MEET THE FOUNDER
Dr. Mrs. Cordelia Uddoh, PresidentNKO Foundation was started in December 2016, shortly after Dr. Cordelia Nkoli Uddoh returned from Nigeria after her dear father’s funeral.
Dr. Uddoh is a mother, wife, physician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community organizer who has broken so many barriers. Born in Kano, Northern Nigeria, she experienced the calamities of the Nigerian-Biafra war of 1967 through 1970 as a teenager. The experience of the civil war not only made her wiser and responsible at a very young age but also marked a turning point in her life. She is married to Dr. Christopher Uddoh, an obstetrician, and they are blessed with three children.
Dr. Uddoh, a fellow of American Academy of Ophthalmology, studied at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and did her residency training at Georgetown University Hospital. She is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and holds a PA State Medical License. Dr. Uddoh is the owner of two ophthalmology offices; one in Willow Grove and the other on Cheltenham Avenue in Philadelphia. She has achieved her dream of becoming a doctor and now gives back to the community as the founder of NKO Foundation.
Dr. Uddoh explains that the survival of the Nigerian American community is dear to her heart. She has devoted her time, talent, and resources to ensure that this immigrant community succeeds in America. She articulates it thus, “We owe it to ourselves and generations to come to find a way to preserve our culture, encourage our young people, and chart a better future for all.”
As one of the leading members of the community, Dr. Uddoh has played a significant role as the former chairperson of the Nigerian American Mothers for Youth Advancement (NAMYA), in shaping the association’s focus and execution of their youth mission.
Dr. Uddoh would like to be remembered for the numerous times she made a difference in people’s lives. “I love helping people. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if I wasn’t helped. All you need to do is look around and see how the generosities of people have made things possible for those who come along.” This drive to help others explains why she decided to set up NKO Foundation.
After attending her father’s funeral in Nigeria in 2016, and experiencing the sufferings of many people in her birth country, she resolved to do whatever she can to improve their quality of life. The foundation will serve to improve education, healthcare, farming, and welfare for the indigent population.