The Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation, a distinguished Abuja-based NGO, has embarked on a transformative mission to empower 20 people with invaluable skills to cushion the effect of the recent fuel subsidy removal, especially among the indigent in Nigeria.

The event coincided with the organization's annual Founders Day held in Abuja on Saturday, 12th August 2023, had the beneficiaries trained in pastry making, soap and scented candle making, and barbing.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Shamies Foundation, Amb. Sara Abdul, who was represented by the Foundation's Director of Communications, John Olugbemi, noted that the Foundation decided to use the occasion of its Founders Day to train and empower indigent youths in requisite skills needed for them to be self-reliant and financially stable, especially at a time like this when the removal of the fuel subsidy is taking its toll on individuals and families in the country.

"We desire to ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship in the beneficiaries by empowering them with vocational skills and providing them with startup kits needed to generate income," Olugbemi noted.

Olugbemi, after that, encouraged the beneficiaries to use their newfound abilities to create positive change around them, as doing so will create a ripple effect of progress.

The Foundation's Director of Programmes, Shadrach Oka, noted that although economic fluctuations often lead to increased criminal activities, the Foundation has embarked on this empowerment initiative to deter people from engaging in illegal activities.

"If you do not want young people to go into crime, you must present them with viable alternatives through skill acquisition and empowerment. Our vision is to see a society where crime is less attractive, and ex-inmates become part of sustainable solutions to peace and security. For a crime to be less attractive, people must be empowered," Oka said.

The beneficiaries, who could not hide their excitement, prayed for the Founder and the entire team of the Shamies Foundation, stating that they would not betray the trust imposed on them.

Mrs Habibat Ibrahim, one of the beneficiaries trained in soap making, noted that her newly learned skills have restored a newfound confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. "I can't thank God enough for the Shamies Foundation," she said. "I now have the skills and the tools to provide for my family and contribute positively to society."

Established in 2018 with a mission to rehabilitate, empower and reintegrate ex-convicts into society through a wide range of advocacy, representation, training, and support programmes, the Shamies Foundation, since its inception, has carried out various medical and humanitarian outreaches and sponsored the release of awaiting trial inmates in major correctional centers across Nigeria.

The Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation has secured the release of 5 inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State to mark its 2022 Founder's Day.

The Program Director of the Foundation, Shedrack Okah, who spoke to the press shortly after the release of the inmates on Sunday, 14th August 2022, noted that the gesture was part of the Foundation's legacy project to mark the founder's birthday.

According to Okah, the founder's humanitarian service to inmates stems from her childhood experience where someone close to her was wrongly accused and had to spend some days behind bars.

"Our founder, Amb. Sara Abdul is passionate about the welfare of inmates and prison reforms, hence the reason behind the establishment of Shamies foundation, which has been tasked with a mandate to cater to the welfare of inmates, rehabilitation and reintegration.

While responding, the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ali Dayyabu Ali commended the Foundation's efforts. He also encouraged other NGOs to emulate what the organization was doing to meet the bail conditions of inmates with minor offenses and the general welfare in the correctional centers as the government cannot do it alone.

He further stated that although the government was providing education to the inmates, as several are now degree holders, while others are undergoing vocational training in tailoring, shoe making, and others, collaborative partnerships with other NGOs will be a welcome development.

The released inmates, who could not hide their excitement, expressed their profound gratitude to the Foundation for their benevolence in fulfilling their bail conditions.

The Founders Day is a yearly programme designed to mark the birthday of Amb. Sara Abdul on 12th August every year with the release of inmates who will be trained, empowered, and equipped with the skills needed to help them survive and thrive in the outside world.

The Executive Director and Founder of the KIEK foundation, Barr. Mrs. Ebele Iyiegbu has stated that the foundation will continue to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children while helping them to fulfill their potential.

Speaking at an event held in partnership with Bata Nigeria on Friday, May 27, 2022, to mark this year’s Children’s Day at Dakwo Nursery and Primary School, FCT Abuja, she noted that the potential of disadvantaged children can only be harnessed through the provision of basic education, nutrition, healthcare provision, and other forms of support programs.

“For a disadvantaged child to thrive in a country like ours where the level of poverty is high, we must give them the necessary support, especially in the area of basic education, nutrition, and healthcare provision which they need to attain their goals in life.”

The event tagged ‘Best Foot Forward’ had the Kiek foundation and Bata Nigeria donating 100 pairs of school shoes to the children.

