Dr. Mrs. Adaora Vivian Offor Esq. is a lawyer, business leader, a certified human resources management, and an interior design expert and she is currently the Vice-President and Executive Officer of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF). A non-profit, non-government charitable organisation dedicated to sustainable philanthropic interventions. Dr. Adaora has, with her team, created, designed, and implemented projects that channel her passion into life-changing initiatives and campaigns to uplift marginalized communities within Nigeria.
In her capacity as Vice President, Dr. Adaora has engaged in collaborative efforts with numerous organizations including the Polio Survivors Group, Books for Africa, Rotary International, MedShare, MAP, UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and various other local and international organizations. These collaborations have implemented and campaigned for causes in line with the core programs of SEOF.
Dr. Adaora leads the SEOF Blue Ribbon Campaign, dedicated to supporting neurodiversity in children (children with special needs) through awareness, advocacy, and providing funding for programs and support materials. She also initiated and champions the SEOF Touch A Life Project, which provides fully furnished homes for indigent widows in eastern Nigeria. The project, now in its third phase, has constructed more than 20 fully built, fully furnished 2-bedroom units for prequalified Widows.
SEOF, under Dr. Adaora‘s leadership, in partnership with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) has established a pro-bono clinic for widows in the region, providing essential legal counseling and advocacy.
Dr. Adaora has extensive work experience in the corporate sector, having served as the Human Resource Manager for Chrome Oil Services, an oil and gas service company in Abuja, Nigeria. As a legal practitioner, she established Maine Solicitors, a corporate and international trade law firm with practice areas covering corporate and commercial legal services, dispute resolution, energy and natural resources, real estate, tax advisory, and public sector governance. In business, she has established Ballpark Investments Ltd., a general investments and real estate company that has executed contracts in real estate, power, travel and hospitality, mining, and construction industries. The company has two subsidiaries: The Travel Place Limited, a travel and hospitality establishment, and Eden Residences by Ballpark Ltd. She continues to direct these entities as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Adaora is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Wuse and a Paul Harris Fellow. In May 2024, she was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (Honoris Causa) by Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State. In the same month, she received another honorary Doctorate Degree of Doctor of Social Advocacy from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. She holds several certifications from the Harvard Business School and the KLC School of Design.
Dr. Mrs. Adaora Vivian Offor Esq., is a devout and serving member of the Anglican Communion and a minister with the Rebirth Ministries, a women’s evangelical ministry focused on prayer and outreach activities. She serves as the Liaison Officer for charitable works and the Head of the Northern Region of the Ministry.
Dr. Adaora, Tell us a bit about your family background and how your family has influenced your personal and professional journey.
As the first child in a family of nine, I was raised in a household that places the utmost importance on education and integrity. My parents, devout Catholics, deeply believed in the transformative power of education. Despite my father’s limited formal education, having stopped at primary school, he valued education. My mother, though more educated, chose to stay at home and focused on instilling in us the principles of hard work, honest living, and the importance of maintaining a good name. She taught us that our reputation was something to be fiercely protected and that we must always strive to be our best selves.
In a society where it was common for parents to limit their daughters’ opportunities, fearing that their education would go to waste after marriage or that their achievements would be credited to their husbands, my parents took a different approach. They supported us wholeheartedly, provided us with the best opportunities they could offer, and encouraged us to achieve greatness. My mother raised me to be a strong, inquisitive woman, and our relationship was one where open dialogue was welcomed. This upbringing significantly shaped my growth as an individual. We were taught to be content with who we were and remain true to ourselves.
I vividly remember my mother’s advice as I prepared for university: “Never borrow clothes, no matter how beautiful they are. Wear what you have.” My father, who had risen from abject poverty, frequently reminded us to appreciate where we were in life, saying, “Be grateful for where we are now”. My parents also taught us the importance of social graces, emphasising politeness and gratitude. While my father was generous, he was also firm in distinguishing between wants and needs- a lesson that helped me throughout life.
