Foundation equips 2,500 children for new school session

by with No Comment Education & Community Support

By Juliet Umeh

The Foundation of Truth Assembly, Ajah, Lagos, has distributed school bags and other educational materials to about 2,500 children as part of its 2026 Back to School humanitarian initiative. The initiative, now in its sixth year, is aimed at supporting children, particularly those from poor and vulnerable families, to prepare for the new academic session. Speaking on the initiative, Lead Pastor of the church, Pedro Omontuemhen, said the programme was part of the church’s commitment to impacting its immediate community beyond preaching and prayers.

Omontuemhen said, “What we do every year is to give children going back to school school bags, pencils, biros, erasers and everything they need for school. The inspiration is really that we are looking for a way as a church to impact society. How can we be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? How can we be a blessing to the community?

He explained that the beneficiaries were not required to belong to the church or any particular religion before receiving the items. People that come here are not necessarily church members. Half of them are not even Christians. We don’t ask them what religion they belong to. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Hindu or whatever it is, we just say, come, take and be blessed,” he said. According to him, the biggest beneficiaries over the years have been poor families and widows. He recalled that a widow who attended last year’s programme with her four children received a school bag and other items for each child. If you do the numbers, even at today’s rate, we are looking at N25,000 per bag times four. You are giving the family N100,000. We are not asking for votes. We are not asking you to become a church member. We just want to be a blessing to them,” Omontuemhen said.

He disclosed that although the church had initially planned to reach 3,000 children this year, available resources made it necessary to target about 2,500 beneficiaries. The pastor said the church deliberately chose education because September was usually a difficult period for many parents, who had to contend with school fees, uniforms, books and other expenses. You cannot be a church and not impact your community. We don’t just want to impact them with shouting and prayers alone. We also want to have an impact on their finances and their well-being, he said Omontuemhen said the programme started with about 100 beneficiaries in its first year before rising to 800 and subsequently expanding.

He attributed the growing number of beneficiaries to word-of-mouth publicity and the increasing confidence of members of the public in the programme. On funding, he said the initiative was supported by church members, families, friends, associates and non-members, with donations ranging from N5,000 to N5 million. The highest donation we have this year was N5 million. The lowest was N5,000 from a National Youth Service Corps member who is not a member of our church. Because people now see that this is genuine, not fake, they are able to supply and support us, he said Chairperson of Back to School 2026, Iyoha Oluwatoyin, said this year’s turnout was overwhelming, attributing it partly to increased publicity.

She said beneficiaries were mainly children of school age, from about five to 16 or 17 years, adding that the organisers did not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity or background. According to her, the programme also helps to boost the confidence of children returning to school. Every child wants to look comfortable and appealing. So, when they are going back to school and their school bag is intact, in a way, we are building confidence in these children and preparing them for the school session,” she said. In charge of logistics and planning, Obinna Nnochiri, said organising the programme required extensive volunteer work, including sourcing stationery, packing materials, coordinating volunteers and managing distribution. Nnochiri, who has been part of the committee since inception, said rising prices of school bags, stationery and logistics remained major challenges.

He added that crowd management and the health of beneficiaries were also key concerns, noting that the organisers deployed security and a medical team to prevent emergencies. “We have a medical unit that attends to the children and provides emergency treatment. We have to make sure there is no casualty and that no child faints or collapses,” he said. Two beneficiaries, Sarah Ezekiel and Christian John, both JSS 2 students, expressed appreciation for the initiative. Ezekiel said, “I feel so happy and excited. I want to say thank you to all of you that have given me this bag. I pray God supports you for more.” John, who was attending the programme for the first time, said, “I feel excited collecting this bag today. I say thank you to them for giving me this bag.”

Source: Vanguard

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Over 5,000 benefit as Lulu-Briggs Foundation delivers free medical outreach

by with No Comment Uncategorized

No fewer than 5,112 people have benefited from a free medical mission organised by the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation in Ogu, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, with 149 surgeries carried out during the five-day exercise.

The outreach, held between March 16 and March 20, 2026, took place at a model primary healthcare centre and addressed a broad range of medical conditions, drawing large numbers of residents from surrounding communities.