Iyiegbu noted that the distribution of the school shoes was borne out of concern for disadvantaged school kids in public primary schools, who go to school in worn-out shoes and slippers because of their parent's inability to afford good shoes for them.

Visibly excited, the children expressed their appreciation to the KIEK foundation and Bata for the shoes.

Established with a vision to see a world where every child can enjoy quality education, healthcare, and a mission to achieve equal education opportunities, the KIEK foundation has since its inception in 2017 impacted over 30,000 disadvantaged children across Nigeria, most especially in education, healthcare, and capacity development.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, on Friday, 11th February 2022, commissioned the 248-unit affordable housing estate developed by the Millard Fuller Foundation in Masaka, a few kilometres from the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

Received by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the CEO of the Millard Fuller Foundation, Sam Odia, the visit provided an opportunity to dedicate Millard Fuller Foundation’s 1,000th house, while also unveiling the Fuller One Million Naira ($2,500) incremental ‘shell’ house, a research project aimed at providing simple, decent and affordable homes for the low-income earner, and to let the world know that a home can be built if the right structures are in place.

In his speech, Osinbajo noted that many households are faced with the dilemma of survival between food and inadequate shelter.
He further stated that the government aims to address inadequate housing in the country and that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration remains determined to build a nation where low-income earners have the dignity of a decent home and livelihood.

While describing the commissioning as a watershed event in the important work of providing housing for Nigerians who need it most, he noted that the challenge of inadequate or no-housing undermines the quality of life of many Nigerians.

The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, who also spoke at the event, thanked the Vice President for finding the time to commission the project and “to share in the joy of the beneficiaries, especially those of the Fuller Foundation”, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the Vice President’s care for the people.

The Governor also commended the effort of the Federal Government to find solutions to the challenge of affordable housing and gave assurances that the State Government is committed to fixing the access road in the community. This comment was received with wild jubilation by those present.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of MFF appreciated the Vice President for making time to commission the project. He described the Vice President as a “man of his word, and a man who has a heart for the poor”. He then noted that the path to building MFF’s 1,000th house had been largely made possible through partnerships with individuals and organisations, notable among them being The Fuller Center for Housing Inc. (USA), Reall Limited UK (formerly Homeless International), Selavip International (Belgium), Family Homes Funds Ltd. (Nigeria) and the GIZ who has provided substantial support for capacity development & skills training. The Federal Government’s N-Power programme has also designated MFF an official building skills training centre.

Odia further mentioned that the UK's Department of Foreign & International Development (now FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) had supported the organisation in no small measure by providing substantial funding for the housing projects through Reall UK.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Millard Fuller Foundation, Pastor Solomon Yero, also noted that the organisation has been working hard to improve the affordable housing market: “While it took us almost 10 years to build our first 100 units with grant funding, it only took us another five years to build 1,000. With a combination of grants and loans in the next five years, we hope to have built another 10,000 housing units at the very least."

Founded in 2006, the Millard Fuller Foundation has been working at the forefront of more inclusive, energy-efficient, climate-smart housing for low-income Nigerians.

It is important to note that MFF’s housing projects have consistently been adjudged 'most affordable' in Nigeria and have directly benefited thousands of people. In 2019, the highly respected Johannesburg-based Centre for Affordable Housing Finance (CAHF) recognized homes built by MFF as the lowest-priced by a private developer across the entire African continent!

As part of efforts to ameliorate the plight of those living at the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp in Abuja, while putting smiles on their faces this season, the Victory Idewele Foundation, VIF, on Tuesday 28th December 2021, offered free medical services, donated food items/relief materials and also offered 10 scholarships to the children.

According to the Founder, Innocent Idewele, the essence of the visit is to give the IDP’s a sense of belonging during and after the festive period.

He stated that the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp is a place that needs serious attention from government and nongovernmental organizations, hence the reason why the Foundation is doing all that it can to add value to the lives of those living there.

“We are here for a medical outreach; we are giving out scholarships to 10 students, we are also donating food items and toiletries to them as well. I chose Kuchingoro IDP camp because some years ago, I saw how they were living, and I said there is a lot to be done for them.”

“These people have some health conditions which we are trying to arrest with the help of our medical team. Those with ailments that cannot be attended to immediately would be taken to a hospital where we would ensure that their health is restored.”

Idewele further stated that the Foundation would conduct frequent visits to the camp with the aim of doing all that it can to improve the living conditions of the women and children.

