BACKGROUND
The name of the founder of The Humanitarian Foundation is IGWEIKE RAPHAEL OTUM – a renowned philanthropist, Educationist, Author, Leader and Servant of the Most High God. He was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Igwe Otum, the last of three from his mother. From a polygamous family and he is the fond of both parents. Born right in his village (on a Saturday evening) of Akanu Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria.
IGWEIKE RAPHAEL OTUM, blessed with rare gifts of administration, planning, hospitality, counseling, intersession, longsuffering, mentoring and ministering comfort and care to many even against his personal comfort. Also, bringing love, hope, and encouragement to the hopeless and so many others far and near. As an evangelist, He started the work of God as a Children Pastor in a local church in Oshodi, Lagos State, for a period of three years. And later became a pioneer of some other Christian Organizations and various Gospel projects. His high demonstration of love and care towards children and other needy started quite a very long time even before the inspiration of establishing this reputable Non-Governmental Organization.
EDUCATION
IGWEIKE RAPHAEL OTUM actually had an unstable, hard and funny academic background. He started his nursery school education back in his village, and ended it in Ijesha, Lagos State. His primary school education continued from Ijesha and finished the same in his village due to the 1993 political conflict in Nigeria. This political conflict was popularly called “The Abiola Race” or “Oso Abiola” (in Igbo language). While in the village, he completed his primary school education and started his secondary school education of which he completed in Ikotun, Lagos State.
He acquired his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Accountancy from Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). He switched to National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) where he acquired his first degree in the same field (B.Sc. in Accounting). He is a member of Association of Accounting Technicians Scheme, West Africa (AATSWA) – ICAN.
IGWEIKE RAPHAEL OTUM acquired both his first and second degree in Christian Education – Bachelor of Art and Master in Theology – from Victory Bible Institute, Isolo, Lagos State. He has written so many Christian literature and has authored some books including, “The Book of Remembrance” and “From Nobody to Somebody”.
BUSINESS/CAREER
IGWEIKE RAPHAEL OTUM started working fully joined the work force of the human race in the last year of his secondary school days in a block industry as a motor-boy and later joined bricklayers as casual assistant. He did not last long in this as he could not fit in well. He later became a secondary school teacher and was very active in sports that he was made the Physical and Health Educationist. This very teaching job was not paying well at all as it barely takes care of his monthly feeding. He then proceeded to work with some restaurants and hotels for many years as Barman, Store-keeper and Manager. After this, he set up his own business – frozen food business (cold room), retail phone sales and some other petty businesses – from which he trained himself in higher institution and also championed the family welfare. The main business which was cold room suffered a terrible setback as a result of lack of power (electricity) supply and government whims and was liquidated at last. Moreover, after he graduation, he worked as Security Officer (popularly known as Gateman), Account Officer, Accountant, Internal Auditor and Assistant General Manager (Group) in some big companies in Lagos.
Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of IGR Sparkling Industries Limited (a subsidiary of Igwe-Raph Global Resources). To crown it all, he is the founder and president of this great Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known globally as The Humanitarian Foundation (a.k.a. Thehumanfound).
HOBBIES
IGWEIKE RAPHAEL OTUM, popularly known as “IGWE” has flare for sports, ranging from football to sprint. He is a real fan of Chelsea Football Club of London. He is also interested in reading, writing, counseling, public speaking and evangelism. He enjoys Christian songs and dance and participates actively in praise and worship atmosphere. He loves reading and watching history literature/documentary and cartoon/comic books and movies.