Foundation - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Mon, 2025

Foundation plans fundraising for Africa’s out-of-school children

By Mark Longyen

A UK-registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), IA-Foundation, will hold a charity fundraising gala in London on Saturday.

This is aimed at tackling the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by the leadership of the organisation, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

It said that the event tagged the 2025 Charity Gala, would take place at the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton, London Docklands Riverside.

The foundation’s leadership said it planned to build on the success of its March 2023 major fundraising event in London to make this one more successful.

It added that it raised 24,000 pounds two years ago, and explained that the goal was to drive lasting change through education for underprivileged children across Africa.

“This isn’t just a night out; it’s a movement. Every ticket bought is an investment in a child’s future, a step toward a better Africa,” the IA-Foundation’s leadership said.

Dignitaries expected at the event include Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, who will deliver a keynote address, and the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Also expected to attend the fundraising gala is the Foundation’s patron, Chief Femi Falana and high profile UK diaspora individuals, including mayors and councillors from several London boroughs.

“The gala will also feature exciting highlights such as a thrilling American auction, raffle draws with fantastic prizes, live entertainment, fine dining, and inspirational storytelling.

“This gala is one of the foundation’s major drives to scale up its impact. It has also distributed more than 5,000 educational materials to students in slums and underserved communities.

“With tickets already in high demand, attendees are encouraged to buy their tickets now before they sell out.

”All proceeds go directly toward the foundation’s mission of drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in Africa,” the leadership said.

Founded in 2019, IA-Foundation has already supported over 100 children back into classrooms, it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Eddited by ISmail Abdulaziz

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Thu, 2025

Science & Tech

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths

By Daniel Obaje/Jacinta Nwachukwu

The MTN Foundation has inaugurated a Digital Skills Academy, a platform aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital competencies to enhance their employability and economic participation.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to education, health and economic empowerment.

According to Sanya, the academy will provide structured digital learning for young Nigerians from secondary school level through to professional certification.

“We have developed a platform that is not only accessible but impactful, from guiding secondary school students through career-aligned psychometric tests to offering over 23 career learning paths.

“We believe that the person who understands digital skills and technology will eventually displace those who do not, that is why we are investing in building this capacity, especially for our youth,” she said.

She explained that the goal was to reach underserved communities across Nigeria through partnerships with government and other stakeholders, with a long-term target of training at least three million Nigerians in five years.

“We don’t want this to stay in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. We want to reach Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and the rural corners of Nigeria,” she added.

On his part, Mr Simon Aranonu, a Director in the Foundation, described the initiative as a bold step toward democratising education and empowering individuals across the country.

“We recognise that digital skills are an essential currency in the global job market, they shape the way we work and learn and challenge our ability to adapt and grow,” he said.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, commended the Foundation for the initiative, saying that it is timely and critical to national development.

“I commend the MTN Foundation for your vision, not only in launching this programme today but for everything you have done in supporting capacity development in our nation.

“The MTN Skills Academy will not only raise digital literacy but broaden the possibilities for youths in Nigeria,” he said.

He called for more collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and digital inclusion.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mrs Ebiho Agun, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development, described the academy as a timely and strategic initiative to empower Nigerian youths with essential digital skills.

“This launch is a call to action, a call to invest, and to innovate.

“The MTN Foundation Skills Academy is a bridge to opportunity and a spark for the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders,” he said.

The event drew participation from stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society, all united in the mission to create a digitally empowered future for Nigerian youths. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Ramadan: Foundation supports widows with food, cash in Niger

Ismail Abdulaziz
Mar, Sat, 2025

General News

Ramadan: Foundation supports widows with food, cash in Niger

By Rita Iliya
The Nuhu Ango Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Saturday donated food items and cash to 60 widows to assist them during the Ramadan period.

Hajiya Asaba Garba, wife of the founder, said the support was in line with her late husband’s vision of assisting the less privileged.

Garba, who is the Zonal Coordinator, Federal Resource Centre, Minna, reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining the legacy of her husband.

“I will continue to extend a hand of fellowship to the less privileged in the society,” she said.

According to her, the foundation had trained 100 beneficiaries in various skills, including shoe making, baking, ICT, and provided them with starter packs.