On why the Foundation chose to reach out this season, the Founder noted that “the best way to celebrate Christmas is by doing good to the people because the Bible says when you give to the poor, you lend to God and your reward comes from God, therefore it is better we reach out to them and take them as our own, and also we should not wait for the government to do everything for us, we are the government.”

One of the beneficiaries, Ali Yusuf who was visibly elated thanked the Foundation for their kind gesture, while urging other well-meaning individuals and organisations to do likewise.

The Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation is set to host the second edition of its annual lecture series, which is billed to take place on Tuesday, the 30th of November 2021 from 10:00am prompt at the Merit House Maitama, Abuja.

With the theme, “Community Correction in Criminal Justice System: Transitioning from Prison to Community,” the event is expected to bring together major stakeholders both within and outside the correctional value chain to a round table as part of efforts to support some of the reforms of the government with regards to correctional service in Nigeria.

Speaking during a briefing at the organisation’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 18 November 2021, the Executive Director and Founder of the NGO, Amb. Saratu Abdul noted that the Shamies Annual Lecture series is an initiative conceived with the aim of bringing major stakeholders in the Nigeria Correctional Service value chain to a roundtable to deliberate on ways to make crime less attractive, while recommending policies that will ensure that inmates and ex-convicts are part of the sustainable solutions to building a safer and more secured society for all citizens of Nigeria.

The Shamies foundation’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Shedrach Oka also stated that the Annual Lecture series fits into the organisation’s call on multi-stakeholder efforts to consolidate on goals of the Correctional Service Act, with the intention to fulfill its measured objectives, noting that the various programmes of the organisation is that which has been designed to support and complement the efforts of the government as far as the correctional service is concerned.

Dignitaries expected at this year’s event include, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Security and Governance Studies, Dr David Okoror, the Hon. Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and Mr ABUBAKAR Malami SAN, who is expected to be the keynote speaker among several others.

The maiden edition of the lecture series which held in November 2019 with the theme, Crime, Security and Criminal Justice System: Challenges and Future for Nigeria, had in attendance dignitaries from both the public and private sector notable among them being the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan and the Minister of State for Labour, Barr. Festus Keyamo, both of whom were ably represented.

The Lecture is open to all Development partners and Civil Society Organizations whose interest is on Correctional Sector, Crime and Security.

In a bid to put smiles on the faces of struggling young women in the FCT-Abuja, while also boosting their confidence, the Executive Director and Founder of the Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation, Amb. Sara Abdul gave out half of her wardrobe at a brief event which was held at her residence in Abuja on Saturday, 13th November 2021.

According to Amb. Abdul, the items which range from clothes, shoes and bags were meant to show love and support to the struggling young women while also helping them to cushion the effect of the current economic realities.

“When people ask me why I do what I do, I tell them that I do so based on my past experiences. It has not always been this rosy for me. I have once upon a time being in a place of lack, and I know how it feels not to have some basic needs. Therefore, I will continue to put smiles on the faces of people whenever I can do so.

The beneficiaries who could not hide their excitement were full of gratitude to Amb. Sara for her kind gesture. They showered her with encomiums and prayers.

A passionate humanitarian, philanthropist and a published author, her personal experiences have enabled her to empathise with the plight of inmates and ex-convicts. Through her NGO, and in partnership with other notable NGOs in Nigeria, Amb. Sara has provided succour to hundreds of disadvantaged within and outside the FCT through the provision of food items, relief materials and toiletries.

Described by many as an angel with a heart of gold, Amb. Sara’s good deeds have not gone unnoticed, as several reputable institutions and organisations within and outside Nigeria have bestowed honours and awards on her.

Fast growing Nigeria investment company, Zee Capital Investment, a subsidiary of BTCBars Group of Companies, has held the maiden edition of her investment summit in Abuja.

The event which held at the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 22nd October 2021, had in attendance notable investors and persons, many of whom have stood by the organisation since its inception a few years ago.

While welcoming the investors to the summit, the Group Managing Director of BTCBars Group of Companies, AMB. Ebenezer Ulochukwu, noted that the desire of the company was to ensure that its investors put food in their stomachs while building their bank accounts.

He further explained that the summit was designed as a quarterly event, not just to showcase the company’s economic progress, but to bring the investors up to speed on how their funds are being utilized, as integrity and accountability are part of the core values of the organisation, and to also expose the investors to other opportunities to invest and make profit.

