DOWAN OKON FOUNDATION was founded by Iquo Oqua Bassey on 20th September 1997 as Dorcas Orphan and Widows Association Of Nigeria (with DOWAN as her acronym). The name was later changed to Dorcas Welfare Association Of Nigeria (with DOWAN as her acronym).
Upon registration with Corporate Affairs Commission Of Nigeria, it is now known as DOWAN OKON FOUNDATION (retaining her nickname as DOWAN).
Born from a simple yet powerful idea, to provide practical care and lasting diginity to vulnerable people, the Association Headquarters is situated at 105 Old Ikang Road, Calabar Cross River State of Nigeria.
In its earliest years, the Foundation operated at a grassroot level: small-scale food distributions, school-fee support for children of bereaved households and locally organized Skills-training Workshops for Target groups.
To operate more effectively and transparently, the Foundation formalised it's legal status: it is registered with the Cross River State Ministry of Humanities and Welfare and at the national level, with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). These registrations enabled the Foundation to widen its partnership, secure funding and engage in formal collaboration with Government Agencies, local Churches, Community groups.
Over the decades, DOWAN OKON FOUNDATION broadened its programs while staying true to the original focus and vision. Typical areas of activities have included basic educational support, vocational training, business support for widows and Health talks in Churches.
Impact has been felt at household and community levels: children retained in school, widows started small businesses and stronger local networks as well as mutual support through visits to Motherless Babies Homes, Old People's Home, Remand Home and Nigeria Prisons.
Today, DOWAN OKON FOUNDATION stands as a rooted Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) with nearly three decades of experience—combining compassionate relief with practical empowerment.
