Victor Obi-Anadiume and Hilda Obi-Anadiume’s journey into philanthropy is a story of profound empathy, dedication, and unwavering faith. Hailing from Enugu State, Nigeria, the couple has always had a deep connection to their community. As they advanced in their respective careers–Victor as a Pharmacist and Hilda as a Nurse Practitioner—they became increasingly aware of the silent suffering among widows and their children. In many Nigerian communities, when a family breadwinner passes away, the burden of survival often falls disproportionately on the widow and children, leaving them vulnerable to extreme poverty. Moved by this plight, the Obis felt a strong calling to act.

In 2000, they began by addressing immediate needs—paying school fees for children who would otherwise be forced to drop out, providing financial grants to start small businesses, and covering medical expenses for families with little to no access to healthcare and in 2010, they channeled their resources and professional expertise into forming THEEE Initiative (Target Health Education and Economic Empowerment). Their mission was clear: to provide financial, educational, and health support to widows, widowers, orphans, indigents and their families, lifting them from the grips of abject poverty. The organization scaled up the core mission started in 2000.

Victor Obi-Anadiume

As medical professionals, Victor and Hilda saw a unique opportunity to go beyond financial aid. They organized numerous medical missions and health fairs, particularly in rural communities that had been long neglected. These missions brought essential healthcare to thousands of indigents and orphans, offering screenings and treatments for conditions like malaria, diabetes, hypertension, as well as much-needed dental and vision care. Their work in these underserved areas not only saved lives but also instilled hope in communities that had felt forgotten.

One of their most impactful efforts involved sending individuals with critical health conditions to India for specialized medical care. In some cases, these patients would have faced certain death without access to advanced treatments. The Obis not only arranged the logistics of these trips but personally covered the entire cost of the medical procedures, reaffirming their commitment to saving lives regardless of the distance.

Despite their expansive charity work, Victor and Hilda remain grounded in their faith. As devout Christians, they made a personal vow to God that they would allocate between 10-25% of their total worldwide income to furthering THEEE Initiative’s mission. This vow, which they have faithfully honored, reflects their belief that their resources are a blessing meant to be shared.

Their efforts don’t stop at health and education. Recognizing the need for access to clean water, they embarked on a project to build borehole water systems across several villages in Enugu State, providing clean drinking water to thousands who once struggled with waterborne diseases. This transformative project has had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of these communities.

In addition to their healthcare outreach and water projects, Victor and Hilda have also made strides in the economic empowerment of widows. By helping women establish small businesses, they are fostering financial independence, allowing these women to provide for their families with dignity. Whether it’s selling goods in local markets, operating small-scale farming ventures, or starting service-based businesses, the Obis have empowered countless women to rise above their circumstances.

Furthermore, THEEE Initiative has extended its reach to distribute OTC pharmaceutical products like Cod Liver Oil, Glucose, and Multivitamins. These products, sourced by the Obis Pharmaceutical Company from India, are sold at affordable prices, with 50% of the proceeds dedicated to the Initiative’s charitable work. This business model not only sustains their philanthropic activities but ensures that they can continue providing essential health products to those who need them most.

Security in their community is another concern the Obis have addressed through their philanthropy. Partnering with local police, they have donated vehicles to help enhance patrols, increasing safety and peace of mind for the people in their community. This partnership underscores their holistic approach to philanthropy, where they tackle a wide array of societal challenges to create a safer and more prosperous environment for all.

Today, THEEE Initiative supports over 1,500 widows and their children, providing them with consistent aid and a lifeline to a brighter future. Victor and Hilda Obi’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when empathy and compassion are coupled with action. Their vision for a better Nigeria, one where no widow or child is left behind, continues to inspire everyone they meet, and their legacy of kindness, faith, and generosity is one that will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.

Victor and Hilda Obi’s deep desire to give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of widows, children, the sick, and the infirm has led them to expand their philanthropy internationally. In addition to their work in Nigeria, they founded the Bayside Foundation in the United States, a platform that extends their charitable efforts beyond borders. The Bayside Foundation was conceived as a way to reach even more people in need and to create sustainable solutions that impact lives on a larger scale.

One of the signature initiatives of the Bayside Foundation is the Bayside Hustle 5K Run/Walk (Baysidehustle.org). This annual event brings together people of all backgrounds in the US to raise awareness and funds for worthy charitable causes both in Nigeria and America. Participants not only engage in healthy activities but also become part of a global movement dedicated to uplifting the marginalized. The proceeds from this event are directed towards supporting a range of causes, including healthcare for the infirm, educational support for children, and financial empowerment for widows. The proceeds from the 2023 Bayside Hustle 5K Run/Walk went to Shriner’s Hospital for children in Florida, USA and the  Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA).

Hilda Obi-Anadiume

Since the inception of THEEE Initiative, Victor and Hilda have faithfully funded their charitable causes from their personal resources. Their dedication to helping those in need has been unwavering, but their vision has always extended beyond what they could accomplish on their own. As they continue to expand the scope of their impact, they recognize the need to involve more people in their mission to transform lives. They plan to begin raising funds from generous individuals, groups, and organizations, both in Nigeria, the United States, and around the world, to ensure that their charitable causes can affect millions more.

For those who wish to support the work of the Bayside Foundation or THEEE Initiative, donations can be made through Baysidehustle.org. By contributing, supporters can help fund education for children, provide medical care for the sick, empower widows through small business grants, and extend clean water access to impoverished communities. The Obis believe that together, they can create a ripple effect of change that reaches far beyond what they could achieve alone. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings them closer to a future where poverty is alleviated, health is restored, and lives are empowered.

Their message is clear: Join them in their mission to transform lives. Whether through participation in the Bayside Hustle, donations, or partnerships, everyone has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most, both in Nigeria, the United States and around the world.

Ifeoma Anyalebechi

Chairperson, THEEE Initiative