In his presentation to the investors, the Group Managing Director noted that Zee Capital Investments has over the years judiciously managed the funds of the investors by channelling the funds into livestock farming through one of the company’s subsidiaries, Royal Niger Green Farms, an agricultural company located in Agbarho, Delta State.

After the presentation, the new investors received their certificates of investment, while those who invested previously in Royal Niger Green Farms received title documents (CofO) of various plot sizes of land in the Federal Capital Territory, as promised.

One of the investors, Mr. Uzozie Valentine, who could not contain his excitement, appreciated BTCBars Group of Companies and Zee Capital Investment for keeping their promise. “Although I had some reservations prior to investing, all that is now history as I have seen for myself the prospects that the company holds. Their level of integrity and accountability is that which I truly love, as I believe it would go a long way to boost the confidence of those who would want to invest," he said.

Another investor, Mr. Tamaralayefa Richard, who said that investment is the way of the future, expressed his confidence in BTCBars Group of Companies, urging those who still had reservations regarding the company to jump on the train as their future looks bright.

In his closing remark, the Group Managing Director, whose passion for agriculture is well known by many, noted that the bulk of the organisation’s investment is being channelled into agriculture in other to ensure food sustainability as the food crises in the nation needs to be confronted headlong.

He further stated that the long-term goal of Royal Niger Green Farms is to feed 50% of Nigeria’s population. BTCBars Group of Companies operates in several industries spanning real estate, courier & logistics, agriculture, entertainment & finance sector, among several others.

As part of its commitment to support Nigerians living below the poverty line while helping them to gain financial independence, a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, The Aeida Foundation (TAF), recently put smiles on the faces of some persons in Lagos State.

The Foundation in an unprecedented move donated 3 brand new tricycles to some individuals to enable them to ease their financial burden, while making it easier for them to cater for their families.

In a statement released by the Executive Director and Founder of the foundation, Mr. Chijioke John Ike, the purpose behind the donation was to put smiles on the faces of struggling family men, lift them out of poverty, while empowering them to cater for their families.

“Whenever I see what people are passing through just to fend for their families, I am usually moved to tears. Though we may not be able to get everyone out of poverty, we will continue to do our best to make impact. If we touch the life of one person, we believe that sooner or later, that one person will also be able to touch the lives of other people. This is the reason why we will always continue to impact lives,” he noted.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sunday Aboemeka, who could not contain his excitement expressed his immense gratitude to the foundation. He said that for the first time in his life, he now can work for himself at his own pace. He promised that he would make the foundation proud by ensuring that he not only maintaining the tricycle, but he would also work hard, make profit, and buy additional tricycles within the next one year.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Kingsley Ejiekwu thanked the foundation for the kind gesture. While asking God to bless the foundation immensely, he promised to make the foundation proud by working hard and impacting the lives of other people as well.

Established in the year 2021 with a mission to take away millions of Nigerians from the shackles of poverty while creating succour for the helpless, The AEIDA foundation has impacted upon the lives of thousands of Nigerians through the provision of relief materials for the disadvantaged and scholarship schemes for students.

It was a night of comedy, encomium, dance, laughter, excitement, and entertainment as the Executive Director and Founder of the Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation, Amb. Sara Abdul brought together the crème-de-la-crème within and outside Abuja to celebrate of her 30th birthday.

The event which took place at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Friday, 13th August 2021 which also coincided with a book launch is that which would not be forgotten in a hurry.

The book titled, “My Path To 3-Decades, Philosophy and Ideology behind Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation’’ is an autobiography which chronicles the life and achievements of Amb. Sara Abdul over 3-decades.

The book reviewer, Prof. Barika Dominic Saro-Laka described the celebrant/author as a woman who has brought smile to the faces of the disadvantaged through her numerous works and projects urging her not to relent in her quest to make the society a better place for the disadvantaged to live in.

A woman who has been described by many as an angel with a heart of gold, Amb. Sara has through her NGO, the Shamies Unusual Hearts foundation not only impacted the lives of many through her good deeds, she has also facilitated the release and rehabilitation of awaiting trial inmates with the lowest bail conditions across major correctional facilities in Nigeria, while participating actively in their rehabilitation, while empowering them with the needed skills and finances to help them live a decent life outside the prison walls while also fending for themselves and their dependents.

A passionate humanitarian and philanthropist, her personal experiences have enabled her to empathise with the plight of inmates and ex-convicts. This has led her to develop a wide range of programmes and outreaches aimed at ensuring the reduction of crime in the society.
The event had dignitaries like Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Chairman, Cubana Group), Pretty Mike, Warri Pikin, Ice Prince, Otunba and others in attendance.

The Executive Director and Founder of the Kiek foundation, Barr. Mrs. Ebele Iyiegbu has stated that youth empowerment will go a long way in reducing the rate of unemployment and crime in our society.

Ebele noted this while giving a welcome address at the grand finale of the Rural Area Children and Teenagers in Information and Communication Technology (RACT-in-ICT) programme which held in Abuja on Saturday, 21st August 2021.

She stated that the RACT-in-ICT programme was conceived in 2018 by the foundation with the aim of combating the rising rate of poverty, insecurity, and unemployment in Nigeria.

“We realised quite early that once young people are empowered with basic ICT skills, they will not only stay off crime because they now have a source of income which now enables them to fend for themselves, they will become employers of labour and in the long run contribute to building the nation’s economy,” she said.

The Executive Director who urged the graduands to stay focused not minding the challenges that they may encounter on their path to success later announced that the foundation will take up 5 of the most outstanding students on an internship for one year.

As part of efforts to fulfill its mandate of continually putting smiles on the faces of the disadvantaged in the society, The Aeida Foundation, a non-governmental organisation has put smiles on the faces of 30 disadvantaged women in Ideato South local government area of Imo State, Nigeria.

At an event which was held on Saturday, 19th December 2020, the foundation gave out various gift items which included bags of rice, cooking oil , canned tomatoes and cash gifts.

In a good will message delivered by the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation who was ably represented by the Programmes Coordinator, the Founder urged the women to be of good cheer as the organisation’s desire is to make life easier for them by alleviating their pains and putting smiles on their faces.

In appreciation, the women whose joy could not be contained thanked the foundation for the gesture while praying for God’s protection on the founder and the entire team of the Aeida foundation.

The Aeida Foundation, an NGO with its head office in Lagos Nigeria, on Friday, 29th January 2021, gave out several laptop computers to some students in Lagos.

The laptops which were given under the organisation’s ICT empowerment programme took place at Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.

While giving a short address, the founder of the Aeida foundation Mr. Ike who was represented by the Programmes Coordinator charged the students to maximize the use of the laptop computers handed over to them. He urged them to put the laptops into good use in furtherance of their education and careers.

The recipients of the laptop computers expressed their profound gratitude to the Aeida foundation for kind kind gesture while promising to make the best use of it in the furtherance of her education. They also prayed to God to continue to guide and bless the founder, Mr. Chijioke Ike for giving back to education.

The high point of the programme was the presentation of the laptop computers to the recipients by the Programmes Coordinator to the delight of the dignitaries present.

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the KIEK foundation, Barr. Mrs Ebele Iyiegbu has commended the effort of teachers across the globe.

In a press statement released by the foundation on Monday, 5th October 2020 to commemorate the World Teachers Day, Iyiegbu noted that the role of teachers in changing the world one child at a time cannot be overemphasised as it is in tandem with the vision of the KIEK foundation which is to see a society that afford every child the opportunities to live a fulfilled life.

Iyiegbu stated that the role of teachers in the society cannot be overemphasised as many of them have set a high standard for themselves and their pupils towards building a society that is free of illiteracy and poverty.

While noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has further helped everyone to appreciate the relentless efforts of the teachers at impacting knowledge, Iyiegbu stated that teachers across the globe will continue to be appreciated for their role in building a culture of togetherness.

On how the KIEK foundation has impacted upon the lives of disadvantaged children in Nigeria, the CEO said that the foundation has through it’s ‘Street to Class Project’ sponsored the education of hundreds of disadvantaged children in Primary and Secondary schools in Nigeria, while taking education to 364 disadvantaged children who could not access digital learning during the lockdown through it’s ‘Education in Covid-19 Project.’

An annual event earmarked to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, take stock of achievements, and draw attention to the voices of teachers, who are at the heart of efforts to attain the global education target of leaving no one behind, the 2020 World Teachers’ Day was held virtually with the theme “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future.”

