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Tag: Foundation

  • Women dump idol worshiping as foundation empowers 609 widows

    Women dump idol worshiping as foundation empowers 609 widows

    One of the objectives for the establishment of Alice Worluh’s Widows Foundation is to empower only “born again” widows and to discourage idol worshipping among women in Rundele, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. With the foundation’s consistent efforts for more than six years in partnership with the head of churches in the area, over three million widows have benefited from the foundation.

    Three widows, who were homeless, got one-room each built for them by the foundation. At the seventh edition of the foundation’s end of year party at St. John Anglican Church, Rundele, over 609 widows benefited from food items and other relief materials.

    The widows, who were overwhelmed with the foundation’s gesture, said many women who were worshiping idols have embraced God.

    Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to Niger Delta Report, thanked the chairman of the foundation, Hon. Lucky Worluh, for his idea which has added more souls into the kingdom of God. They called on privileged individuals to emulate the foundation by addressing the challenges of women, especially poor widows in the area.

    Mrs. Priscilla Ogbu, one of the beneficiaries, said she is glad that the foundation has made many people to embrace God.

    “Women in this area will forever remain grateful to the foundation; the most important thing is that three poor widows, who have no house to sleep, today have a roof under their heads. You can see how happy these widows are because the foundation has provided them with relief materials, wrappers, and rice.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs.Veronica Ogbuvu said Almighty God will meet the needs of Hon. Worluh who has decided to carry the burdens of widows in the area.”God has been using Hon. Worluh to provide for us through his foundation.  I am not happy being a widow but I am glad to be one of those receiving from the free will donation of the foundation. Apart from this yearly donation to widows, the foundation has also done so well in the area of medical service to widows.”

    Mrs Queeneth  Worluh, the wife of the Chairman of Alice Worluh Widow  Foundation, said whatever the family is doing today  is by God’s grace.

    She noted that the foundation has become popular that her family is now planning to extend the gesture to other widows from various communities in Rivers State. She promises to always support her husband to ensure that the foundation continue to impart positively to the lives of widows in the area.

    Mrs Worluh said:  “It has been my prayers that God should use me to bring more souls to God and I think this dream has been achieved by His grace. I have always supported my husband morally and financially. I want to use this opportunity to call on other well meaning Nigerians to always remember the poor. I know that it takes the grace of God to give alms, but with the testimonies we have received through the foundation assistance to the poor widows, I have realized that there are so much benefits in giving and helping the less privilege in our society.”

    Worluh said the foundation was established to discourage widows from worshiping idols and to show love to those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour. He said the five communities in the area have over 100 churches and he had always made it compulsory that beneficiaries must come from the list of their pastors and must not be politicised.

    He said: “My mother was a widow and I realised that when a widow needs the children school fees or any of the basic needs she will shed tears. In fact, everything about them is to cry but today we are here not to cry but to dance, celebrate and share whatever we have with one another because this is what God has led me to do. Another thing that gladdens my heart is that those widows who use to worship idols have abandoned it to worship God. In spite of so many challenges that affected our income this year. God in His way of doing things provided more than what we needed. The number of beneficiaries this year is greater than every other year yet we were able to make them happy.

    “Widows are the people of God, and I am interested in their welfare. This has been a yearly programmme, and I derive joy in reaching out to widows. The programme is a kind of covenant my family has entered with God. I prefer giving to the widows than partying with the rich.”

  • TFC founders to launch Bunmi Adedayo Foundation tomorrow

    TFC founders to launch Bunmi Adedayo Foundation tomorrow

    Three years after the death of Bunmi Adedayo, the only child of the founders of Tastee Fried Chicken (TFC), his parents are launching a foundation in his memory.

    The Bunmi Adedayo Foundation will cater for the educational needs of less privileged children. The ceremony will hold at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, tomorrow.

    At a briefing at TFC Bunmi’s Place, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Mr. Adekunle Adedayo (TFC Chairman) and his wife, Olayinka (Managing Director), said the foundation was set up to immortalise and propagate their son’s altruistic nature of giving and sharing.

