Tag: Foundation

The Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation (FEMHF) has called for urgent national attention to the growing needs of vulnerable autistic individuals and their families, warning that low awareness, stigma and limited access to support services continue to expose many Nigerians living with autism to neglect and social exclusion.

The foundation said autism awareness remains imperative as thousands of families struggle in silence with inadequate healthcare options, high treatment costs, poor understanding of the condition and the absence of inclusive policies, stressing that without deliberate public engagement, autistic individuals risk being left behind in national development conversations.

Against this backdrop, FEMHF, in a statement on Tuesday by its President and Trustee, Stanley Effah, announced the deployment of music as a creative advocacy tool, unveiling an annual concert initiative designed to use the unifying power of music to drive autism awareness, promote acceptance and mobilise practical support for autistic individuals and their caregivers across Nigeria.

The Foundation said the 2026 concert, themed ‘Harmony for Autism’ was conceived in response to the growing challenges faced by autistic individuals and their caregivers, including social stigma, limited access to specialised services, financial strain and inadequate public awareness.

Effah stressed that music provides a powerful and inclusive medium to bridge these gaps, adding, “Music, like positive memories, is a universal language that brings people together. 

“It has the power to connect communities, humanise lived experiences and give visibility to autistic individuals and families whose needs are often overlooked by society and policymakers.”

Under the programme, he said FEMHF will host annual live concerts featuring leading Nigerian music artists, its in-house ensemble Ferdy’s Band, as well as autistic individuals and groups who have demonstrated talent in music and live performance. 

The concerts, according to the Foundation, are expected to create a safe and inclusive space where autistic individuals and their families can engage directly with the wider public, share their experiences, and challenge misconceptions about autism.

The Foundation explained that showcasing the abilities of autistic individuals is central to the initiative, “These concerts are not just about entertainment. 

“They are about celebrating talent, reinforcing dignity and reminding society that autistic individuals have abilities, aspirations and contributions that deserve recognition and support,” Effah added.

Beyond awareness, the concerts will also function as a structured fundraising platform, FEMHF affirmed, noting that proceeds will be channelled towards supporting autistic children and young adults from less privileged families who are unable to afford essential therapies, medical interventions and specialised education.

The Foundation disclosed that funds raised will also be invested in long-term skills acquisition and development programmes aimed at empowering autistic individuals for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

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According to FEMHF, planned programmes will cover training in music, arts and crafts, fashion design, tailoring, modelling and sports. 

These initiatives will be implemented through existing platforms such as Ferdy’s Band and the foundation’s Fashion House, as well as a proposed Marathon and Sporting Centre, Effah explained.

Recognising the central role of caregivers, the Foundation said part of the proceeds will be dedicated to scholarships and training support for caregivers and professionals working in autism care, with the goal of strengthening Nigeria’s autism support workforce.

“The well-being of autistic individuals is closely tied to the capacity and resilience of their caregivers. Supporting families and building professional capacity is essential to improving outcomes and quality of life,” the Foundation noted.

Preparations for the annual concerts will include stage production, development of autism awareness materials, volunteer mobilisation and public sensitisation activities such as road walks and community information sessions.

The inaugural concert, according to the organizers, is scheduled for April 2026 and calls on corporate organizations, development partners and members of the public to support the initiative through sponsorship, partnerships and volunteer engagement.

The foundation also disclosed collaborations with the Ike Foundation for Autism on autism awareness road walks, and with Glory Wellness Regenerative Center to support access to stem cell treatment for autistic children from disadvantaged families.

Emphasising the broader impact of the initiative, FEMHF said sustained awareness and charitable engagement are critical to ensuring that autistic individuals are not left behind.

“Raising awareness is the first step toward inclusion and development. With consistent support, autistic individuals can reach their full potential and live fulfilling, dignified lives alongside their families,” Effah emphasised.

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Nigeria (RLF) has trained students across four universities in order to enhance their participation in democratic and national development processes.

The democracy capacity-building workshop was organised under the Include Naija initiative designed to ensure inclusive democracy and empowerment network for active youth in Nigeria.

The Foundation and its partners, Social Action and We the People, in April kick started a three -year project (2025-2027) tagged: Include Naija — Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment Network for Active Youth in Nigeria.

The project, which is co- funded by the European Commission in Nigeria, aims to promote the fundamental human rights of Nigerian youths, enhance their participation in democratic and national development processes.

According to a statement by the Foundation, four universities were selected for the execution of the project activities in the next three years. 

The universities are:  political science department, University of Abuja; Centre for Peace and Development, Veritas University Bwari; Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi and Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University Kano.

Five training activities and advocacy visits to selected stakeholders such as the university administrations, National and state houses of Assembly and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development are planned annually for selected students of each university.

The democracy capacity-building workshop brought together 50 students, including 20 from the University of Abuja, and 15 each from Veritas University and Nasarawa State University. 

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It featured Professor Yusuf Zoaka of the Political Science Department University of Abuja, Dr. Hauwau Mainoma of the Centre for Gender studies Nassarawa state university; Dr. Chibugo Lebechi of the Veritas University Bwari and Dame Ene Edeh of Equity Advocates. 