“The foundation also provided stationeries to schools, supported widows with food items and cash during festive periods,” she added.

In his remarks, the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouk, described the founder as someone who was passionate about education and the welfare of the less privileged.

He said that the founder, Prof. Nuhu Ango was a generous person, who supported others during his lifetime.

The emir, who was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Bosso, Mabudin Minna, urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves lucky and use the support to improve their lives.

Also speaking, Mr Abu Nmodu, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Chapter, pledged the union’s support for the foundation’s sustainability.

He described the founder as a gentle, respectful, and good-hearted individual, whose impact would not be forgotten.

In their separate remarks, the beneficiaries, which included Ramatu Aminu, Aishatu Mohammed, and Maryam Aliyu, prayed for the soul of the founder and thanked the foundation for the support.

They said the food stuff and cash came handy and would go a long way in supporting them and their families during the Ramadan period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Edith Bolokor and Yakubu Uba

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Sat, 2025

Education

Author promises free secondary education for less privileged children

By Philip Yatai

Donatus Okonna, an author and Executive Director, Basic Care Foundation, has promised free secondary education to less privileged children under the foundation’s expanded humanitarian programme.

Okonna stated this during the unveiling of his book titled, “True Religion” as part of activities to celebrate his 60th birthday in Abuja on Friday.

He added that the foundation had equally concluded plans to establish a skill acquisition centre and advocacy training for caregivers.

According to him, the gesture is part of the foundation’s humanitarian efforts and its dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in society since its establishment in 2005.

Emphasising the importance of compassion and service, Okonna said that caring for the poor was not just for the wealthy but a duty for all, either through resources, time, or advocacy.

Speaking about the book, the executive director turned author described True Religion as a guide to one of God’s ideas of true worship, which is centered around caring for the poor.

He said that the book provided a detailed background on poverty and what constituted the most vulnerable people.

“The book focuses on specific instructions on how God wants us to pay close attention to vulnerable groups by prioritising their needs.

“The book is a compendium of nuggets for everyone and anyone who wants to learn why taking care of the poor is an integral part of genuine worship and service to God.

“With practical insights from the Bible, this book gives every Christian the right inference they need for a quality relationship walk with their heavenly,” he said.

Earlier, the former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Dr Osita Okechukwu, agreed with Okonna that caring for the poor was not the sole responsibility of the government or the super-rich, but a duty for everyone.

Okechukwu described True Religion as a blueprint for practical compassion, and urged individuals to embrace kindness in everyday life.

He acknowledged gaps in social welfare and called for stronger partnerships with organisations like Basic Care Foundation to alleviate the struggles of the vulnerable in society.

“Donatus Okonna, through his book, demonstrates compassion and genuine concern for those neglected in our communities.

“This trait is worthy of emulation,” Okechukwu said.

On his part, the book reviewer, Prof. Okpe Arumona, praised True Religion as a compelling and essential read for those who valued generosity and social responsibility.

Arumona noted that the book, structured into ten chapters, provided a divine perspective on the presence of the poor in society and highlighted the necessity of prioritising their care.

He further explained that the principles of charity and social responsibility were universal, with similar values found in Islam and communal traditions.

He commended the book’s powerful message urging individuals and governments to recognise their roles in caring for the disadvantaged around them. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foundation calls on Nigerians to defend patients’ rights

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Sun, 2025

Health

Foundation calls on Nigerians to defend patients’ rights

By Blessing Ibegbu

The Disney Nwanne Foundation (DNF) on Saturday urged Nigerians to actively speak out against any infringement on patients’ rights.

The call was made by Mr Martins Nwanne, the founder and convener of the foundation, at its 5th Annual Celebration, which took place at the Esu Karu Palace in Karu, Nasarawa State.

The Disney Nwanne Foundation is a nonprofit organisation founded in memory of Disney Nwanne, who tragically passed away due to medical professional misconduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s event is “Strengthening Patients’ Rights Advocacy As A Catalyst to Enhancing Health Care Delivery.”

Nwanne emphasised that when people, particularly patients, failed to speak out against violations of patients’ rights, it hindered the government’s ability to act.

He urged that incidents should be reported, investigated, and addressed with solutions.