I cannot tell my life story without acknowledging the profound influence of my parents and the values they instilled in me. They appreciated wealth but they valued a good name even more. I am also fortunate to be married to a man, who shares these values, particularly the belief in leaving a lasting, positive legacy.
What values do you prioritize in your family life, and how do they align with your professional and charitable goals?
In everything I do, I strive to uphold the integrity of my name. I frequently remind my staff of Olivia Pope’s words: “It’s my name on that door.” This is crucial for me because a good name cannot be bought; it must be earned, and it is easily lost. Losing a good name, to me, is more painful than losing money.
One thing I will never compromise on is my name. Whether it is my father’s name or my husband’s, these are men who have worked tirelessly, rising from humble beginnings to achieve their success. I cannot afford to tarnish their name or their legacy. As I work to establish my own mark, I am determined not to spoil what they have built. A good name, to me, is everything.
Please share how your experiences in family life have shaped your perspective on effective leadership and impactful community service.
Being the eldest among siblings, particularly in a family of women, is not easy. I was raised by two firstborns who instilled a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. I was not brought up to be careless but to lead. In every aspect of my life, from my schooling to my behaviour and knowledge, I was always aware that others were looking up to me.
Growing up, I often felt a sense of responsibility for my sibling’s mistakes, thinking that I had somehow failed in my role as a leader. Whether or not that was fair, it shaped my understanding that my actions were constantly being observed and learned from by others.
In my friendships and professional alliances, I aim to learn and grow. If a relationship does not offer a learning opportunity, I choose not to engage. I was not raised to be a passive follower or expect things to be handed to me.
As the firstborn, the pressure to avoid mistakes was significant, and when I faltered, I had to quickly retrace my steps and remember who I was. Looking back, though it was challenging and I may not have appreciated it then, I am deeply grateful for those experiences, as they have made me the person I am today.
What personal values and principles guide your approach to work and family life, and how do they influence your decisions and actions?
My personal values center on fairness, justice, respect, and being respectable. I believe that my life should truly reflect my faith and that others should be able to see the Christian in me through my actions. It is not enough to simply talk the talk; one must also walk the talk.
Kindness is another core value I hold dear, as is being a person of your word. Accountability and self-awareness are essential to me, and I place great importance on hard work. I also believe in protecting what you hold dear, whether it be your family, your name, or your achievements. Making thoughtful and sound decisions is something I deeply value as well.
How do you maintain a sense of personal well-being and fulfillment amidst your busy schedule and numerous responsibilities?
I am committed to continuous learning, even if it is in small increments. The humility to unlearn, relearn, and learn is crucial. It is equally important to surround oneself with meaningful people and to have the courage to walk away from decisions and relationships that do not serve your best interests. I have learned to never underestimate the influence of those around me. I often ask myself; “What role do they play in my life? Do they bring toxicity, regardless of who they are? Do they uplift me? Do I learn from them? Do they make you a better person?”.
The goal is not to be surrounded by many people, but to ensure that those in your life are of high quality- they are good for you, and that you share common goals. For instance, I value friendships where we can pray together, and upon reflection, I realise that all my friends share this quality.
Having a healthy circle is vital. Often, we prioritise our physical well-being while neglecting our mental health. While I do make an effort to look after my physical health, I pay just as much attention to my emotional and mental well-being. If certain people do not align with my goals for mental well-being, I choose not to engage with them.
What inspired you to become involved in ministry, and how has this experience enriched your life and work?
I found myself on a path where I felt a deep desire to strengthen my relationship with God, and I believe my pastor, Pastor Kemi Balogun of the Rebirth Ministry’s International, recognised this. When she first spoke to me about serving, I was content to remain in my own lane and serve God quietly. However, she encouraged me to explore the possibility that I could do more, and this has been an incredibly rewarding journey and a true eye-opener for me.
My work in the ministry aligns seamlessly with my work in the Foundation; I feel the stars have truly aligned. Each day, I gain a clearer understanding of my purpose, and I pray to fulfil my assignments diligently. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.
I cannot say that I initially planned to step into ministry, but that happened during a phase when I was not doing enough in my relationship with God. My relationship with God is paramount to me. For me, it is God or nothing. I know that all my achievements have been by God’s grace, and I am filled with gratitude for being chosen by God to undertake these assignments.
