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By Doris Obinna
Shontel Amuchechukwu Nnadi, a passionate humanitarian, is Founder of the Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering children, supporting widows, and protecting vulnerable children across Africa.
A strong advocate for education and child protection, Nnadi champions enlightenment on issues of molestation and abuse through outreach, training, and awareness programmes.
Guided by faith and the enduring values of her late father, the late Chief Chamberlain Egwuatu, she embodies compassion, leadership, and is determined to inspire a new generation to believe that age is no barrier to making meaningful impact.
In this interview with Daily Sun, Shontel Nnadi, whose birthday is today, talks about the Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation and other things.
We know that Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation is a non-governmental organization. Could you tell us the philosophy behind it?
The Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation was established to honour the legacy of my late father, Chief Omenife Chamberlain Egwuatu-Nnadi, who was a man of great integrity and compassion, always dedicated to uplifting those around him. The foundation embodies his belief that every child and widow deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their situation.
Our philosophy centres on empowerment through education and community support, reflecting my father’s commitment to service. We are dedicated to continuing his mission of generational change, equipping individuals with the resources and skills they need to transform their lives and pursue their dreams.
What informed your interest in children and widows?
My interest in children and widows is deeply rooted in my father’s values. He often emphasized the importance of supporting those in need, particularly vulnerable groups, like children and widows. Witnessing the challenges faced by these individuals, I felt a compelling responsibility to advocate for them. Through the foundation, I strive to honour my father’s legacy by providing essential support and resources that empower these groups to flourish and regain their sense of agency in society.
Why did you single out education as a key focus in your Foundation?
Education was a core value in my father’s life, and it remains a focal point for the Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation. He believed that knowledge is a powerful tool that can break the cycles of poverty and enable individuals to change their circumstances. By prioritizing education, we aim to fulfill his vision of equipping children, especially girls, with the skills needed to achieve their potential. This commitment extends to providing vocational training for widows, offering them the means to build sustainable livelihoods and independence, thus continuing my father’s legacy of empowerment.
What are your programmes for the rest of the year?
To honour my father’s memory, we have planned programmes that aim to uplift our community. We are focusing on three major projects: A school supplies drive for underprivileged children, a widow empowerment programme that provides small business grants, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness on child molestation and abuse prevention. Each programme is designed to not only reflect my father’s values but also to ensure that his legacy of community service thrives.
The establishment of Foundations or philanthropic organisations has been done by the elderly and well established individuals. You are a young lady, who has ventured into this. How are you faring?
Venturing into philanthropy as a young woman to honour my father’s legacy can be both challenging and rewarding. His foundational work laid the groundwork for my passion for community service. While people might expect older, more established individuals to lead in this space, I believe that youth brings fresh ideas and innovative perspectives. I draw strength from my father’s teachings and surround myself with mentors who share his vision. This not only motivates me but also enables me to navigate the complexities of running a foundation effectively.
You just mentioned mentors. Who are your role models?
I draw inspiration from people like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has shown that integrity and service can go hand-in-hand, and Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the less privileged. Their lives remind me that true leadership is about compassion, courage, and consistency.These values guide my passion for engagement and enlightenment on child molestation and rape.
I believe that leadership is not just about influence, but it’s about using your voice to protect those who cannot protect themselves. That’s why the Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation continues to organise awareness campaigns, school outreaches, and community talks to educate children, parents, and teachers about the importance of vigilance, consent, and early reporting of abuse. Through these programmes, we are building a culture of openness and accountability — one where victims are supported, not silenced, and every child can grow up free from fear.
What would you want government to do to ensure that vulnerable people, like children and widows, are fine?
I would like to see more government support for widows through policies that protect their rights to inheritance and property. But beyond that, a major area that needs urgent attention is the fight against child molestation and rape.
The government must strengthen laws to ensure offenders are brought to justice swiftly and victims are protected, not shamed. We also need continuous public engagement and enlightenment campaigns — in schools, communities, and religious centres — to educate children, parents, and teachers about prevention, early signs, and reporting channels.
