“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” — Pericles
The late Ibidunni Ighodalo was many things; a successful entrepreneur, beauty queen, and, above all, a guiding light for countless families struggling with infertility. Her story is one of courage, empathy, and unshakable faith in the face of personal trials. Though she faced immense challenges on her path to motherhood, Ibidunni turned her pain into purpose, founding the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF) to help others fulfil their dreams of parenthood
Her Struggle with Fertility
Ibidunni’s fertility journey began shortly after her marriage to Pastor Ituah Ighodalo in 2007. Like many couples, they anticipated the joy of holding their child in their arms. However, year after year passed without a pregnancy, leading to heartbreaking medical diagnoses and recommendations for assisted reproduction. Despite enduring numerous treatments, including nine rounds of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), the couple’s faith remained steadfast
During this time, Ibidunni also faced the emotional toll that often accompanies fertility struggles, dealing with societal pressures, insensitive comments, and the internal battle of hope versus disappointment. Yet, she found strength in her faith and the unwavering support of her husband, Pastor Ituah.
It was through this difficult journey that Ibidunni’s heart opened to the many women she encountered who also longed for children but were hindered by financial or emotional barriers. While some women needed just one cycle of IVF to conceive, they couldn’t afford the procedure, which was out of reach for many Nigerian couples. This realisation led her to create a platform to support those on a similar journey.
Adoption and Finding Joy in Parenthood
Despite her struggles with fertility, Ibidunni and her husband experienced the joy of parenthood through the adoption of their children. Ibidunni’s decision to adopt was rooted in her deep desire to love and nurture a child, regardless of the means through which that child came into her life. Her experience with adoption gave her a broader perspective on what it means to be a parent, and this further fuelled her mission to help others.
Founding the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation
In 2016, on her birthday, Ibidunni made a life-changing decision. She chose to stop worrying about her own fertility and instead dedicate herself to helping other couples fulfil their dream of becoming parents. Thus, the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF) was born. The foundation’s mission is simple yet profound: to raise awareness about infertility, provide financial and psychological support for fertility treatments like IVF and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and end the stigma surrounding infertility
Through partnerships with reputable fertility clinics and generous donors, IIF has provided numerous couples with the opportunity to undergo fertility treatments they otherwise could not afford. But the foundation offers more than just financial assistance. It provides a community of support, offering counselling, spiritual guidance, and emotional strength to couples navigating the often-isolating experience of infertility.
A Legacy of Compassion and Purpose
Ibidunni’s story is one of selflessness. Even as she faced her own heartbreak, she looked outward, determined to ease the burden for others walking the same path. Her foundation continues to carry out her vision, ensuring that more families can experience the joy of children, regardless of financial or social status.
Through the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, Ibidunni’s legacy continues to thrive. Her impact is evident in every couple whose lives have been touched, every home that has welcomed a long-awaited child, and every stigma surrounding infertility that has been challenged. She transformed her personal struggle into a source of hope for others, demonstrating her immense strength and compassion.
As we remember Ibidunni Ighodalo, we honour a woman who transformed her pain into a purpose that continues to bless countless families. Her life serves as a reminder that out of our deepest challenges, we can create a lasting impact that echoes far beyond our own story