When the call to serve came, I initially had a great deal of fear, as I did not want to take the responsibilities lightly or assume they would be easy. This cautious approach helped me to stay diligent in my service. Although I started with a sense of fear, I am thankful for where I am today and continue to serve with unwavering faith.
Can you share a particular moment or experience from your ministry work that has profoundly impacted you personally or professionally?
One pivotal moment in my ministry was the first time I was assigned to teach a Bible study to fifty people via Zoom, focusing on the Book of Luke, Chapter 2. As an introvert who had always shied away from public speaking, I would never have imagined I would hold a microphone for more than five minutes, let alone lead a study for such a large group.
I vividly remember reading my notes and praying to God, thinking, “If I could successfully deliver this lesson, I could speak anywhere, even at the UN”. It was the Bible, after all, and I could not afford to make any mistakes. I realised that someone in the audience might be listening intently, searching for comfort in those words. The night before, I couldn’t sleep. The morning of the session, I found myself saying, “God, it’s all of You and none of me.” At that moment, it was as if something shifted within me. A profound sense of peace, grace, and confidence washed over me, and I suddenly felt unafraid to speak. It was as if a door had opened.
This experience taught me the importance of dedication and preparation. I understood that I could not approach such responsibilities uninformed or without first inviting God to take control. No matter what message I was delivering, someone would be listening; I could not afford to be unprepared or careless. This realisation profoundly shaped my approach to advocacy.
In what ways do you believe your involvement in ministry and community service influences your leadership style at the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and your other ventures?
My involvement in ministry and community service has profoundly influenced my leadership style at the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation in every way. I view my role as akin to a living example that others observe, and I strive to embody this principle in all my actions.
Being attuned to the challenges others face and being available to offer counsel, teach, and, most importantly, serve, is integral to my approach. This is due to my belief that leadership is fundamentally a role of service rather than one of authority.
Whether in ministry or the foundation, my work is grounded in serving others. Recognising that I have been chosen to serve has driven me to fulfil this role to the best of my ability.
What message would you like to share with others about the importance of integrating family values into one’s professional and philanthropic work?
My story reflects the path that God has set for me from the very beginning. From growing up as the eldest child to the values instilled by my parents to my marriage and the subsequent work I do, every step has contributed to my understanding of my purpose.
For me, recognising my purpose and upholding my values are paramount. Navigating life with a clear sense of purpose and strong values is essential. Leaving a mark, no matter how small, is equally important. In the end, you should be able to say that you have made a meaningful contribution to the world. It does not matter how minor your impact may seem; always strive to make a difference. Do not assume that someone else will do it; instead, endeavour to touch at least one life. Any single life touched is invaluable.
Additionally, strive to live a good life and maintain a respectable name. In everything you do and wherever you find yourself, understand there is a purpose. Many people wear multiple hats, but their purpose remains singular. In each role I undertake, my purpose is to make a mark by fulfilling the work God has called me to do.
What are some future goals or projects you are excited about, both in your personal life and within your various professional and philanthropic roles?
My primary goal for the future is to continue making a meaningful impact. Several upcoming projects are integral steps toward achieving that aim. While I plan to unveil these projects in due course, I am particularly excited about the Blue Ribbon Campaign. This initiative is dedicated to raising awareness for children with special needs, a group that is often overlooked. It is heartbreaking to witness the struggles these children and their families face, especially as they are frequently misunderstood and marginalised. My passion for this cause stems from a deep understanding of the challenges they endure. I am enthusiastic about the positive changes we aim to bring and deeply grateful to all the partners who have joined on this journey. To the parents of children with special needs, my encouragement is to persevere and remain hopeful.
Another initiative I am passionate about is the Touch a Life Initiative, which aims to make a difference by constructing homes for indigent widows and challenging unjust laws and traditions that deprive them of their rights. It is essential to question and advocate against these oppressive practices. This project holds significant importance for me, and I am fully committed to ensuring its success.
