From Passion to Purpose: Antonia Agbede Ally’s journey in philanthropy

Antonia Agbede Ally is the former Managing Director of the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe Foundation. In her hometown of Obudu, Cross River State,  Ally recently launched her own non-governmental organization, The Agbede Foundation. The event marked a significant milestone in Ally’s career, coming exactly 10 years after her appointment as the pioneering Managing Director of The HOW Foundation, which was established by the late banking icon and philanthropist, Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe. Driven by a deep commitment to humanitarian service and inspired by the legacy of her former mentor, Ally expressed that her new foundation aims to continue the work of empowering communities through education, healthcare, and youth development initiatives.

In this interview, she opens up about her journey in philanthropy, the lessons learned from her time with the late Herbert Wigwe, and her new mission to empower youth and women through the Agbede Foundation.

You were the founding Managing Director of the Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe Foundation. Can you tell us about your role there and what the foundation focused on?

Yes, I had the privilege of being the founding Managing Director of the Herbert Wigwe Foundation. My role involved setting up the entire structure and operations of the foundation; from strategic direction to project implementation. We focused on key areas close to Mr. Wigwe’s heart: malaria eradication, prostate cancer awareness, and youth mentorship. I was also involved in the early stages of developing the university he was establishing; even down to the marketing direction and logo creation. It was a holistic, hands-on experience in building something deeply meaningful from the ground up.

What would you say were the most valuable lessons you learned from working with Herbert Wigwe?

One of the greatest lessons I learned from him was that you don’t need to wait to have everything before you start giving. Philanthropy isn’t about the size of your pocket; it’s about the size of your heart. Herbert taught us to start with whatever we had and build from there.
Another vital takeaway was the importance of trust and transparency in running an NGO. Everything must be documented and accounted for, not just to satisfy donors, but to build credibility with the public. Accountability is the foundation of impact.

You’ve now founded the Agbede Foundation. How do you plan to fund and sustain this new initiative?

Funding is always a challenge, but I’m fortunate to have built a strong network of individuals who truly believe in giving back. Many of these relationships were formed during my time at the Herbert Wigwe Foundation. Beyond that, I’ve learned how to make funds go a long way; maximizing impact with limited resources. Our focus will be on efficiency, transparency, and results, which will in turn attract more partners and donors.

The Agbede Foundation emphasizes skills acquisition. Why is this your main focus?

Because skills acquisition changes lives in a tangible way. When someone learns a skill, they’re not just empowered; they’re transformed. They can earn, teach others, and build independence. For me, this is the highest form of impact we can create within communities.
Your first project is the “Prince Basi Otu Young Professional Driver Scheme.”

 What inspired this initiative?

We started in Obudu, where we noticed a high demand among young people for professional driving as a career. Driving is often underestimated, but it’s a skill that can open doors; from logistics to personal driving roles, even entrepreneurship. The scheme is designed to train and certify young people, giving them not just a skill, but dignity and employability.

What other skill programs are you planning under the foundation?

Next, we’re introducing a Baking and Pastry Making program. It’s a skill that’s always in demand; from small bakeries to home-based businesses. We want to equip young women and men with the tools to become self-reliant, especially in communities where employment options are limited.

Sustainability is often a challenge for NGOs. How do you plan to keep your programs running long-term?

Sustainability comes from smart partnerships. We’re not reinventing the wheel; we’re collaborating with existing schools, training centers, and experienced individuals. This way, we tap into existing infrastructure and knowledge, reducing startup costs while maintaining quality. It’s about building an ecosystem of shared impact.

You mentioned partnerships. Are you seeking collaboration with the government or private sector?

Absolutely. The government is a key stakeholder, especially with the president’s current emphasis on youth and women empowerment. But we know that to earn collaboration, we must first show results; a clear structure, measurable outcomes, and transparency. Once we demonstrate impact, we’ll approach both government and private partners to scale our initiatives.

In today’s world, visibility matters. How are you approaching media and transparency, especially if you prefer to stay out of the spotlight?

(Laughs) Yes, I’ve never been one to seek the spotlight, but I’ve come to realize that visibility is necessary for accountability. Social media and traditional media are powerful tools to show the public what we’re doing; the progress, the challenges, and the results. So, I’m learning to be more open and collaborative with the media. It’s all part of building trust.

Finally, let’s talk about volunteers. What’s your approach to working with them?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any foundation, but we have to be realistic about the context we’re in. In Nigeria, it’s important to support volunteers; even if it’s just transport stipends or honorariums. People want to help, but they also have needs. And that’s okay.
I also think it’s vital to educate people on why we post about donations or volunteer activities. It’s not about showing off, it’s about transparency. When people see where their contributions go, it builds confidence and encourages more giving.

What’s your ultimate vision for the Agbede Foundation?

To create a ripple effect of empowerment; starting with one community, one skill, one person at a time. My hope is that every participant in our programs not only finds independence but also passes that empowerment on to others. That’s how real change begins.