    A member of the board of trustees, Dr Doyin Abiola, said: “The cardinal aim of the Foundation is to improve the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, but more importantly to extend Bunmi’s dream to bridge the gap of quality education delivery between private and public schools.

    “The Bunmi Adedayo Foundation will intervene in schools through programmes to improve academics, enhance the learning environment and promote a sense of universal civic responsibility in the children.”

    Former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili will deliver the keynote address titled: “A Caring Society Grows Faster”.

    Mrs. Daisy Danjuma is the Chief Launcher.

    Hon. Justice George Oguntade and Dr. Adedeji Adeleke are co-launchers.

    The theme of the event is “Quality education for indigent Nigerian children: A head start”.

    A member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged the government and society to support the project to save lives.

    At the briefing were Ovation Publisher Dele Momodu; Mrs. Yinka Ayanlaja and the widow, Yemisi.

  • Foundation hails Oshiomhole for signing healthcare bill into law

    Foundation hails Oshiomhole for signing healthcare bill into law

    The Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) has commended Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for signing the Primary Health Care Development Agency into law

    It said the law would help the state achieve the Universal Health Coverage target by 2030.

    Edo State Chairman of HERFON, Uwaifo James, who spoke at a press briefing to commemorate the 2015 Universal Health Coverage day, urged Governor Oshiomhole to urgently constitute members of the PHCDA.

    Uwaifo who was represented by HERFON Vice Chairman, David Osaikhuwomwan, said Governor Oshiomhole has shown committed to health care delivery by signing the PHCDA law.

    He noted HERFON was willing to partner with both state and non-state actors to ensure the goals of UHC is achieved through concerted efforts backed up by the right plans and resources.

    He however warned that Nigerians might be denied the right to quality health care and protection from unnecessary financial risk if the barriers to achieving UHC were not removed.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Foundation rewards outstanding students

    Foundation rewards outstanding students

    For excelling in their academic work, despite obvious socio-economic challenges and ‘adversity’, some students selected from across secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Imo State have been rewarded by the R.I. Uzoma Educational Foundation (RIUEF).

    A total of 13 students from secondary schools and four students from tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State Polytechnic and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, got cash award ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 each in the maiden “Excellence in Adversity” Award of the foundation.

    In his address at the presentation ceremony held at the R.I. Uzoma Memorial Cathedral Hall, Bishop’s Court Nkwerre, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation and the Archbishop of Anglican Diocese of Orlu, Most Reverend Bennett Okoro said the foundation was established in the memory of a one-time Minister of Education in the defunct Eastern Region, Sir Rueben Ibekwe Uzoma, who propounded the Free Universal Primary Education (UPE) following the Macpherson Constitution of 1951.

    According to him, the foundation has the core objectives of promoting quality education for Nigerian youths, irrespective of social, gender or religious background through the institution of awards, bursaries and prizes for students and educators alike, to promote awareness on educational needs in Nigeria and network with similar organisations in and outside Nigeria for the benefit of education and to support the provision of modern educational facilities towards the enhancement of learning in Nigeria.

    Presenting the awards, a member of the Board of Trustees of the foundation and daughter of the late educationist, Dame Ada Okwuosa, said the beneficiaries were selected on a “non-denominational and non-partisan basis from independent secondary schools  and both state and Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions,” to underscore the public-service role and philosophy of the late Uzoma.

    She further stated that “the foundation is also a tribute to his passion for equal access to education for all, which led him in his lifetime to have personally sponsored the education of several individuals who were not his children.

    “We don’t refer to the beneficiaries as indigent students but they are students who have excelled in their academic work despite the challenges that could have made them do otherwise. They conquered socio-economic challenges to be the best in their respective classes and that is why this edition of the award is tagged Excellence in Adversity.

    “The foundation’s programmes have kicked off in Imo State with a view to extending it to the national platform in the next few years when more funding will be available.”