“Over the years, the foundation has been involved in various forms of patient sensitisation on patients’ rights, including jingles, periodic meetings, and symposia to educate both patients and healthcare professionals.

“Our medical outreach programmes have also provided healthcare services to communities in need,” Nwanne stated.

Nwanne further stressed that while the Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBOR) was a valuable document, it required urgent review to make it more actionable and acceptable to all stakeholders.

NAN reports that as part of the event, the foundation provided food and clothing materials to families and children in need within the Karu community.

A medical outreach was also conducted, offering free healthcare services, including malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure checks, sugar level assessments, peptic ulcer treatment, and food distribution to 100 individuals.

Government representatives also spoke on the importance of protecting patients’ rights and voicing concerns.

Mr Femi Stephen, Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Health, highlighted the role of accurate and timely information in respecting patients’ rights.

He lauded the foundation’s work and encouraged organisations to share valuable health information with the public.

Mrs Bridget Etim, representing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), urged patients to assert their rights, including asking questions about medications and their effects.

She also emphasised the importance of empathy and sympathy from healthcare workers, as their actions could significantly impact a patient’s healing process.

Mrs Grace John, a representative of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), commended the foundation and other speakers.

She advocated for the rights of healthcare workers, stressing the importance of good welfare to avoid issues like the “Japa syndrome,” where workers leave due to poor conditions.

John also advised patients to always verify if their healthcare providers were licensed.

In a goodwill message, Dr Danladi Cheshi, the Karu District Head, representing the Esu Karu, Mr Luka Baba-Panya, thanked the foundation for raising awareness.

He also encouraged patients to visit hospitals regularly rather than waiting until they were severely ill.

His Royal Highness, Sa’in Katsina, Alhaji Abbah Muktar, a member of the Board of Trustees, also commended the foundation for its efforts and encouraged patients to speak up about their healthcare concerns.

Muktar lauded the convener for turning personal grief into a powerful advocacy for patient rights.

NAN also reports that the Disney Nwanne Foundation continues to advocate for better relationships between patients and caregivers, as well as reforms in the healthcare system.

The foundation is supported by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the National Orientation Agency, and the New Apostolic Church. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foundation launches peace, unity initiative

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jan, Mon, 2025

General News

Foundation launches peace, unity initiative

By Rita Iliya

The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has launched a peace and unity initiative

in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger.

The initiative, aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, was launched at the palace of the Etsu Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu.

The Country Director of GPFN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, emphasised the importance of unity and peace in building a harmonious society.

He said that the foundation’s intervention in Agaie was aimed at promoting inclusive development, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among

the diverse communities in the area.

Joseph-Hayab stressed that the holy books of Jews, Christians and Muslims affirmed that all human beings are from the family of Adam and Eve.

The country director emphasisd the interconnection of humanity as one family under God.

He highlighted GPFN’s approach to peacebuilding, emphasising early interventions before crises arise.

He added that “we are here to seek the blessings and approval of the emir of Agaie to start our peacebuilding interventions in this local government.”

He underscored the importance of engaging traditional leaders and gatekeepers in peacebuilding efforts.

Sheikh Abdullahi Maraya, the Northern Coordinator of GPFN, commended the emir of Agaie for fostering peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.

He said “GPFN believes that all human beings are one family under God. Islam teaches respect for others’ beliefs”, and encouraged all to always verify

rumors and avoid making general statements.

In his response, the emir appreciated GPFN for choosing Agaie local government for its next intervention in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.

Represented by Alhaji Usman Garkuwa, the Garkuwan of Agaie, the emir reiterated commitment to include everyone into the affairs of the area, irrespective of tribe

or religious affiliation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GPFN’s visit to Agaie followed its successful 18-month intervention in neighbouring Lapai Local Government

Area of the state.

The event featured cultural displays from various groups such as Fulani, Yoruba, Tiv, Igbo, and Nupe communities, as well as performances by students from

Malam Muhammadu Uba Day Secondary School and the Model Secondary School, Agaie.

