Access 5 million Naira in funding support through the Luminary Awards 2025
Seedtime Foundation
Founded in 2011 by Adetola Oladeji, Seedtime Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to advancing educational opportunities for Nigerian children. With an annual impact on nearly 4,000 children, the foundation’s mission revolves around three key principles: Educate, Serve, and Empower.
The “”Adopt A School Initiative”” focuses on adopting public primary schools in Lagos State, providing crucial contributions like playground equipment, classroom upgrades, and mini-school libraries. Seedtime Foundation introduces both annual and weekly reading programs, donates school uniforms and supplies, and conducts holistic development initiatives, including ‘The Blossom Initiative,’ ‘The Smile Initiative,’ and ‘Nurture A Child Initiative.’
Centered on the Agege community in Lagos State, Seedtime Foundation has significantly improved educational opportunities, offered material support, engaged the community, and aligned its initiatives with global goals. Collaborating with volunteers, corporate organizations, and the government, the foundation has grown its impact.
To gauge success, Seedtime Foundation employs a comprehensive strategy, encompassing assessments of reading levels, upgraded school facilities, access to educational resources, skill acquisition, scholarship opportunities, talent hunts, and interventions like the Seedtime Food Bank. This approach ensures the foundation continually evaluates the impact of its initiatives, aligning with its mission to enhance the lives of children and adolescent girls in Nigeria.
Vote for Adetola Oladeji to win 1 million Naira in the Luminary Awards 2024!
BE A GIFT TO ALL FOUNDATION
Be a Gift to All Foundation, under the leadership of Peter Aloya, is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality education and food support to underserved children and their families.
The foundation envisions a world where every underserved child have access to quality education, leading to a happy livelihood. With a commitment to close relationships with beneficiaries, regular visits, and feedback mechanisms for effective monitoring, the foundation ensures impactful interventions.
In the “”Educate A Child Project,”” a part of the SDG4 initiative, the foundation has successfully facilitated the graduation of five vulnerable kids from primary school and currently sponsors 38 vulnerable children, providing them access to quality primary education.
As part of the “”FEED A FAMILY PROJECT”” under SDG2, Be a Gift to All Foundation offers monthly food support to over 500 men and women in approximately 16 communities within Ogun and Lagos States.
Contributing to skill development and economic growth through the “”Skilled Up Project,”” the foundation has enrolled over 36 young secondary students in various skill acquisition programs.
Through full sponsorship, the foundation has enabled five orphans to graduate from primary school. With an engaged volunteer community of around 187 youths, the foundation is making volunteering both fun and impactful.
Support Peter Aloya in the Luminary Awards 2024 to further empower underserved children and contribute to their holistic development.
Dazzling Damsels of Virtue Foundation (DOVEF) / The girl Child Project
Founded by Amarachi Amusi, DOVEF is a holistic initiative focused on empowering the girl child through diverse programs. Born in Northern Nigeria, Amarachi’s vision is to reshape the perception and value placed on the girl child.
DOVEF’s multifaceted approach includes educational support, employment/skill development, financial aid, leadership training, and providing sanitary pads to girls. Through the Compassion Fund, the foundation supports women and girls by covering school fees, offering job placements, scholarships, and skill acquisition training. Emphasizing sisterhood, DOVEF creates a supportive community.
Over the past 18 years, DOVEF has reached over 6,000 women and girls, offering financial aid and support to families. DOVEF has granted 50 girls scholarships, provided skill acquisition for 200, and implemented the in-school leadership program in five secondary schools in Enugu State, Nigeria. Pad dispensers are strategically placed in five communities across two South Eastern states.
DOVEF envisions expanding its impact on girls in numerous communities, fostering empowerment and resilience.
Vote for Amarachi Amusi to win 1 million Naira in the Luminary Awards 2024!