    A Principal in one of the benefitting schools, Anglican Secondary School Okigwe, Mr. Orji Idimakale, commended the foundation for the initiative, noting that the monetary award will go a long way to assisting the beneficiaries.

    Mr. Ahioha Ndubuisi, the Dean of School of Business, Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo, described the initiative as a noble gesture that will assist the students in reaching their goals.

    He maintained that the current economic situation in the country has placed a lot of burden on the students and has inhibited their success in many ways.

    “What the foundation has done will go a long way to assist the students with their financial needs and will spur others to work harder with the hope of clinching the award in the next edition.

  • Nuel Mark Group celebrates 10th anniversary launches Foundation

    Nuel Mark Group, the leading Real Estate consulting, valuation, investment advisory and environmental services company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and launch of Nuel Mark Foundation with a lecture to mark the ground-breaking achievements of the conglomerate.

    In welcoming guest to the event, the lead consultant and Head of practice  of Nuel Mark Group, Esv.(Barr)Emmanuel Mark remarked that the company is delighted at reaching remarkable 10 years in its operation in Nigeria, and having achieved great milestones as well as having contributed immensely to the economic growth of Nigeria, it became necessary for the company to celebrate. He noted that the company is prepared for the future with a lot of enthusiasm, innovation and dynamism,

    On the establishment of Nuel Mark Foundation to coincide with 10 years anniversary, the managing director stated that “in effort to actively play important part towards realizing an inclusive society Nuel Mark  Development Foundation will be creating a niche in the following activities; Housing and urban Development; investment in policy research; promotion of an outstanding research institute, scientific journal publication outfit and an annual  summit; as well as interests in water and environmental sanitation; capacity building for community water management; providing platform to mentor young children and encouraging creative writing amongst a litany of others”.

    He further noted that “in establishing the Nuel Mark Foundation, the promoter – Nuel Mark Group has opted to scale the heritage of service to community and globe which it imbibed from Rotary International. Also, the depth of leadership qualities and absolute commitment of members of the noble institution to both urban and human development remains a central motivation”.

    Speaking further, he noted that “the imperative for dynamic intervention in service delivery to meet the increasing demands of an ever plural society such as the economic empowerment of innovators, entrepreneurs and talented young people, in addition to addressing new opportunities and or make better use of resources became a new challenge for the organization. To this end, it becomes necessary to promote a foundation with clear focus and scope”.

    Anniversary lectures were delivered by two eminent real estate professionals,  Dr (Mrs) Iyenemi  Ibimina Kakulu an Associate professor of Land management, valuation and the chief Executive of Niesv learning centre  who spoke on “Integrated Land Administration and Mass Housing Development in the Niger Delta”  and Adekunle ’G Awolaja who spoke on Innovative Business Processes for Automated Land Administration in Nigeria. Both speakers advocated for increased government participation in housing development in Nigeria

    Nuel Mark is a group of companies offering very diverse range of services including Real Estate consultancy, Valuation, real Estate legal services and Environmental consultancy  Services,  with a one common thread woven throughout the Group of companies and focused on customer service.

  • Foundation rewards indigent students

    For excelling in their academic work, despite obvious socio-economic challenges, some students selected from across secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Imo State have been rewarded by the R.I Uzoma Educational Foundation (RIUEF).

    The students, 13 of them, were randomly selected from secondary schools, and four from tertiary institutions including the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State Polytechnic and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education.

    They got cash award of between N50,000 and N100,000 during the maiden “Excellence in Adversity” Award of the Foundation.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation and the Archbishop of Anglican Diocese of Orlu, Most Reverend Bennett Okoro, said at the presentation held at the R.I Uzoma Memorial Cathedral Hall, Bishop’s Court Nkwerre, that the Foundation was established in the memory of  one-time Minister of Education in the defunct Eastern Region, Sir Rueben Ibekwe Uzoma, who propounded the free Universal Primary Education (UPE) following the Macpherson Constitution of 1951.

    Presenting the awards, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation and daughter of the late educationist, Dame Ada Okwuosa, said the beneficiaries had surmounted difficulties to continue their education.

    “We don’t refer to the beneficiaries as indigent students, but students who have excelled in their academic work despite the challenges that could have made them do otherwise. They conquered socio-economic challenges to be the best in their respective classes and that is why this edition of the award is tagged Excellence in Adversity,” she said.

  • Hospital partners sickle cell foundation

    Apollo Hospitals, India, has  said it would collaborate with Nigeria in treating sickle cell anaemia and bone marrow transplantation.

    The hospital made this known at a two-day continuous medical education (CME) organised by Diamond Helix Medical Assistance for medical doctors in Lagos.

    A senior oncologist and bone marrow specialist with the hospital, Dr Iyotishankar Raychaudhuri, said the hospital will work with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria so that patients would not have to travel to India for bone marrow transplant and other sickle cell disease problems.

    He said the capacity of local institutions and experts will be built to develop healthcare in Nigeria.

    Moreover, there will be research and development in sickle cell disease treatment.

    He said although Nigeria is already doing well in its treatment, adding that more can be done as sickle cell is very much a black people’s problem.

    “The condition is predominantly a problem of the black race and Nigeria occupies a sensitive position as the most populous black country in the world,” he said.

    General Manager, Marketing and Strategic Business at Apollo Hospitals, Mr Raj Kr Raina said the collaboration was key to develop the manpower in Nigeria so that they can do clinical.

    He said Apollo Hospitals will some day be able to transfer some technologies to Nigeria.

    “We have been able to do facelift and hair transplantation, among other cosmetic and beauty procedures,” he said.

    This, he said, is novel in beauty treatment.

    “Apollo Hospitals successfully completes Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant; joins a small set of Transplant Centres in the World to have done this.”

    He said hair transplants are safe and may be recommended.

    “There cannot be anything more worrying than seeing you everyday in the mirror minus few hairs. Hair loss is fast becoming the biggest panic creator amongst the young population thanks to the changing lifestyles. Besides, heredity is one of the most common internal causes of hair loss. However, there is a solution in the form of hair transplantation,” Raina said.

    He continued: “Knife-less therapy for timeless beauty may sometimes be necessary. This is an ul-therapy, a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, which gives natural yet noticeable results”.

  • MTN Foundation gives IDPs relief materials

    In its continuous bid to complement government’s efforts in providing succour to the needy, MTN Foundation has flagged off the distribution of relief materials to three Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps in North East, Nigeria.

    The relief materials meant to provide succour and brighten hopes were distributed to displaced persons in Government College, Maiduguri, Borno State; NYSC Camp, Yola, Adamawa State and Poponari Camp, Damaturu, Yobe State.

    The relief materials included: mattresses, pillows, bed sheets and pillow cases, bathing soaps, disinfectants, cooking pots, kerosine stoves and cartons of noodles.

    At the presentation ceremony in Adamawa, the Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, represented by Dealer Account Executive in the Sales & Distribution division of MTN, Ms. Pedeino Mathias, said MTN was delighted to contribute to efforts that would ease the plight of the IDPs.

    “We have come to demonstrate our deepest concern for our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers including children who have been affected by one disaster or the other. As the government strives to meet the needs of these individuals, this donation is part of the many projects of the MTN Foundation to support the efforts of the government to improve the quality of lives in our communities,” Ugboma said.

    On his part, the NEMA Camp Coordinator at NYSC Camp, Damare, Adamawa, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said, “We are really happy for the concern shown by the MTN Foundation and we assure you the items will be distributed to the IDPs. We appreciate the donations we receive from individuals and groups and we appeal for more to be able to meet the needs of the IDPs. NEMA is doing its best on behalf of the federal government to accommodate the IDPs and make them comfortable but we need the support of all.”

    The chairman of the IDPs, Alhaji Madu Goni who spoke on behalf of the IDPs in the Adamawa camp expressed satisfaction with the gesture shown by the MTN Foundation. He said that “by this donation, they have shown that they care for us and have concerns for our plight. We call on other organisations across the country to emulate this gesture and also support us.”