GPFN is an international non-profit organisation with a mission to promote an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision

of “One Family Under God.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Foundation plans free fistula repair surgery

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jan, Thu, 2025

Health

Foundation plans free fistula repair surgery

By Rita Iliya

A Minna based NGO, the Raised Foundation has announced plans to carry out a medical outreach on free Fistula Repair Surgery on Jan. 27.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach would be conducted at the Dr Amina Women Health Centre, Kontagora, Niger.

The Communication Officer of the Foundation, Ruth Mamman-Jiya, disclosed this in an interview with NAN in Minna on Wednesday.

She said the aim of the outreach was to provide free obstetric fistula repair for women.

“We intended to carry out 200 surgeries within one year, starting from July 2024 to June 2025. So far, we have done 121 surgeries, and this outreach is a continuation of that effort,” she said.

Mamman-Jiya explained that patients were expected to start arriving at the centre on Jan. 27.

She added that the foundation had mobilised patients through community mobilisers, health centres, and radio awareness campaigns.

According to her, the foundation has a good working relationship with most health centres within the state, saying they also refer patients to its centre.

She disclosed that the foundation had carried out over 800 surgeries since its inception in 2017.

She said before building the centre, the foundation conducted its outreaches in general hospitals across the state, until 2020 when the centre was completed.

“Since 2020, all surgeries have been carried out at the Dr Amina Women Health Centre, Kontagora,” she said.

Mamman-Jiya explained that the centre provided a free comprehensive package, including surgery, feeding, and accommodation.

“We don’t just treat them and leave them, we empower them with skills and start-up packs to reintegrate them into the society,” she said.

The communication officer said the centre’s vision was to create a Nigeria where no woman dies from pregnancy-related causes, and obstetric fistula was eradicated.

“We try to restore hope and dignity to women living with fistula, and our goal is to reduce the negative indices of Fistula in Nigeria,” she added.

Mamman-Jiya noted that the foundation’s efforts was geared toward reducing the number of women living with fistula.

She said no woman should have to bear the pains and troubles that come with obstetric fistula while trying to give birth.

She said the centre has a capacity for a full-fledged hospital, with wards, hostels, and offices.

She said the centre also has an empowerment programme involved in training women in various skills and also provide with start-up packs.

“We keep them for eight weeks, and during this time, we empower them with skills and knowledge to start a new life,” she said.

She added that the foundation’s efforts were geared towards restoring dignity and hope to women living with fistula.(NAN)

Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/Gabriel Yough

U-Save foundation donates solar borehole to FCT community

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Sat, 2024

Environment

U-Save foundation donates solar borehole to FCT community

By Akpan Glory

U-Save Foundation, an NGO has unveiled a solar-powered borehole to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Area E community Nyanya, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the commissioning on Saturday, the Executive Director of the foundation, Uju Rochas-Anwuka said the project aims to provide residents with access to clean water.

She also emphasised the importance of educating the community on basic hygiene and sanitation, stressing that these are vital for fostering healthier lives and stronger communities.

Rochas-Anwuka further noted that the community was chosen for the intervention following rigorous evaluations, meeting the criteria to qualify for the initiative.

Olu-Daniels Ibiyemi, Director IV of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the foundation for its commitment to sustainable development.

He highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing the national water strategy by employing renewable energy to enhance water access.

Ibiyemi assured that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, to develop solutions that ensure all Nigerians have access to safe and clean water.

He described the project as an important step towards building a more resilient and water-secure future for the country.

Paul Akawu, Youth Leader of Pyape and representative of the District Head of Nyanya, expressed appreciation for the borehole, urging the community to take responsibility for its maintenance.

He encouraged residents to contribute a token towards its upkeep to ensure its sustainable use.

Similarly, Asabe Sani, a community leader in Area E, Nyanya, thanked the foundation for providing access to safe and clean water.

She said that the intervention had significantly reduced their struggles, as they previously had to walk several kilometres to fetch clean water.

Sani expressed hope for continued support from the foundation to address other pressing needs in the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the foundation is dedicated to creating a healthy and resilient society transformed by sustainable WASH practices, alongside climate change adaptation measures.

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, while 4.2 billion lack adequate sanitation, leaving one in three people without these basic human rights. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Tue, 2024

General News

Foundation empowers SERVICOM staff with skills for better service delivery

By Angela Atabo

An NGO, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has empowered SERVICOM staff members with advanced skills for better public service delivery.

