Modupe Ozolua (born 10 October 1973) is a Lebanese-Nigerian-American philanthropist and entrepreneur.
She was the CEO of Body Enhancement Ltd and is the founding president of Empower 54 Project Initiatives (formerly Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery Foundation).
Early Life and Education
- Youngest of four children of Prince Julius I. Ozolua and Princess Olua Mary S. Ozolua (née Otaru), from Ososo, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State, Nigeria.
- The name Modupe means “I give thanks” in Yoruba.
- Studied Business Management at Southwestern College, graduating with honors and inducted into Alpha Pi Epsilon, Phi Theta Kappa. Recognized on the Southwestern Dean's Honorary List and the National Dean's List (1994–1995).
- Obtained a B.Sc. in Technical Business Management from DeVry University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Career
- Returned to Nigeria in 2001 to establish Body Enhancement Ltd, offering cosmetic surgery and aesthetic laser treatments.
- Founded Empower 54 in 2003, providing humanitarian assistance across Africa—medical missions, hunger eradication, education, female empowerment, and refugee support.
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu served as patron since the organization's inception.
- Known for leading Empower 54’s Rise Above Terror initiative, aiding Boko Haram survivors through rehabilitation, self-employment training, and children’s education in IDP camps.
- Facilitated evacuation of 1,500+ severely malnourished children from Bama to Maiduguri for urgent treatment.
Personal Life
- Married at 21, divorced at 23; has one son.
- Holds the traditional title Oyimizé of Ososo Kingdom (“The One We Choose”).
Selected Awards
- U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy (2023) – signed by President Joe Biden.
- Official proclamation of Princess Modupe Ozolua Day, Houston, Texas (2019).
- City of Atlanta Proclamation for humanitarian service (2006).
- Recognized as One of 50 African Women Who Shape the African Continent – Elle South Africa (2016).
- Numerous humanitarian, enterprise, and leadership awards from Nigerian and international organizations.
Selected Nominations
- Honorary Consul to Lagos, Nigeria – Democratic Republic of Congo (2020).
- Young Manager of the Year – ThisDay Newspaper Awards (2005).
Selected Projects
- Ongoing bi-annual medical distribution to 620,000+ children and women in Nigeria and DRC since 2018.
- Evacuation of 1,800 malnourished IDP children from Boko Haram’s stronghold in Bama (2016).
- Medical missions in Ethiopia, Mali, Niger Republic, Zambia, and Tanzania.
- School building and rehabilitation in Boko Haram-affected regions of Nigeria.
- Large-scale medication and nutritional aid programs across Africa.
External Link: Empower 54 Official Website(https://empower54.org)