The Story Behind the Foundation

Dr. Fumi’s cousin King Emmanuel Adebayo was crowned king of Emure-Ekiti in February 2008, and the princess had the privilege of attending this historic event. This marked her first trip to her homeland in 23 years, and the experience was both joyful and heart-wrenching. Princess Fumi received a royal welcome and reclaimed her royal title, but what moved her most was seeing her people and their fight to survive.
- Fumi .S. Ogunleye Hancock, RN, Ph.D - President

“It broke my heart to witness in my homeland broken down schools, clinics with no running water or basic equipment, and hungry children having to walk miles to school,” she laments. “This experience has showed me that I can no longer pretend that Africa is not in dire need of assistance. I am also very quick to recognize that the work which needs to be done in Africa will take everyone across the globe. Something has to be done. I am indeed humbled that I’ve been granted the privilege to champion this cause for my people,” she adds. With this challenge ahead of me, I invite everyone to take part in keeping this dream alive -- the dream of one day seeing every child and family overcome poverty.”

Returning to Nigeria fueled within the princess a passion to improve the lives of women and children on the continent of Africa. That passion led her to launch the ADASSA - Adumori Foundation, a non-profit organization that is committed to developing educational and healthcare programs in third world countries. Portions of the proceeds from the ADASSA brand will help to fund those programs, including youth enrichment centers for the underserved African communities.

Having witnessed King Emmanuel’s positive impact on the nation of Nigeria has given Princess Fumi new insight into what it means to ‘serve’. While many people will assume that being born into a royal family means there is a lot of money to solve the community's social problems; the reality is that it will take our global community to resolve the poor state of affairs in the African communities.

“For the first time, I understand that being a princess is not a ‘fashion statement’, but rather a mantle of responsibility for making a difference in the lives of my people,” she smiles. “ADASSA has given me a special opportunity to serve my people by investing in their future. When you become a part of the ADASSA experience, you are not only changing your life and living the dream, you are also making a difference in the life of another person across the globe.

"I am indeed humbled that I’ve been granted the privilege to champion this cause for my people,” she adds. With this challenge ahead of me, I invite everyone to take part in keeping this dream alive -- the dream of one day seeing every child and woman overcome poverty."

Whether she is designing sketches of beautiful garments, caring for the sick or serving her people, Princess Fumi Ogunleye has one goal in her life: to make women look and feel like royalty.


				*The Story Behind the Foundation*



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