At the Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation, we are deeply committed to this cause. Through our awareness programmes, we teach children about body safety, consent, and how to speak up. We also engage parents and community leaders to break the culture of silence around these issues.
Running Foundations is expensive. How are you able to finance your activities?
Financing a foundation inspired by a personal legacy is a journey that involves strategic planning and community support. We actively seek partnerships with local businesses that understand and resonate with my father’s vision. Fundraising events, such as community galas that celebrate his legacy, also play a crucial role in securing resources. We pursue grants from organisations aligned with our mission.
Transparency in our operations builds trust within the community, encouraging more individuals to contribute and support the vital work we intend to do. However, for now, the Foundation is self-funded from some royalties my late father left behind for me
As a woman, what is your driving force?
As a woman leading this foundation in memory of my father, my driving force is rooted in a desire to make a significant impact. Another key motivation for me is our engagement and enlightenment work on child molestation and rape. Whenever I see children becoming more aware of their rights and learning how to protect themselves, I feel fulfilled.
Our foundation organizes sensitization programmes in schools and communities to educate both children and parents about the dangers of abuse, consent, and how to report suspicious behaviour. These sessions are not just about awareness; they are about giving people the courage to speak up and take action. The change starts with knowledge, and that is why we are committed to creating safe spaces and conversations that protect every child’s dignity and future.
Apart from educating girl children about molestation, what would you advise them generally?
In addition to educating girls about personal safety, I encourage them to embrace their voices and ambitions. My father always emphasized the importance of self-worth and striving for your dreams. I would advise girls to surround themselves with positive role models and build a support network.
Pursuing passions, setting goals, and celebrating accomplishments, no matter how small, are essential steps toward personal growth and empowerment. Each girl should know that she can contribute meaningfully to her community, just as my father taught me.
What would you advise parents about their girl children?
Parents should listen to their children, talk to them about difficult topics like abuse, and create safe spaces for them to speak up. Education should be a priority — no sacrifice is too much to give your child a chance at a better future and also encourage parents to create an environment that fosters open communication and trust with their daughters. My father believed that
Safeguarding, understanding and support would empower young individuals to navigate challenges effectively.
Parents should actively engage in their children’s education and offer guidance that reflects resilience, kindness, and respect. Encouraging girls to develop strong self-esteem and instilling a sense of purpose can equip them to face societal challenges confidently, carrying forward the values my father championed.
We know that it is not bed of roses. What are your challenges?
One of our biggest challenges is securing sustainable funding for our initiatives. As we work to honour my father’s legacy, I recognize that conveying our mission and impact is essential. Additionally, reaching remote areas while navigating logistical hurdles can prove challenging. Changing mindsets within communities can also be slow, but I remain focused on the long-term vision. Each challenge we face is a reminder of my father’s perseverance; overcoming them reinforces our commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Have you given a thought to collaboration with other organisations and government?
Collaboration is essential to our strategy, as it allows us to amplify our impact while honouring my father’s dedication to community engagement. I have initiated discussions with several NGOs and government agencies to explore partnership opportunities that align with our shared vision. Collaborative work can pool resources and expertise, helping us reaches more individuals and address complex issues collectively. I believe that through unity and shared efforts; we can create a more significant impact and uphold the values my father instilled in me.
From your projection, where will Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation be in the next 10 years?
In the next 10 years, I see the Chamberlain Egwuatu Foundation becoming a household name in Africa with educational scholarships reaching thousands of children annually and empowerment programmes transforming entire communities. Our dream is to create a movement of hope and change that will outlive us.
A major part of that vision is to expand our engagement and enlightenment programmes on child molestation and rape. We want to reach more schools, more parents, and more community leaders, ensuring that conversations about protection, consent, and justice become part of everyday life. Through continuous education, we aim to eliminate the stigma surrounding victims, strengthen prevention efforts, and build a culture where every child’s safety is a shared responsibility.
Ultimately, the future we are working toward is one where children and widows can live free from fear, empowered by knowledge, and supported by a society that values their dignity and worth.