Chairman of the foundation, Dr Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs, said the initiative remains essential in tackling barriers to healthcare, particularly the high cost of treatment, which often discourages many Nigerians from seeking care.

She noted that the foundation has sustained such interventions for over two decades, targeting vulnerable populations with limited access to functional healthcare systems.

Of the total beneficiaries, 3,439 were women, while 1,673 were men. Surgical procedures conducted during the mission included hernia repairs, appendectomies, hydrocelectomies and lipoma excisions, among others.

The programme was supported by a team of 77 medical and 32 non-medical volunteers, led by Dr Famba Famba Daniel, who provided services ranging from consultations and diagnostics to surgeries and follow-up care.

The outreach was formally inaugurated on March 18, with representatives of the Ogu/Bolo Local Government commending the foundation’s continued investment in grassroots healthcare delivery.

Stakeholders and partner organisations described the initiative as both impactful and transformative, particularly in advancing access to healthcare as a basic human right.

According to the foundation, its medical mission programme has now reached more than 195,000 beneficiaries across multiple states.

Beyond healthcare, the organisation has also implemented interventions in education, water supply and economic support, as it continues to expand its presence across communities in the Niger Delta.

source:THEGUARDIAN

Dangote to donate one-third of fortune to charity — Daughter

by with No Comment Business & Philanthropy

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, intends to donate one-third of his wealth to charitable causes as part of his succession plan, according to his daughter, Halima Dangote. Halima, a trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, disclosed the plan in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday, saying the billionaire has already secured the support of his family to dedicate 33 per cent of his estate to philanthropy. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote’s net worth is estimated at $35.1 billion, meaning one-third of his current fortune would amount to about $11.7 billion.

Halima said her father regards philanthropy as a key part of his legacy and has incorporated it into the family’s long-term inheritance plans. He sort of put all the structure in place whereby we focus a lot on health and education. He actually donated 25 per cent to the foundation. If you look at it, it is what we call in Sharia Code in Islam; it means he has donated 33 per cent of his whole inheritance to his foundation,” she said. She added that the arrangement was designed to ensure the foundation’s work continues across generations. That is how important it is to him because philanthropy needs to be in existence generation after generation. So giving back is part and parcel of what we do. We believe we’re here, that our business is successful because of the giving back and because of the philanthropic aspect. That is why the 33 per cent is important.

And that is why he made an announcement and he asked myself, my two sisters and his mother to sign under that will that he is able to give that 33 per cent to humanity.” The planned donation expands Dangote’s existing charitable efforts through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which was established in 1994. Halima said the foundation received an endowment of $1.25 billion about a decade ago and has since been strengthened with an additional $700 million in funding. According to her, about 70 per cent of the foundation’s spending is directed to projects in Nigeria, 20 per cent supports initiatives across Africa, while the remainder funds programmes in other parts of the world.

The foundation focuses on health, education, nutrition and humanitarian relief and has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and northern Nigerian state governments in efforts that contributed to the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa. Earlier this year, TIME magazine named Dangote among the world’s most influential philanthropists in its inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list, recognising the foundation’s work, which spends more than ₦N50 billion annually on programmes across Africa.

Source: Vanguard

TY Danjuma Foundation, Jennifer Etuh Foundation

by with No Comment Health & Community Development

TY Danjuma Foundation, Jennifer Etuh Foundation, and Pro-Health International Deliver Free Medical Outreach in Takum, Taraba State

July 27 to August 31, 2026, the TY Danjuma Foundation (TYDF), in partnership with the Jennifer Etuh Foundation (JEF) and Pro-Health International (PHI), successfully conducted a week-long free medical outreach in Takum, Taraba State – the hometown of the Founder, Lt. Gen. TY Danjuma (rtd) GCON.

This initiative brought comprehensive healthcare services directly to under-served residents who face significant barriers to accessing quality medical care. Over the seven-day period, beneficiaries received various free healthcare at the TY Danjuma Foundation Medical Centre in Takum.

The outreach drew hundreds of patients from Takum and surrounding villages, with many receiving medical attention for the first time. Pro-Health International, a long-standing partner of the TY Danjuma Foundation, played a key role in delivering these essential services.

