Auxano Foundation for Empowerment and Development (AFED) draws its inspiration from the Greek word “Auxano,” meaning “progress,” “to cause to increase,” or “to become greater.” This profound term encapsulates our core purpose — to foster positive change and elevate the lives of individuals and communities.

The roots of AFED trace back to the visionary heart of a veteran Soldier, Late MWO John Jimoh Ede Kabunu Igoh (1948-1999), a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to serving both his nation and humanity and died at his post. In his selfless journey, he exemplified the essence of generosity and compassion, particularly towards the underserved and vulnerable. His legacy lives on as a beacon of inspiration, igniting a mission that contributes to making the world a better place for all.

Like a mustard seed, MWO John Jimoh Ipoh’s life was compact yet impactful, sowing the seeds of progress and compassion in his progeny. His legacy flourished, branching out with leaves of support, shelter, sustenance, and above all, a guiding light of hope for those seeking solace. His life story stirred the formation of Auxano Foundation which started in 2012 as an advocacy movement by his daughter Lawrenta Jacinta Igoh, and in 2015 the Foundation was incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria as a Volunteer-Led Community-Interest group, a testament to his unwavering commitment to making lives and situations better.

At Auxano Foundation, our driving force mirrors the enduring legacy of our founder and ever ready networks of volunteers. Our very existence is rooted in the conviction that progress is more than a mere destination; it’s an ongoing journey of positive metamorphosis. We envision a world where each individual and community basks in growth, where latent potentials unfurl, where victims of human trafficking recover and heal, the children on the street finds a home, the seeds of compassion and empowerment blossom into full fruition and the vision is paid forward for generations to come.

The essence of the late MWO John Jimoh Igohs’ legacy has evolved into the heartbeat of AFED’s mission. Our objective is clear: to instigate transformation, empower the marginalized, and elevate communities, right from the grassroots level. We harness the spirit of volunteerism and harness the potency of collective endeavor to engineer sustainable solutions. Through collaborative alliances and pioneering undertakings, we faithfully uphold our founder’s legacy, breathing life into the march of progress.

Auxano Foundation’s journey in propelling progress continued in Makurdi, the heart of North Central Nigeria in 2014. By 2015, the Foundation was christened by the venerable Reverend Fr. Akpan Melchizedek, a clergyman, counselor, scholar, and educator and that same year, it was registered as a Trusteeship under the Nigerian Law with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). With this christening and registration, the foundation’s mission received its name, and the tide of professional volunteers began surging forth.  The Foundation’s first engagement with the public sector was with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) when the volunteer ICT Team led by Mr. Manasseh Ikpenya conducted free ICT trainings for officers of NAPTIP at the Makurdi Zonal Command.  Subsequently. the foundation has continue to engage with NAPTIP offering medical and  rehabilitation support for survivors, raising awareness against human in secluded and marginalized communities and refer potential victims to NAPTIP.

By 2017, the trajectory widened dramatically. Dr. Babajide Feyisinmi Grace assumed the mantle of the Foundation’s inaugural Program Director and Team Leader. Under her stewardship, the medical department embarked on transformative free medical outreaches to communities in need as well as  free consultations and treatments for survivors and officers  at NAPTIP’s headquarters Clinic and shelter Clinic on specific days of the week as several other innovative projects.

Simultaneously, Barr. Mariadi Mary Igoh embarked on another groundbreaking endeavor, launching the Pro Bono Legal Department. This visionary initiative extended free legal services to individuals dwelling within marginalized communities, battling various forms of abuse and propagating the message of human rights to the grassroots

The year 2018 marked a turning point, as Auxano Foundation’s reputation reached international shores when the convener was awarded the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in the USA. This accolade catalyzed the Foundation’s global recognition.

In 2020, Auxano Foundation’s footprint transcended boundaries. The volunteer network expanded to the UK, occasioned by the conveners’ award of the Chevening Scholarship Scheme with new volunteers emerging from far-reaching corners: India, Italy, Spain, Latvia, China, Belgium, Ireland, and beyond. A truly global network was born. At the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Foundation also launched the Pandemic Communicare Intervention Project that brings information about the novel corona virus, food, water and hope to individuals and families living in hardest-to-reach communities. The same year, the Vineyard of Hope Shelter Project took root in the UK. This visionary initiative committed itself to a long-term mission towards erecting secure havens for survivors of domestic violence and homelessness. This initiative echoed our belief in creating lasting sanctuaries where resilience could thrive.

AFED actively collaborates with reputable organizations, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), to combat human trafficking, provide support for survivors, and contribute to national and global efforts against this heinous crime. Auxano Foundation is a registered member of the Network of All Civil Society against Trafficking and Labour (NACTAL), has collaborated with United Way World Wide providing volunteer support in implementing a Landscape Analysis on Human Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa and collaborated with United Way Greater Nigeria 3M project during the Pandemic to distribute food relief to most in need.  The Foundation also collaborated with UNODC. Healthy and smart children foundation, YUDEE Foundation and American Corner on different occasions to implement educational and awareness project for the girl child.

As we trace this remarkable journey, it’s evident that our strides embody the legacy of progress. The tendrils of compassion, cultivated through a rich tapestry of professional volunteers, are now weaving a future where hope, opportunity, and empowerment flourish in unity.