Prof Zoaka’s presentation during the workshop was on representative democracy, democratic principles and the rule of law while Dr Chibugo Lebechi spoke on  the  role of citizens in policy making, public consultations, citizen assemblies, online platforms for civic engagement.  

Dr Mainoma focused on Social Inclusion and equity advocacy while Ede made the fourth presentation on Civic Engagement strategies, such as lobbying, advocacy and grass roots organising.

There was also mentorship interactive sessions designed for twenty female students in each of the participating institutions.

The mentees were sensitised on the value of mentorship programs and the roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees.

Each mentor shared with the mentees their life stories from their family and educational  background and the circumstances surrounding their socialization as a girl child.

They also shared their experiences as students in the 1980s and 1990s in Nigerian universities and  the nature of their involvement in the student union movement.

The mentors also shared their experiences in the wider world, family and career choices and concluded with life nuggets to inspire the girls.

In total, four interactive mentorship sessions were organized  for 2025.

At Veritas University, mentors included Ene Obi, a former Student Union President at the University of Jos  and former Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria and Hauwa Mustapha, a former student union activist at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, now a researcher at the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The University of Abuja session featured Comfort Ogunye, the founder of the Female Leadership Forum, alongside Dr Fatima Hassan, a former Vice President of the University of Jos Student Union.

The Nasarawa State University session saw Ene Obi and Hassan mentor students, while Bayero University, Kano, hosted Sadaatu Sani, a former House of Representatives member, and Aisha Dankani, who is convener of Kano Leads Initiative.

The students also participated in advocacy visits to the National Assembly public hearing on constitutional amendments on the 22nd of September 2025.

The interactive sessions were well received by the students and perceived as inspiring and impactful sessions.

Everlasting Fountain Welfare Initiative has announced plans to build a 500-capacity shelter for the homeless in Obafemi, Ogun State, stressing its commitment to supporting vulnerable indigents.

This was announced at the second anniversary celebration of the foundation, which began on Friday, with a community Table Tennis Tournament.

The event brought together residents, businesses and team members for a friendly competition, focusing on community spirit and local engagement.

The project, according to the initiative, is designed not just as temporary housing but as a rehabilitation and empowerment centre to guide individuals and rebuild their lives.

During the anniversary dinner and fundraiser in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Council of Ogun State, the founder, Abiola Adeniyi, emphasised that the goal was to provide immediate relief and stability to those facing homelessness in the community. 

She noted that the passion behind the foundation came from a deep desire to meet people at their point of need, whether financial help or emotional reassurance.

Speaking on the plan for homes, Adeniyi said beneficiaries would receive training based on their interests and natural talents, with support from professionals in areas such as shoemaking, hairdressing, tailoring, farming, soap making and decoration among others.

She also mentioned that a farming institute was included in the plan, where residents would learn agricultural skills and cultivate their own food.

“The shelter won’t be a permanent residence but a training ground. We want to reintegrate people into society and help them become useful and productive,” she said.

The co-founder, Victor Adeniyi, added that the foundation was created to address societal challenges often overlooked by others.

“People are struggling with what they will eat next. This concerns us because we are members of society. Our mission is to reintegrate and bring hope to  people,” he said.

He expressed hope of completing the shelter before December 2026, urging well-to-do Nigerians to support the cause.

Earlier, the foundation held its community table tennis tournament where five winners were rewarded with N100,000, N50,000, N30,000 and consolation prizes for others.

…targets cleaners, security personnel in Lekki, VI, Ikoyi environs

Pharmacist and philanthropist, Akinjide Adeosun, on Monday launched a food bank initiative targeted at vulnerable workers in Lagos.

This is part of efforts to address hunger and food insecurity in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 — Zero Hunger.

The initiative, kicked off under the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) on his 57th birthday, was to cater for cleaners and security guards in the Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikoyi communities.

Adeosun, who is also the Founder and Chairman of AAF, said the programme was borne out of deep concern about the growing hunger crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by recent economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and forex liberalisation.

“What we are witnessing today is the downside of bold economic decisions. People are hungry and angry. Our research confirmed that 100% of the cleaners and security men we surveyed identified hunger as their number one challenge,” he said.

The pilot phase of the food bank provides a nutritious meal of jollof rice, moin moin, beef, chicken, egg, fruit, and water. “This is not just food; it’s what I personally eat , balanced and rich,” he added.

Meals will be distributed monthly through churches, mosques, and communities for three to six months. Beneficiaries will be registered, and cooks within these communities will be engaged to prepare meals, creating a ripple of microeconomic activity.

“This is not a one-off event. We’ve been consistent in our advocacy for education and health for nine years. Now, we are adding food as a third pillar,” Adeosun said.

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He urged the government and private sector to embrace structured food bank models to ensure long-term impact and reduce the need for seasonal palliatives. “Nobody loves to beg. With proper systems in place, food banks can restore dignity and reduce crime driven by hunger,” he said.

He also expressed readiness to partner with institutions such as Fidelity Bank and appealed for collaboration with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to scale the model.