National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, made this known at a four-day monitoring and evaluation (M&E) training programme, organised for the organisation’s officials on Monday in Abuja.

Akajemeli said that the initiative represented an important step toward promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.

“Following the partnership agreement signed with SERVICOM in July 2024, SERVICOM, which stands for Service Compact, ensures Nigerian citizens receive quality services from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“To support SERVICOM’s important role in public service, the foundation assessed the skills of its staff to identify any gap that might impact their work.

“The assessment showed that improving monitoring and evaluation skills could help staff develop and oversee standard operating procedures across public institutions, leading to better services for Nigerians,” she said.

Akajemeli said that the training programme, delivered by Workforce Group, equipped SERVICOM staff members with important skills in data collection and analysis, modern software tools and effective evaluation methods.

She said that participants learned how to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operations and service delivery as well as to monitor their application across MDAs.

The national coordinator further stated that the training enabled the participants to assess the services provided by MDAs and ensure that they were up to standard, resulting in better outcomes for citizens.

“The training, supported by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and delivered under our partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, improves on our existing capabilities.

“It empowers SERVICOM to fulfill its mission of ensuring quality public service delivery.

“We are excited about the impacts this programme will have on Nigeria’s public service landscape,” she said.

Also speaking, Head of Operations at SERVICOM and participant, Mrs Ngozi Akinbodewa, said that the training had helped in broadening her knowledge in many ways.

“I learned how to create standard operating procedures during the training.

“Developing these procedures will improve our operations by clearly defining roles and responsibilities,” she said.

Executive Vice-Chair of the foundation, Mrs Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said that the training represented a key step toward improving the experiences of Nigerians who relied on public services.

Aig-Imoukhuede said that it would also boost the skills of SERVICOM staffers, improve accountability and transparency across MDAs and set a standard for lasting improvements in public services delivery to citizens.

She said that through the programme, SERVICOM staffers were better prepared to implement effective monitoring and evaluation practices that would improve public service delivery across MDAs.

“They can use data-driven insights to identify service gaps, improve public satisfaction and ensure that MDAs meet their commitments to Nigerian citizens,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Fri, 2024

Science & Tech

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof. Sammy Chumbow, has urged African scientists to lay foundations for a new science and technology era using innovation and research.

Chumbow made the call on Friday in his closing remarks at the 7th ASRIC Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

He said the transition into a scientific era as Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 has ended and Africa was set to adopt the policy strategy of STISA 2024.

Chumbow said, “The strategy aims to guide the continent’s STI development over the next decade.

“Therefore, African scientists should harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to demands for STI in different sectors.

They include: Agriculture, energy, environment, health and security, among others.

STISA-2034 will build on the successes of its predecessor, STISA-2024, and address emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s STI landscape.

STISA-2034 was validated by the African stakeholders in STI in November 2024 and will be endorsed at the AU Summit in February 2025.

The chairman stated that this development marked a significant milestone in Africa’s quest to harness the power of science which should be tapped into by African scientists.

Chumbow added that the strategy would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of African countries, which should foster a united approach by African scientists to STI development on the continent.

He also called on the council’s Bureau to study the objectives and mandates of ASRIC guidelines so as to sharpen their focus on initiatives that produce continental and regional STI development.

Chumbow urged the bureau’s members not to lose touch with research institutions and university officials and to adopt the principles of focal point so as to make a difference in their fields.

The Executive Director, African Union Scientific and Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC) and ASRIC, Dr Ahmed Hamdy, in his closing remarks, said entering another transition period marks a major shift in innovations.

“Coming forward from where we are where the changes are so obvious, entering a period of major transition globally. We are facing several challenges spanning from climate change, emerging diseases among others.

“Let us as scientists look at each of these challenges separately to have a better understanding of how best we can tackle them using STI,’’ he said.

Hamdy said that the challenges of global change required a transition not only in society but also in the scientific community which scientists should rise up to.

“Global change poses unprecedented challenges to scientific and policy communities, a kind that cannot be tackled using existing conceptual frameworks and methods.

“They are likely to change how we live and relate with each other and scientists should rise to the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani