Iyom Josephine Anenih is the Founder and President of the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF) in Nigeria, a non-governmental, non-political, and charitable organization she established in 2016. Motivated by her personal experience with a sibling diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she recognized the urgent need for awareness, care, and support for dementia patients in Nigeria. Through ADF, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, promote preventive education, and advocate for better elderly care policies.

The foundation also runs the Ignatius Akubude Centre in Amawbia, Anambra State—a safe and welcoming space offering physical exercise, creative activities, and social engagement for senior citizens. This initiative helps reduce depression and loneliness among the elderly while promoting mental well-being.

Beyond her work with ADF, Anenih is a seasoned lawyer, politician, and women’s rights advocate. She served as Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development from 2010 to 2011 under President Goodluck Jonathan. Previously, she was the first National Woman Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and also served as Special Adviser on Women Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

She has been Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and is the founder of the Women Foundation Nigeria (WFN), focused on empowering women and encouraging their participation in politics. Her title “Iyom” signifies her respected status as a woman leader in Igbo society. Married to the late Chief Tony Anenih, she remains a prominent voice for women’s empowerment and elder care in Nigeria.