinate infants, and provide high-quality care to men and boys.  From their medical missions, performing surgeries and bringing surgeons over, they began to build relationships, establish credibility, and gain experience.

The Harvard University and Stanford Law School graduate who declined multiple lucrative corporate law offers to lead GEANCO full-time added that “in addition to donating laptops, library, laboratory, and sports facilities to schools, our David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls provides full tuition, healthcare, leadership training, and social and psychological support to young female survivors of terrorism and gender inequality in Nigeria”. 

Afam Onyema, who in 2020 was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential Africans in the Diaspora through his leadership is bringing essential services and educational opportunities to those in need, and also creating pathways for young girls to succeed in Nigeria. Currently, Afam Onyema stands at the intersection of legacy and ambition, driven by a vision ignited in the heart of his father.

“Every time a girl tells me she wants to be a nurse or an engineer, I feel a sense of fulfillment. My dad always told us about his story and his dream, which started very small. We just tried to do little things to help in Nigeria. My parents were native Nigerians who had embarked on a journey to the United States in the mid-seventies, fueled by the desire to help their homeland. They envisioned a future where they could save lives and uplift their community”, he revealed.

To navigate the complexities of operating in Nigeria while based in the United States, they built a team in Nigeria to handle local operations whilst he focuses on leadership, strategy, and fundraising.