This initiative reflects the TY Danjuma Foundation’s broader mission of supporting community-led health interventions across Nigeria. By working with trusted partners like the Jennifer Etuh Foundation and Pro-Health International, the Foundation continue to bring quality healthcare to remote and under-served communities.

The Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

To learn more about the TY Danjuma Foundation’s work, visit www.tydanjumafoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for regular updates

source: TY Danjuma Foundation

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Foundation trains teachers, equips schools to strengthen basic learning

by with No Comment Uncategorized

A non-governmental organisation established to support the Nigerian government in achieving universal basic education goals, Oando Foundation, has completed the pilot phase of its school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) project across 30 public primary schools in Rivers State, with 300 educators trained and more than 15,000 pupils reached.

The intervention was implemented in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor Local Government areas.

It was designed in response to what the foundation described as a growing need for stronger foundational science education and the development of critical competencies among young learners at the basic education level.

The school STEAM project adopted a comprehensive approach targeting both teaching and learning outcomes.

A total of 300 educators in the 30 participating schools were provided with training, teaching tools, and instructional support to deliver hands-on STEAM lessons using the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) approved curriculum.

The objective, organisers said, was to equip teachers with the knowledge and confidence to move beyond theoretical instruction to experiential, activity-based learning.

As part of the infrastructure component, the Foundation established a fully- equipped science innovation laboratory and distributed STEAM kits to all participating schools.

The kits and lab were intended to support practical learning and allow pupils to engage directly with scientific concepts.

Beyond classroom instruction, the project introduced pupils to professionals working in STEAM fields through a structured mentorship programme with staff of Oando Plc.

Pupils also participated in curated excursions aimed at exposing them to real-world applications of STEAM concepts and possible career pathways in science and technology.

A central element of the initiative was the Design Thinking Programme. Under this component, pupils were guided to identify challenges within their schools and communities, and to work collaboratively to develop practical and innovative solutions to those problems.

The pilot, which was launched in 2025, was implemented in partnership with the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), STEM METS Resources, and Oando.

It forms part of Oando Foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy, which focuses on improving foundational learning through innovative approaches and promoting sustainability within educational systems.

Speaking at the close-out ceremony, Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to scaling education interventions that address learning gaps.

“Expanding access to education is only part of the solution; we must also ensure that every child experiences learning in ways that spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop practical skills.

“That is the thinking behind the School STEAM Project. By making science and mathematics more engaging through hands-on learning, we are equipping young learners with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” she said.

Also speaking, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of STEM METS Resources, Jadesola Adedeji, said the initiative demonstrated the impact of combining innovation, partnerships and practical learning.

“Beyond improving classroom instruction, the project has empowered teachers with the confidence and tools to deliver engaging STEAM education, while equipping pupils with the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive,” Adedeji said.

The Chairman of RSUBEB, Samuel Ogeh, emphasised the need to strengthen foundational STEAM education in public schools.

He noted that the future depends on raising children who are curious, confident, and equipped to solve problems, adding that when children develop critical thinking and curiosity from the start, they are better prepared to seize future opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.

The ceremony concluded with the School STEAM Project Pitch Competition, where participating schools presented innovative solutions developed from challenges identified in their schools and communities.

State Primary School, Rumueme, emerged as the overall winner of the competition, while State Primary School, Elekaiah, and State Primary School, Rumuokwurusi, emerged first and second runners-up respectively.

Source:THEGUARDIAN

Special Needs Children: Oshimili South chair seeks support for Delta First Lady outreach

by with No Comment Health & Social Welfare

The Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, has called on non-governmental organisations, private sector operators and well-meaning individuals to support the You Matter Charity Foundation in its efforts to improve the welfare of children living with autism, disabilities and other special needs across Delta State.

Ezenyili made the call on Thursday, August 20, 2026 while welcoming the wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, during the Foundation’s free medical outreach for children with autism and other special needs in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency. The council chairman commended the Foundation for focusing its primary healthcare intervention on children with special needs, describing the initiative as a significant humanitarian effort that was providing relief to vulnerable families.