    The MTN Foundation, the corporate social investment arm of MTN Nigeria has invested over N13 billion in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. The Foundation has 344 project sites across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Foundation provides jobs tools

    Foundation provides jobs tools

    A non-profit organisation, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has provided entrepreneurial tools to 29 beneficiaries in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    It was part of the organisation’s annual charity programme.

    The group provided items ranging from cash for petty traders to motorcycles, cassava grinding machines, tricycles, industrial sewing machines, ipads, all of which were estimated at N1.5 million.

    Speaking to the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group, Imam Abdullahi Shuaibu said that it was founded over 40 years ago and has been pre-occupied with giving a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless.

    Shuaibu said that in fulfilment of its cardinal program, the foundation through its empowerment program is determined to touch the lives of humanity, irrespective of the religion the beneficiaries may come from, stressing that the issue of alms giving does not know any boundary.

    The CEO of the foundation said that the empowerment programme in Umuahia, will have 89% of the beneficiaries receive seed money for their various trades and petty business, 8.65% took care of the educational needs of those whose parents are indigent, while less than 2% of the fund went to the general welfare and sustenance of the poor.

    He went on to enjoin the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money and the equipment to make life more meaningful to themselves and their families, adding that they should also try to empower others, “As God will judge all those who will betray the trust placed on them.”

    In his remarks the state chairman of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sheik Ibrahim Chima appreciated the Zakat and Sadaqat foundation for always remembering the state every year in its annual empowerment programme for the needy in the state.

    Sheik Chima urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to ensure that they make good use of the equipment being given to them, while pleading with those who did not benefit to bear with the foundation as there will always be another program in the coming year.

    In his welcome address the Vice President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the state and the Transition Chairman of Umuahia North local government area, Alhaji Sulaiman Ukandu said that the program of the foundation is consonance with the program-mes of the present government of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

    Alhaji Ukandu said that the foundation is replicating the vision of the governor by providing succour to the youths of the state by empowering them and thanked the coordinator of the foundation, Imam Shuaibu, “As Islam emphasises arms giving and assistance to the poor and urged the beneficiaries to learn to empower others as God will reward mankind through alms giving.”

     

  • Foundation mentors girls in STEM

    Foundation mentors girls in STEM

    About 12 girls have the Visiola Foundation to thank for exposing them to practical science education during its 2015 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) camp.

    The one-week programme held in Abuja created opportunities for the teenagers to improve their academic knowledge of sciences, produce practical projects in teams, play games, as well as get mentored by experts in the Information Technology industry.

    They also gained valuable skills in critical thinking, problem solving, team work, and public speaking.

    They were divided into four groups to work on projects covering engineering/mechanics concepts, electronics, robotics, and computer programming.

    Their project works such as industrial mixers, electric circuits, FM radios, alarm systems, a crane, an elevator, robot cars, and computer animations using Scratch software (developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,MIT) were displayed at the end of the camp.

    Mrs. Lade Araba, co-founder and President of the foundation expressed confidence in the girls.

    “It was exciting to watch the gradual transformation in each girl as she realised that the concepts being taught, and their practical application were interesting and relevant to her daily life. The girls who came to the camp shy and insecure no longer view mathematics and science as boring.  Instead, they now know that if they apply themselves, work hard, and ask questions when they don’t understand, they can achieve anything.  I am so pleased that they have been inspired to maximize their potential. Watch out for these future engineers, scientists, computer whizzes, and innovators,” she said.

    The Operations Director of E2 Young Engineers Nigeria, Mr Francis Ojo, stressed the importance of teaching pupils to be problem solvers and also advised them to be cautious to identify problems in order to create effective solutions.

    Also speaking, the Intel Corporation Nigeria’s Ambassador/Spokesperson, Titilope Sonuga,  an award-winning poet, shared her personal journey of  how she became a civil engineer  and advised the girls to explore  skills in various  areas  as well as  encouraged them to  use the internet to  add to their knowledge.