Thelma N. Ubi , a Nigerian-born resident of the United States, is the visionary founder of the Keyu-Seobase Foundation. Born into a family of four children, Thelma was delivered prematurely at six months in Kaduna, Nigeria, and spent the first three months of her life in an incubator. Her mother, Mrs. Celestina Nkanu Ubi, experienced significant trauma during and after childbirth, anxiously awaiting her newborn’s health and safety. Financial difficulties nearly made it impossible for Thelma’s parents to afford her medical care, but with the help of her grandmother, they were able to cover the hospital bills. This life-altering event inspired Thelma to establish the Keyu-Seobase Foundation to support neonatal care units particularly locally and across Africa, helping them with medical expenses, embracing mental health in all stages of life, and overcoming challenges with teenage pregnancies.
Thelma comes from a prestigious royal lineage, the royal family of Lebol Jimoh in Ugep, Cross River State, Nigeria. Her noble heritage is reflected in her deep sense of duty, compassion, and leadership. Her father, Engr. Mark Patrick Ubi, a technocrat and successful businessman, and her mother, Queen Celestina Udumo, shaped her early life with values of responsibility and care for the community.
Educationally, Thelma holds an accelerated Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Abuja and a Baccalaureate in Business Administration. She is also pursuing her MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport. Her career spans various industries, including logistics, executive management support, and conflict analysis. She has held positions at prominent organizations like the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Universal Trust Bank, and Unity Bank. Additionally, Thelma holds certifications in Advanced Psychological First Aid/Applied Positive Psychology (APFA-APP) and Conflict Analysis through the United States Institute of Peace, along with professional certifications in Scrum Mastery, PACE, and Lean Six Sigma.
As a preterm baby herself, Thelma has always felt a strong personal connection to neonatal care, mental health, and advocacy for underserved populations. Through the Keyu-Seobase Foundation, she actively works to provide neonatal support, donate phototherapy machines, and assist orphanages, teenage single mothers, and mothers struggling with postpartum mental health. Her foundation has garnered recognition for its efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates and provide education and healthcare support across Africa.
Today, Thelma continues to inspire positive change through her foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for mothers and children in need. She remains committed to addressing broader social issues like mental health, eco-friendly advocacy, and empowering young girls. Her work has not only made a lasting impact in the world but also resonates with international observers and supporters.
Thelma has been involved in humanitarian work and has also served as a political appointee in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. She worked in the Office of Community Engagement and Constituent Services, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and community development. Currently, she serves as an Executive Administration Personnel in the Department of Public Works (DPW) in Anne Arundel.
Princess Thelma's life story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others, particularly those most vulnerable. Through her foundation, she invites others to join her in the mission of helping humanity and raising awareness on crucial issues such as neonatal care, and maternal mental health (Postmatum), as well as embracing mental health supporting every stage of life and the empowerment of the girl-child.