About SSI
SSI is a Section 501(c) (3) charitable organization, EIN 82-3961927.
At Sustainable Social Initiatives (SSI), we are committed to providing accessible, affordable, and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals residing in developing countries such as Nigeria. Our mission is to elevate underserved and resource-poor communities by enhancing access to life-saving education and services.
Quality early education is crucial towards the development of optimal literacy skills needed to succeed in any competitive environment. SSI hopes to partner with government and private sector stakeholders to expand refurbishment projects in children’s public libraries and school libraries regionally and across the country, in addition to building and programming new children’s libraries where needed. The goal of improving the library's educational resources and programs to be at par with the standards in developed countries.
Undernutrition in children contributes to cognitive deficits, poor academic engagement and performance. Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in school age children in Nigeria ranges from 20% to as high as 50% with geographical variations. With financial assistance, donations and support from the public and institutions, SSI hopes to achieve its goal of running school lunch programs with high protein meals in resource-poor nursery/elementary schools.
The youth unemployment rate in Nigeria (at more than 50%) remains one of the highest in the world. Causes of youth unemployment are multifactorial ranging from inadequate education and skills development to economic instability and limited job opportunities. SSI intends to forge partnerships with local public libraries, businesses, workforce development agencies to set up career services/career centers to assist with job searches and resume development; conduct workforce training services including certification courses and adult literacy programs.
Preventive measures and health education can reduce complications of prevalent chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. In children, immunization is an essential strategy to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, 14% of 22 million children without complete immunization records, live in Nigeria. SSI plans to collaborate with local health departments to ensure 100% immunization coverage, especially school children in hard-to-reach remote rural areas. SSI plans to conduct medical outreaches periodically throughout the year mostly in rural remote areas with few or no health facilities . Extensive support , financial and otherwise, is needed for successful and sustainable activities.
SSI believes in assisting communities in periods of hardship and despair. During the floods in Nigeria in 2022 which devastated communities and displaced over 1.4 million in many states; with over 603 people losing their lives, SSI conducted humanitarian and medical aid assistance during the 2022 devastating floods in Nigeria. SSI plans to continue with these human centered relief efforts where and when needed. Donations and support from the public, businesses and institutions are highly welcome.
At SSI, we work diligently to break down barriers to access to better life in low-resource communities by offering targeted interventions and innovative solutions. We firmly believe in the power of community-oriented projects to make a lasting impact on the well-being and prosperity of people in need. Join us in our mission to create lasting change and empower communities worldwide, to ensure a more equitable and successful future for all.
Our Board
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chete Eze-Nliam, MD, MPH
Dr Chete Eze-Nliam is a dedicated physician with specialized training in cardiovascular medicine and public health. She has a strong interest in disparities in health care of populations and initiatives to address these to improve health outcomes. Born and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Chete Eze-Nliam attended medical school at the University of Nigeria and completed her post-graduate medical education at several highly acclaimed institutions in the United States including Johns Hopkins University and University of California San Francisco. She also earned a master's degree in public health from Columbia University, New York, USA.
As President and CEO of a non-profit organization dedicated to childhood education, youth empowerment, medical and humanitarian initiatives, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and passion for community service to the mission. With a background in medicine and a commitment to improving lives, she oversees initiatives that span from educational programs for underserved children to empowering youth through mentorship and skill development.
As a physician with dual passions for medicine and social impact, she has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of healthcare on communities, inspiring the organization's reach through medical outreaches and humanitarian aid. .SSI believes in creating lasting change by addressing the root causes of societal challenges. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, SSI aims to empower communities to improve their quality of life. Whether it is advocating for childhood education, empowering young leaders, or providing critical medical care in underserved regions, SSI ‘s work is driven by a commitment to equity and compassion.
Dr Eze-Nliam invites everyone to explore SSI’s mission and initiatives, and become part of making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Adaora Ifebigh, MBA, MPP
Adaora Ifebigh is a dedicated advocate for low- and moderate-income communities, driven by her passion for equal access to life-saving resources, education, and innovative solutions. Her commitment to uplifting resource-poor communities worldwide is rooted in her own upbringing in Enugu, Nigeria, as well as her extensive education and professional experience in the United States.
After completing her early education in Nigeria, Adaora pursued higher education in the U.S, earning a Master's in Business Administration from Florida International University, Miami, FL (2002) and a Master's in Public Policy from George Mason University, Arlington, VA (2012). These educational experiences have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to create positive change in communities in need.
Throughout her impressive career spanning over 15 years, Adaora has gained invaluable experience in project and operations management across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. This diverse background has provided her with the opportunity to manage multi-million-dollar portfolios in the energy and environment sector, as well as offer her expertise in project management consulting for the U.S government.
Director of Programs
Innocent Ogbue, MBBS, MPH
Dr Innocent Ogbue is the Founder and CEO of KSmart Solutions International, a pioneer healthcare and education technology company. Ksmart Solutions Intl. harnesses the power of innovative technological tools to help healthcare facilities improve patient care delivery and education institutions advance student learning performance outcomes.
Dr Ogbue holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from University of Ilorin and a Masters in Health Policy and Management from New York Medical College, New York.
Dr Ogbue has over 10 years of international experience working across countries and different cultural backgrounds to formulate and execute projects which include collaborative client engagement on a day-to-day basis, performance of competitive analysis and identification of gaps and opportunities in marketplace. He is also involved in developing business models, strategic tools and frameworks for solving client problems, financial modelling and predictions, product portfolio planning and organizational strategies
Corporate Secretary
Chinyere U. Eze-Nliam, Ph.D.
Chinyere Ugomma Eze-Nliam is a barrister at law of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and an attorney and counselor at law of the state of New York. Born and raised in Nigeria, and educated in Nigeria and France, she holds a Master’s in international development (Paris V-Sorbonne) as well as a Ph.D. (Summa Cum Laude) in international relations from Centre d'Etudes Diplomatiques et Stratégiques (CEDS) in Paris France.
Fluent in English and French, she has worked in different capacities as an attorney in international organizations with a laser focus on rights of minority and vulnerable populations. She’s currently involved in community outreach programs as a secretary of the board of a federally qualified health center (FQHC) with the goal of expanding primary health care to underserved, marginalized communities in Queens, New York.
To that end, she’s involved in advocacy efforts and attends policy and issues forums and conferences aimed at highlighting the challenges many Americans face in gaining access to affordable health care.She lives in New York where she manages her own law firm specializing in family and matrimonial law.
