By Nkechinyere Ewa – Okpara
MARTIN Nwabueze, an Anambra-born pharmacist and co-founder of Tilova for Africa (TFA), a nonprofit redefining charity across vulnerable communities, believes Nigeria is on the point of transformation.
In this exclusive interview, the US-based professional offers bold insights into how innovation, unity, and a generational shift could rescue Nigeria from the shackles of poverty and disunity.
“We are approaching a stage where innovation will overpower oil, and politicians will lose their grip on respect and relevance,” he said.
Despite Nigeria’s rich endowment in natural resources, Nwabueze believes it is not wealth, but deep-rooted structural and societal divisions, that keep the nation from fulfilling its potential.
“Nigeria is a country with too many things dividing us and nothing uniting us,” he explained. “We are fragmented across tribal, religious, linguistic, and cultural lines. This breeds mistrust, extinguishes patriotism, and fosters the survival-of-the-fittest mentality instead of love for the country.”
He draws parallels between Nigeria’s complex identity crisis and the United States’ historical struggles with unity. Yet, unlike America, Nigeria has to develop shared national values that can bridge its differences.
According to Nwabueze, the consequences of this fractured identity were first fully displayed during the 1966 coup and subsequent civil war. That moment, he said, continues to haunt the country’s leadership and power structure till today.
“From 1966 till now, leadership and wealth have remained in the hands of the victors of that war,” he said, naming former military and civilian leaders as examples. “Even now, the decisions of today are shaped by emotions of the past.”
Yet, Nwabueze remains hopeful. “We are close to the end of the tunnel. Look closely, and you will see signs of the rise of private tech innovators, crypto entrepreneurs, app builders, content creators, and global musicians from Nigeria redefining how the world sees us.”
Drawing inspiration from countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea, he argues that it was not politics but technological disruption and private ingenuity that fueled their national rebirths.
“It’s not any one president that made America great. It was Henry Ford, the Wright brothers, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk. These innovators built industries, created wealth, and gave power to the people.”
Nwabueze believes that for Nigeria to thrive, financial and innovative power must shift away from the presidency and political elite to the private sector.
“When innovators earn more respect than corrupt politicians, when they create more jobs and wealth than government officials, then the scramble for political power will lose its lure,” he said.
On Pharmacy, Migration, and Purpose
Nwabueze initially aspired to study medicine, but a twist of fate and an adventurous spirit led him to pharmacy. After studying at the University of Benin, he moved to the US to pursue further education not for economic reasons, but to return better equipped to serve his country.
“I didn’t go to America as an economic migrant. I wanted a superior education. My role models, including my brother Prof. Kenneth Nwabueze and my uncle Prof. Emeka Nwabueze, had all studied abroad,” he said.
Although his plans to return to Nigeria full-time shifted after he started a family in the US, his commitment to Nigeria never wavered.
“At the appropriate time, I’ll return. For now, I contribute through Tilova for Africa.”
What Drives Tilova for Africa?
Tilova for Africa is Nwabueze’s way of giving back. According to him, it is more than an NGO it is an expression of his deepest values: empathy, honesty, kindness, and service.
“We exist to provide direct and indirect support to the most vulnerable — the poor, the stigmatised, the sick, and the ostracised. It’s about giving voice to the voiceless.”
Mental health is also a top priority.
“We’re fighting the stigma around mental illness. We offer counselling through our website and social media platforms. We also advocate for toll-free suicide prevention helplines and policy reform,” he said.
Reinventing Charity and the Future of Giving
Tilova for Africa is not built around personalities or founders. Rather, it promotes shared ownership and participation. The team is currently developing an app to match donors with those in need a “charity directory” that functions like a matchmaking platform.
“Just like we have dating apps, we’re building a Tilova charity app,” he revealed. “Even if some users don’t receive material help, they’ll still walk away with joy, humour, and support from our content.”
Currently self-funded by its co-founders and private donors, the organisation is also positioned to receive institutional grants as it expands.
“Our mission is to put smiles on as many faces as possible. We’re reinventing how charity is done in Africa,” he said.
Looking Ahead: A New Nigeria Is Possible
In closing, Nwabueze painted a hopeful picture of a new Nigeria one driven by ideas, not oil; by innovation, not politics.
“In the next 20 years, we will be a different country united not by oil wealth shared by corrupt leaders, but by wealth built through individual ingenuity. The old political order will fade, and a new era of service-driven leadership will emerge.”
His message is clear: Nigeria doesn’t need another messiah. It needs innovators, educators, creators, and givers.
“The wind of change is blowing,” he concluded. “And we are only just getting started.”