Adeosun described his 57th birthday as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and recommitment to national development. “I’m grateful to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve. But as a nation, we must do more. Each of us has a role to play,” he said.

The Akinjide Adeosun Foundation has over the years implemented impactful projects in education and healthcare, including free medical outreaches and leadership training in schools. The food bank marks a new frontier in its mission to improve life expectancy and quality of life in Africa.

He added: “If you have ₦1,000, give ₦500 to someone in need. Doing good doesn’t require wealth? just willingness.”

Earlier in the day, a thanksgiving service was held at All Souls Anglican Church, Lekki Phase 1, where Venerable John Agboro delivered a sermon on the birthday theme “Thanksgiving in Freedom.”

Drawing from Galatians 5:1, the vicar reminded congregants that true thanksgiving must reflect not only in words but in service to others. He praised Adeosun’s food bank initiative as “a practical expression of gratitude to God by becoming a blessing to humanity.”

“There are many things we take for granted, health, education, the ability to move, live, and raise a family. When we recognize God’s blessings, the right response is to help others. The food bank is an example of gratitude lived out,” he said.

Later at a private breakfast reception at Boutique Restaurant, well-wishers delivered goodwill messages highlighting Adeosun’s legacy of leadership and compassion.

A former colleague and long-time friend, 

Founder of HealthPlus Limited, Pharm Mrs Bukky George said: “Pharm. Akinjide Adeosun is a visionary entrepreneur and a committed advocate of SDG 3 and SDG 2. Through St. Racheal’s Pharma and AAF, he is not only ensuring access to affordable healthcare but also developing principled leaders and feeding the hungry. His life is a model of purpose and impact.”

Also, Mrs Nkem Adeogun, a senior bank executive and family friend, described Adeosun as “very focused, principled, and passionate about leadership. He’s committed to leaving the world better than he found it. I wish him abundant joy, good health, and continued impact.”

One of the beneficiaries, Michael Oluwafemi, a security guard, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “I really appreciate this. As a security man, I don’t need much, just something to eat. When you have enough food, it means you’re no longer suffering from poverty. That’s why I value this food. Thank you so much.”

Another beneficiary, Ibrahim Joseph, noted the wider impact of the initiative, saying: “This food means a lot. Many people can’t even get food now because it’s so expensive in Lekki. Some can’t go to work because there’s nothing to eat, and even businesses can’t afford to pay salaries. If more people likes Adeosun do things like this, Nigeria will be better. Everywhere will be good. I’m happy.”

The Positive Care and Development Foundation (PCDF) has urged governments, especially at the subnational level, and the private sector to take a more active role in addressing the needs of children with clubfoot.

Clubfoot, a congenital condition affecting roughly one in every 1,000 births worldwide, can lead to lifelong disability if untreated.

According to the Foundation, the condition can be effectively corrected using the Ponseti method, a globally recognised non-surgical approach that involves weekly manipulations and plaster casting, a minor Achilles tendon release in most cases, followed by a strict bracing regimen that continues until the child is four to five years old.

However, it said success depends on adherence to the treatment plan, which restores mobility and prevents disability.

“This life-changing intervention gives children born with clubfoot the chance to walk, run, and live fully active lives,” Dr. Esse Nwakanma, Executive Director of PCDF, the Foundation, said.

In a statement on Monday commemorating this year’s World Clubfoot Day themed ‘Hope in Every Step: Ensuring Equitable Access to Clubfoot Care,’ Nwakanma highlighted a significant achievement in the Foundation’s fight against disability caused by untreated clubfoot in Nigeria.

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According to her, the Foundation has reached a major milestone in its mission to eliminate disability from untreated clubfoot in Nigeria by providing free Ponseti treatment to over 450 babies across Niger, Kwara, and Kaduna States in the past two years, giving the children the opportunity to walk, run, and live active lives.

She, however, revealed that PCDF is preparing to expand its services to Ekiti State by July 2025, further increasing access for vulnerable families, while reaffirming the organization’s commitment to removing barriers to care through outreach clinics, partnerships, and dedicated care teams.

 “Through our outreach clinics, partnerships, and dedicated care teams, we are removing barriers to treatment and restoring mobility, dignity, and hope.

“This World Clubfoot Day is a day of reflection with a call to the multidisciplinary stakeholders for improved access to care and better treatment outcomes.

“Social Workers and Child Protection Advocates are needed to support families throughout the treatment phase to ensure compliance with good parent education, follow-up, and safeguarding,” she said.

Nwakanma attributed the success of the Foundation’s program to the dedication of orthopedic doctors, clinic assistants, and frontline health workers, including Dr. James John Adeniran, PCDF Medical Advisor and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

It also acknowledges the crucial support of donor Miraclefeet in providing training and resources while urging Local governments, NGOs, and stakeholders to increase investment and support for Clubfoot care to ensure nationwide, equitable access and improved treatment outcomes.

“Local and State Governments are emphasised to help establish and sustain more clubfoot clinics in underserved regions.

“Government support is vital to achieving nationwide, equitable access to care. And to other NGOs, Foundations, and Donor Organisations, for more investments in clubfoot care,” Nwakanma added.