Church On The Street NG
“Church On The Street NG is a Nigerian nonprofit founded by Itofa Ivarah to address the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected regions. The organization provides relief materials, therapy, localized education, and microbusiness grants. Inspired by a documentary from the Obama Foundation, the founder initiated a fundraising campaign in 2020, collaborating with local businesses to teach skills to women affected by insurgency. Over the past five years, the organization has directly served 8,000 people in eight states, empowering women and contributing to sustainable development goals. Notably, they opened a summer school in an Abuja IDP camp, impacting children through critical thinking skills and leadership development. Recognized by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the founder received a Chevening scholarship to pursue a master’s degree, aiming to scale intervention programs upon return. The organization’s next step is to develop ‘Efe,’ a mobile technology delivering business lessons to combat poverty and promote education.
Itofa’s motivation for launching this initiative is to empower disadvantaged communities with the right environment and skillset to live above poverty. Their projects have contributed to the United Nations sustainable development goals 1, 2, and 4 respecitively which are no poverty, zero hunger, and quality education.
Vote for Itofa Ivarah to win 1 million Naira in the Luminary Awards 2024!”
Wicare Lekota Foundation
Founded by Diane Kalu, the WiCare Lekota Foundation, established in 2011, has rapidly grown from supporting 10 women to over 10,000 across 5 geopolitical zones in Nigeria and 2 countries abroad.
WiCare focuses on holistic support, addressing socioeconomic, psychological, and spiritual needs for women in bereavement. Under the Project 20k program, the foundation provides bi-educational empowerment, supporting over 200 families to send their children back to school. Additionally, over 100 WiCare women in business have received financial support to boost their ventures. The foundation collaborates with organizations to offer advocacy and legal counsel to over 50 women.
Prioritizing mental health, WiCare offers free counseling services for both mothers and children, benefiting 180 individuals. Annually, WiCare raises awareness for grieving children and conducts parenting programs involving 150 parents. The foundation also provides mentoring opportunities for over 70 boys aged 6-18, focusing on pseudo parenting, personal development, mindfulness skills, and networking.
Through impactful initiatives, WiCare Lekota Foundation addresses the diverse needs of bereaved women and children, fostering a supportive community that extends beyond mere grief assistance.
Vote for Diane Kalu to win 1 million Naira in the Luminary Awards 2024!
Chess in Slums Africa
Tunde Onakoya initiated Chess in Slums Africa, a transformative program leveraging chess for positive social change and youth empowerment in marginalized communities. Operating for five years, this innovative project introduces chess to children and youth in slum areas across Africa.
The primary goal of Chess in Slums Africa is to equip underserved youth with valuable skills, breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a brighter future. The initiative’s impact is notable, creating a positive influence through the strategic use of chess as a catalyst for change.
Vote for Tunde Onakoya to support Chess in Slums Africa’s remarkable contribution to youth development and social change.
True Beauty Foundation
Iniobong Idung’s True Beauty Foundation (TBF) is a community-based organization with a mission to empower vulnerable women, particularly teenage mothers and Female Sex Workers (FSW) in Cross River and Akwa-Ibom States since 2014.
True Beauty Foundation addresses critical issues through a three-fold empowerment approach—mind, economic, and spiritual. The organization intervenes in HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Sexual Reproductive Health, GBV cases, and Economic Empowerment. Notably, TBF focuses on reducing unwanted/teenage pregnancies, providing life skills, income-generating skills, and facilitating back-to-school education for teenagers and young women in Calabar South and Calabar municipality. The organization runs a center that has trained over 3,268 teenagers and 4,567 young women with income-generating skills, fostering transformational leadership.
Selected for the Women’s Economic Justice and Empowerment project by ActionAid Nigeria and the SFH/UNESCO Spotlight Initiative Project Activity 4.2.4, TBF strengthens the capacity of youth networks for comprehensive sexuality education and sexual reproductive health rights.
The annual international Empowered Women Conference (EWC) organized by True Beauty Empowerment Foundation aims to promote positive mindset change, good female leadership qualities, and economic independence for at least 100 women yearly. Additionally, TBF was chosen to implement the Nigerian Youth Future Funds (NYFF) project, focusing on creating awareness and sensitizing teenage mothers on their Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Vote for Iniobong Idung to win 1 million Naira in the Luminary Awards 2024!
The Girls’ Count Initiative
Oladejo-Adeseluka Yetunde founded The Girls’ Count Initiative in 2021. This women-led non-profit focuses on health, well-being, and empowerment for adolescent girls, women, orphans, and vulnerable children in rural areas.
Through ‘The Girls Count’, she leds other key Initiatives including:
She Heroes Sustainable Menstrual Health Project: Addresses period poverty, providing menstrual health education and reusable sanitary products. Reached 3,330 girls with plans for 10,000 by 2024.
Protect Mum and Child Forum (EduMumCare): Offers free counseling on maternal and child care, reaching over 1,500 parents through social media.
She Learned, Empowered, and Mentorship (SLEM) Project: Empowers women and girls economically, reaching 600 beneficiaries. Plans include attracting investors for skill acquisition.
Edu-Passport Project: Provides educational materials for children from low-income households, reaching over 100 students.
Heavenly Nutri-Food Bank: Addresses food insecurity, reaching over 1,000 households.
Vote for Oladejo-Adeseluka Yetunde in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support The Girls’ Count Initiative’s mission of empowering girls, women, and vulnerable children.”
Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida
Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, through the Outpour of Fragrances Initiative, has been actively contributing to the betterment of the lives of children, teenagers, young adults, and women. The organization, established in 2017 (with a history of giving since 2005 through book clubs), focuses on addressing various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 17.
The initiative stands out for its impactful projects:
Supporting Education: The initiative covers JAMB fees for vulnerable students, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Additionally, educational materials are provided to students, facilitating their learning experiences.
Assisting Single Mothers: Grants are offered to single mothers, providing crucial support for their families and children.
Menstrual Hygiene for Girls: The initiative aids girls by providing sanitary towels, contributing to their well-being and dignity.
The projects have left a positive impact on beneficiaries, orphanage homes, and society at large. In 2023 alone, the initiative supported 150 students across two schools and three homes with educational materials. Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida is driven by the belief that even small actions can create significant positive change.
Cast your vote to support her impactful contributions to community development.
Vera David-Emesiobum
Project Grey Elderly Care Initiative (PGECI), led by Vera David-Emesiobum, is a non-profit organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to addressing challenges faced by destitute elderly individuals. The initiative focuses on enhancing the physical, mental, and societal well-being of seniors.
PGECI actively advocates for the rights and inclusion of the elderly, challenging societal perceptions surrounding elder care in Nigeria. The organization’s multifaceted approach encompasses welfare intervention programs, medical outreaches, community sensitization, and elder advocacy.
One significant aspect of PGECI’s impact is the distribution of over 13,000 meals through its food assistance program, providing essential nutrition to elderly individuals. In addition to addressing immediate needs, PGECI empowers seniors through skill acquisition programs and seed grants, fostering economic independence.
A noteworthy initiative by PGECI is the establishment of an online platform dedicated to showcasing and boosting sales for businesses owned by the elderly. This platform not only supports their economic well-being but also prevents them from resorting to begging or relying solely on struggling family members.
The success of PGECI is evident in its recognition, with Vera David-Emesiobum being honored as a top 50 Rising Social Impact Transformer. PGECI’s ongoing expansion, including plans for Nigeria’s first multi-service center for the elderly by an NGO, highlights its commitment to addressing diverse needs within the elderly community.
Your vote for Vera David-Emesiobum in the Luminary Awards 2024 supports PGECI’s continuous efforts to positively impact the lives of elderly individuals in Nigeria.
Oghenerukeme May Asagba
Project Grey Elderly Care Initiative (PGECI), led by Vera David-Emesiobum, is a non-profit organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to addressing challenges faced by destitute elderly individuals. The initiative focuses on enhancing the physical, mental, and societal well-being of seniors.
PGECI actively advocates for the rights and inclusion of the elderly, challenging societal perceptions surrounding elder care in Nigeria. The organization’s multifaceted approach encompasses welfare intervention programs, medical outreaches, community sensitization, and elder advocacy.
One significant aspect of PGECI’s impact is the distribution of over 13,000 meals through its food assistance program, providing essential nutrition to elderly individuals. In addition to addressing immediate needs, PGECI empowers seniors through skill acquisition programs and seed grants, fostering economic independence.
A noteworthy initiative by PGECI is the establishment of an online platform dedicated to showcasing and boosting sales for businesses owned by the elderly. This platform not only supports their economic well-being but also prevents them from resorting to begging or relying solely on struggling family members.
The success of PGECI is evident in its recognition, with Vera David-Emesiobum being honored as a top 50 Rising Social Impact Transformer. PGECI’s ongoing expansion, including plans for Nigeria’s first multi-service center for the elderly by an NGO, highlights its commitment to addressing diverse needs within the elderly community.
Your vote for Vera David-Emesiobum in the Luminary Awards 2024 supports PGECI’s continuous efforts to positively impact the lives of elderly individuals in Nigeria.
Yvonne Ogwulu
The Tech Girl Magic Initiative, founded by Yvonne Ogwulu, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering, empowering, and supporting young female tech talents facing limitations in resources, financial availability, and mentorship. The initiative offers programs such as laptop and work-tool scholarships, career development, and mentorship to address the specific needs of women in the tech community.
Yvonne’s motivation stems from her own career journey, advocating for talented women striving to excel in the tech industry. Inspired by a family deeply passionate about women’s empowerment, she launched TGM Initiative to provide young women with a learning community and support network.
Over the past two years, the initiative has impacted over 2000 young girls and women through programs like Tech4HighSchoolGirls, mentoring secondary school girls in tech career paths. In 2022, they sponsored 10 women to kickstart their tech careers at a prestigious TechHub in Africa. The Table4TechBabes Career series educates early career women on growth and development, and through work-tool and laptop scholarships, essential items are provided for those without resources.
The success of the organization is measured by testimonials and feedback from beneficiaries, program effectiveness, and the turnover from donations and partner brands.
Your vote for Yvonne Ogwulu in the Luminary Awards 2024 supports the Tech Girl Magic Initiative’s ongoing efforts to empower and uplift women in the tech industry.
Oyiga Micheal Nnanna
Sustainobles, founded by Oyiga Micheal Nnanna in June 2022, addresses the pressing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. With approximately 19.5 million children out of school, the project employs innovative solutions to provide education and improve living conditions.
The initiative recycles plastic bottles quarterly, converting waste into funds to send over 600 rural children to school for two years. Additionally, Sustainobles runs a football team to divert male children from a life of crime and organizes skill and apprenticeship programs. A borehole was constructed in Makoko Yaba, benefiting over 7000 people, and 500 sanitary pads were distributed to girls, accompanied by seminars on sexual hygiene.
Sustainobles conducts free holiday coaching for 56 kids, integrating academic and tech skills. Monthly book and cloth drives offer rural children clothes and books, while essay competitions encourage writing. The project’s book club focuses on revitalizing a love for reading among children.
The impact is evident in increased school registrations in Orile, Agejunle, and Makoko, addressing issues of school fees and providing essential items. The borehole project ensures access to clean water, and six children graduated from apprenticeship programs, receiving their own shops. The monthly essay competition has seen rising participation, and the book club promotes a culture of reading among children.
Vote for Oyiga Micheal Nnanna in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support the continued success of Sustainobles in transforming lives and communities.
Oyiga Micheal Nnanna
Founded in 2017, the Africa Bridge Initiative, spearheaded by Opeoluwa Taiwo, is a youth-focused NGO with a mission to enhance the capacity of young individuals while steering them away from drug and substance abuse. Operating strategically within SDG 17, the initiative has positively impacted over 7000 youth in Lagos mainland, focusing on individuals aged 17 to 35.
Recently gaining approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the initiative is set to conduct drug abuse awareness programs in over 300 schools in Lagos, collaborating with NDLEA staff for advocacy. Recognizing the critical role of civic engagement in combating drug abuse among youths, the initiative addresses the issue as a key component of political leaders’ strategies to divert attention from leadership succession plans.
The Africa Bridge Initiative aims to boost the confidence and capacity of youth, particularly in schools and tertiary institutions in Lagos. In its two years of operation, the initiative has made significant strides, particularly in Surulere Local Government Area. Partnering with NDLEA, the program has reached over 35 senior secondary schools, witnessing a remarkable 45% reduction in ignorance and substance consumption among students.
Vote for Opeoluwa Taiwo in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support the Africa Bridge Initiative’s crucial work in empowering and safeguarding the youth against drug abuse.
Chioma Ukpabi
Skill Up With Kahdsole (SUWK), spearheaded by Chioma Ukpabi, is a transformative initiative aimed at upskilling marginalized youths facing systemic economic barriers. The initiative provides accredited vocational-digital skills, recognized credentials, and access to online work opportunities, transcending geographic limitations to participation. This approach enables income security and micro-business development for the youth.
The inspiration behind SUWK stemmed from Chioma’s dedication to addressing unemployment and skills gaps among young individuals, particularly those in marginalized areas. After witnessing the challenges faced by youths, especially dropouts or those without jobs, in her community, Chioma aimed to create a platform that not only offered vocational training but also leveraged technology to provide economic opportunities through a marketplace.
SUWK focuses on connecting skills training with employment to empower young individuals, allowing them to chart their path to success and contribute to the socioeconomic growth of their communities. Chioma believes that education and skill development are key drivers of social change and economic empowerment.
Over the past two years, SUWK has made a significant impact on communities by providing vocational skills training and economic opportunities to marginalized youths. Participants acquire skills like carpentry, auto mechanics, and tailoring, leading to employment or entrepreneurial ventures, thereby improving livelihoods and stability. The initiative has positively influenced over 1500 individuals, fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. The program has also contributed in improving the income capacity of beneficiaries from less than 5% to 65%, helping 75% of program graduates secure gainful employment, and enhancing community cohesion and engagement.
Vote for Chioma Ukpabi and Skill Up With Kahdsole in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support their impactful work in upskilling and empowering underserved communities.
Dorothy Akende
The Leadership and Peace Building Sport Program, led by Dorothy Akende, is a transformative initiative designed to educate youths from vulnerable backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to realize their basic rights, unleash creative skills, and grow up in a healthy and fulfilling environment. This project leverages sports competitions to empower youths, fostering peaceful co-existence, and building a spirit of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
In Benue State, which faces high rates of underemployed youths and social unrest, the initiative targets marginalized youths to amplify their voices, enable participation in decision-making, and contribute to closing gender inequalities in sports.
Since 2019, over 1250 youths have directly participated in the program, and more than 10,000 youths have indirectly benefited from knowledge-sharing initiatives. Notable success stories include Tersoo Nathaniel, an orphan and Peace Ambassador, whose transformation through the program earned him respect and leadership in his community.
The initiative has rescued girls from early forced marriages, provided scholarships for education and skill acquisition, rescued children from trafficking, sheltered women victims of gender-based violence, and reunited children with their families who were victims of child labor.
The impact assessment reveals that 80% of surveyed participants felt that the tournament brought them closer to their team and community members, reducing violence and crime by 30% in targeted communities. Additionally, a football academy for young girls in low-income and refugee/IDP camps has been registered, empowering 30 girls to develop their skills and achieve financial independence.
Vote for Dorothy Akende and the Leadership and Peace Building Sport Program in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support their impactful work in promoting peace, leadership, and community development through sports.
Victor Adams
Digital Career Skills Initiative for Africa, led by Victor Adam, is a visionary non-profit organization focused on advancing Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8. The initiative aims to empower African youths with digital and tech skills to address unemployment challenges.
Over the past four years, the initiative has expanded its impact from 15 Nigerian cities to 147 locations across Africa. With the dedication of over 50 volunteers, the organization has empowered over 10,000 individuals through various initiatives, including training modules, digital skills workshops, tech boot camps, leadership webinars, and tech virtual conferences.
Vote for Victor Adam in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support the Digital Career Skills Initiative’s mission of transforming African youth into trailblazers in the global tech landscape.
Cynthia E. Chisom
The Aboki Africa, founded by Cynthia E. Chisom, focuses on uplifting local leather artisans by upskilling them and providing access to markets for their shoe repair services. Cynthia, inspired by her experience abroad, aims to improve the livelihoods of these artisans in Nigeria.
Over the past five years, the initiative has positively impacted 47 artisans, significantly increasing their average monthly income from 10,000 to 80,000. This economic empowerment not only addresses poverty but also contributes to combating hunger, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
Vote for Cynthia E. Chisom in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support The Aboki Africa’s mission of transforming the lives of local leather artisans and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Titilayo Lekan-Agunbiade
Emerald Light Initiative, established by Titilayo Lekan-Agunbiade, strives to offer comprehensive support and guidance to pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers in Nigeria. The initiative focuses on providing various forms of assistance, including mental, social, emotional, educational, and financial support. The goal is to empower these young mothers and their families, ensuring they have the tools to not only survive but thrive despite their circumstances.
Over the past three years, Emerald Light Initiative has demonstrated effectiveness through measurable goals, impactful collaborations, and positive feedback from supported girls, families, communities, and volunteers. The initiative has engaged in various activities such as counseling, support groups, mentorship programs, accompaniment to medical visits, afterschool coaching, financial assistance, and awareness campaigns.
Accomplishments from the past year include providing essentials like clothing, shoes, bags, and toys to 30 teenage mothers in Ile-Ife, Osun-State, covering hospital bills for two teenage mothers, conducting an essay competition in Jos to spread awareness, giving financial grants, collaborating with NGOs to support human and sexual trafficking survivors, and contributing to orphanages.
Emerald Light Initiative aims to combat societal stigmatization, provide education on safe practices, and empower young girls to avoid unplanned pregnancies. The initiative’s success is evident in the positive impact on the lives of teenage mothers and the broader community.
Vote for Titilayo Lekan-Agunbiade in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support Emerald Light Initiative’s mission of giving hope and support to pregnant teenagers, enabling them to build brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Tolulope Olorundero
Nigerian Women in Public Relations (NGWiPR) has been a driving force in reshaping the landscape of the public relations industry and fostering the professional growth of women in this field. Established in 2019, NGWiPR has consistently advocated for and provided growth resources to Nigerian women working in public relations and communications globally.
To address the underrepresentation of women in top management and board positions within the PR and Communications field, NGWiPR has undertaken various initiatives over the past four years. These initiatives include the publication of the global directory of Nigerian women-owned/led PR firms, which serves to bridge the gender pay gap and facilitate engagement with female PR founders. Additionally, the PR Students’ Summit has exposed over 500 students to the importance of public relations as a profession while offering practical experience to outstanding female undergraduates.
The Reverse Mentorship Workshop, initiated by NGWiPR, has provided a unique retooling process led by young professionals for senior practitioners, contributing to the organization’s international impact. The organization’s recognition as the 2nd finalist for the Gender Mainstreaming Award by Accenture in 2021 further underscores its commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in public relations.
NGWiPR’s annual Experiencing Public Relations Conference has served as a platform for leaders to discuss the enduring impact of public relations in their work, providing validation for the PR practice.
Vote for Tolulope Olorundero and Nigerian Women in Public Relations in the Luminary Awards 2024 to support their ongoing efforts in empowering and advancing Nigerian women in the Nigerian PR and communications sector.