He described Deaconess Oborevwori as a caring mother whose intervention was complementing the efforts of the Delta State Government in the healthcare sector, particularly in addressing the needs of families caring for children requiring specialised attention. Ezenyili stressed that supporting children with special needs should not be left to government or charitable organisations alone, urging individuals, businesses, corporate bodies and NGOs to contribute towards building a more inclusive society for the children. He said stronger collaboration among government, private organisations and community stakeholders would help expand access to healthcare, assistive devices, education and other forms of support for children with special needs.

Speaking at the outreach, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori urged parents and caregivers not to allow societal stigma, negative comments or misunderstanding to make them ashamed of raising children with autism and other special needs. Addressing families at the event in Asaba, the First Lady said every child deserved love, acceptance, dignity and a place in society regardless of the challenges they faced.

“Parents, do not allow society’s misunderstanding or negative comments to make you feel ashamed of your child. There is a place for these wonderful children in our society,” she said. She also appealed to individuals and communities to support not only children with special needs but their parents and caregivers, noting that families often face considerable challenges in caring for children who require additional support.

“Let us lend a helping hand to these children and by extension, to their parents and caregivers,” Oborevwori said.

The governor’s wife explained that although the You Matter Charity Foundation might not have solutions to every challenge confronting families, it remained committed to standing with them and providing assistance within its capacity.

“We may not have all the solutions to every challenge you face, but we want you to know that the You Matter Charity Foundation cares about you and is willing to stand with you in whatever little way we can,” she added. Oborevwori disclosed that approximately 860 children had so far benefited from the Foundation’s interventions, in addition to adults and elderly people reached through its humanitarian programmes. A total of 160 children with special needs from the four local government areas comprising Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency benefited from the medical intervention which provided provided 40 wheelchairs, 160 bags of rice, smart boards and therapy toys.The outreach provided families with access to medical consultations and other forms of healthcare and welfare support aimed at easing the burden associated with caring for children with special needs.

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, described the intervention as a noble vision driven by compassion and a commitment to humanity. Azinge commended Deaconess Oborevwori for complementing the healthcare efforts of the Delta State Government and promoting greater inclusion for children living with special needs.

The monarch described the First Lady as a humanist and lover of humanity, saying her interventions were encouraging other people to contribute to the welfare of vulnerable members of society. He pledged his support for the initiative and called on local governments, individuals and other stakeholders with the capacity to assist the Foundation to do so. The outreach provided families with access to medical consultations and other forms of healthcare and welfare support aimed at easing the burden associated with caring for children with special needs.

Source: Vanguard

Yobe-State-map

Foundation returns 1,178 Yobe out-of-school children to classrooms

by with 2 Comments Uncategorized

The Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Foundation has launched a major education intervention to return 1,178 out-of-school children to classrooms across Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The initiative, tagged “Second Chance: A SAIL Foundation Education Development Initiative,” was unveiled on Sunday by former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, as part of efforts to widen access to secondary education in Yobe North Senatorial District.

The beneficiaries were selected from 17 secondary schools in Nguru, with the foundation committing to fully fund their secondary education for the duration of their studies.

The sponsorship package goes beyond payment of school fees, covering school bags, textbooks, uniforms and sandals to ensure the beneficiaries have the basic materials required for effective participation in school.

Lawan said the initiative was driven by his belief that poverty or difficult circumstances should not prevent children from receiving an education.

“Education remains the most enduring investment we can make in our youth. I have never wavered in the conviction that no child should be left behind because of his or her circumstance,” he said.

The former Senate President said the foundation remained committed to creating opportunities for young people in Yobe North and across the state.

As part of preparations for the new academic session, the foundation will begin the measurement and fitting of uniforms and sandals for beneficiaries on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The exercise is scheduled to commence at 8am at Galadima Maidunoma Mega School, Nguru, opposite Zangon Shanu.

The organising committee, chaired by Comrade Bashir Sharif Tahir, SAIL Coordinator for Nguru, will coordinate beneficiaries drawn from the 17 participating schools.

Lawan urged parents, guardians and school proprietors to ensure that beneficiaries attend the exercise promptly to facilitate a smooth distribution process.

He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to advancing education and creating sustainable opportunities for young people in Yobe North, Yobe State and beyond.

The intervention comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns over out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, where poverty, insecurity and limited access to educational facilities continue to affect school enrolment and retention.

link:THEGUARDIAN