Viterbo University
Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for outstanding humanitarian service and lifelong commitment to vulnerable communities.
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Founder of Anawim Homes
Mother Onomoresoa Agatha Selo-Ojeme
A life devoted to restoring dignity, hope, and love to the poorest of the poor. Guided by unwavering faith and compassion, Mother Oresoa transformed a personal calling into one of Nigeria's most inspiring humanitarian missions.
Mission
Serving the poorest of the poor with compassion and dignity
Reach
Humanitarian outreach across Nigeria and Ghana
Founded
Established Anawim Homes mid‑1990s from a lifelong calling
Legacy
Transforming lives through faith, care, education & advocacy
30+
Years of Service
Who She Is
A Vision Born from Compassion
Mother Onomoresoa Agatha Selo-Ojeme, affectionately known as Mother Oresoa, is the visionary founder of Anawim Homes. Her life has been shaped by a profound commitment to serve vulnerable children, women, older persons, people living with mental illness, and individuals experiencing extreme poverty.
What began as a deeply personal response to God's call has grown into a thriving ministry that has restored hope and dignity to countless lives across Nigeria and beyond. Her journey reflects extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
Today, the values she established — compassion, dignity, service, and unconditional love — continue to guide every aspect of Anawim Homes' work.
"Love is measured not by what we receive, but by what we give."
Her Journey
A Life Guided by Faith and Compassion
Every stage of her journey prepared her for a mission that would transform the lives of thousands of vulnerable people.
Late 1950s
Early Life
Born in Benin City, Edo State, into a devoted Catholic family, Mother Oresoa was raised with strong values of faith, compassion, and service. Her parents instilled in her the importance of caring for others and living a life dedicated to God.
1977
Answering God's Call
After completing her secondary education, she joined the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Congregation as one of its pioneering members. This marked the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey rooted in service and religious formation.
1985
Academic Formation
Mother Oresoa furthered her education at Viterbo College in the United States, graduating with a degree in Education and Religious Studies. The experience broadened her perspective and strengthened her desire to serve humanity.
1988
Serving the Church
Upon returning to Nigeria, she served as Vocation Directress and Postulant Mistress before being assigned to the Brother Roman Catechetical Centre in Ekpoma. Her encounters with abandoned children and people in poverty profoundly shaped her future mission.
1990–1994
A Growing Conviction
Although entrusted with significant leadership responsibilities, Mother Oresoa felt increasingly drawn toward those society had forgotten — street children, people living with mental illness, and families in extreme poverty.
26 October 1994
A Life‑Changing Decision
After years of prayer, discernment, and spiritual guidance, she received a dispensation from religious vows, allowing her to fully dedicate her life to serving the poorest of the poor — the decision that would give birth to Anawim Homes.
"True compassion is not simply feeling another person's pain — it is choosing to walk beside them until hope is restored."
— Mother Onomoresoa Agatha Selo-Ojeme
A New Beginning
Founding Anawim Homes
After years of prayer, discernment, and practical experience caring for vulnerable people, Mother Oresoa embarked on a mission that would change countless lives.
Practical Experience Before the Mission
Before establishing Anawim Homes, Mother Oresoa travelled to eastern Nigeria where she spent several months learning directly from experienced caregivers dedicated to supporting people living with mental illness and extreme poverty.
This hands-on experience strengthened her conviction that compassionate care must go beyond providing shelter — it must restore dignity, create opportunities, and accompany every individual on the journey toward healing and independence.
Arrival in Abuja — serving where the need was greatest
Outreach grew across Nigeria and Ghana
Continuing the Mission
A Legacy That Continues to Transform Lives
Mother Oresoa's vision lives on through Anawim Homes' holistic approach to care, education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and community empowerment.
0
Years of Service
Dedicated to restoring dignity and hope
0
Countries
Active humanitarian outreach
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Core Programmes
Children, women, health, education & livelihoods
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Lives Restored
Every life restored renews hope for a family
Vision
Restoring Hope Through Compassion
Mother Oresoa's vision has always extended beyond meeting immediate needs. She believes every individual deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to society — regardless of their circumstances.
This philosophy continues to inspire the work of Anawim Homes today, shaping programmes that restore dignity while empowering people to build brighter futures.
Compassion
Every person deserves love and dignity.
Inclusion
No one should be forgotten because of poverty or disability.
Empowerment
Building lasting change through education and opportunity.
Faith
Guided by God's love in every act of service.
Recognition
International Recognition & Media Coverage
Over the years, Mother Oresoa's work has been recognised by universities, international organisations, faith communities, governments, and media outlets worldwide.
Vatican Radio
Featured internationally for inspiring work among abandoned children and people living in extreme poverty.
Read Article →AllAfrica
Pioneering humanitarian work dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and disadvantaged communities.
Read Article →Israeli Embassy
Recognised through collaborative community engagement supporting children living at Anawim Homes.
Read Article →Afri-Ca
International coverage highlighting Mother Oresoa's dedication to serving the poorest of the poor.
Read Article →St. Paul's School for Girls
International partnership celebrating compassionate outreach and continued support for Anawim Homes.
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Documentary
Watch Mother Oresoa's Story
Discover the remarkable journey behind Anawim Homes. Learn how one woman's unwavering faith and compassion grew into a movement that continues to transform lives across communities.
- The inspiration behind Anawim Homes
- Stories of hope and transformation
- A mission that continues today
Legacy
A Legacy of Hope That Continues
What began as one woman's response to God's call has grown into a thriving ministry dedicated to restoring dignity, strengthening families, and transforming communities.
Today, Mother Oresoa's vision continues through compassionate care for children, support for vulnerable women, healthcare initiatives, education, rehabilitation programmes, community development, and advocacy for those whose voices are often unheard.
Her legacy reminds us that lasting change begins with a single act of compassion — and that every person has the power to bring hope where it is needed most.
Continue the Mission
Become Part of Mother Oresoa's Legacy
Every act of kindness helps restore hope to vulnerable children, women, older persons, and families facing hardship.
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