A newly established Agri-tech company with its headquarters in Abuja the FCT urgently requires the services of a young, dynamic and upwardly mobile individual to fill the vacant position of it’s Administrative Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Handling the day-to-day running of the organization, handling phone inquiries and complaints in a courteous, professional manner.
2. Ensuring organizational supplies are maintained, including checking inventory and working with vendors to ensure adequate levels of necessary supplies always.
3. Occasionally traveling off-site as may be directed by the Chief Executive Officer
4. Ensuring the confidentiality and security of all the organization’s documents and systems
5. Coordinating schedules, arranging meetings, distributing memos and reports and ensuring that every stakeholder in the organization is kept updated of necessary company news and information.

Skills and qualifications
1. Good organization, time management and scheduling skills
2. Basic bookkeeping experience, especially in accounts payable/receivable
3. Experienced in using office management software, including word processing software, spreadsheets and excel.
4. Strong communication skills
5. Strong social media skills
6. Ability to multitask

Remuneration
Similar to what is obtainable in the Agri-tech industry in Nigeria.

How to Apply
Send cover letter and CV to vacancies@tourmalineglobal.com on or before the 30th of September 2020. Only successful candidates will be contacted for screening and interview.

The Founder and Executive Director of the KIEK foundation, Barr. Mrs. Ebele Iyiegbu has paid tribute to aid workers across the globe.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 19 August 2020 to commemorate the United Nations World Humanitarian Day, Iyiegbu noted that the role played by aid workers across the globe to bring succour to crises ridden communities cannot be over-emphasised.

She stated that these humanitarians work tirelessly while contending with diverse challenges and unfriendly to serve millions across the world.

“The resilience and dedication of these humanitarians deserves to be commended at such a time like this. Several of them are frontline workers who are treating and preventing COVID-19, providing food to vulnerable people in need, ensuring that women and children are kept safe during the lockdown, while putting their lives on the line to keep the world safe.

Iyiegbu who condemned the killing of some aid workers in Nigeria a few weeks ago by some insurgents described aid workers as endangered species while urging respective governments across the world to do all within their ability to protect aid workers.

Though formalised on the 19th of August 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly, the World Humanitarian Day was set aside in memory of those who lost their lives on the 19th of August 2003 in the bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq of which the chief humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello lost his life.

An Abuja based NGO established in September 2018 with a mission to restore hope to the less privileged children by combating poverty globally through quality education, healthcare and nutrition to enable them to actualise their potential, the KIEK foundation through the support of good willed individuals and donors reached out to 340 disadvantaged families in Nigeria during the Covid-19 pandemic with relief packages containing food items and toiletries to ease their plight during the lockdown.

The Founder and Executive Director of the KIEK foundation, Barr. Mrs. Ebele Iyiegbu has paid tribute to aid workers across the globe.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 19 August 2020 to commemorate the United Nations World Humanitarian Day, Iyiegbu noted that the role played by aid workers across the globe to bring succour to crises ridden communities cannot be over-emphasised.

She stated that these humanitarians work tirelessly while contending with diverse challenges and unfriendly to serve millions across the world.

“The resilience and dedication of these humanitarians deserves to be commended at such a time like this. Several of them are frontline workers who are treating and preventing COVID-19, providing food to vulnerable people in need, ensuring that women and children are kept safe during the lockdown, while putting their lives on the line to keep the world safe.

Iyiegbu who condemned the killing of some aid workers in Nigeria a few weeks ago by some insurgents described aid workers as endangered species while urging respective governments across the world to do all within their ability to protect aid workers.

Though formalised on the 19th of August 2009 by the United Nations General Assembly, the World Humanitarian Day was set aside in memory of those who lost their lives on the 19th of August 2003 in the bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq of which the chief humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello lost his life.

An Abuja based NGO established in September 2018 with a mission to restore hope to the less privileged children by combating poverty globally through quality education, healthcare and nutrition to enable them to actualise their potential, the KIEK foundation through the support of good willed individuals and donors reached out to 340 disadvantaged families in Nigeria during the Covid-19 pandemic with relief packages containing food items and toiletries to ease their plight during the lockdown.

The Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation is set to commemorate the second edition of its Founders Day, an annual event to mark the birthday of its Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Saratu Abdul.

With the theme, *‘Breaking Chains 2.0’*, the event which is billed to hold on the 12th of August 2020 across correctional facilities in 9 states of the country namely, Nasarawa, Benue, Kebbi, Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Plateau, Sokoto and Abuja the FCT will be heralded by some activities which also includes courtesy calls on some major stakeholders in the correctional value chain.

According to the Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Shedrach Oka, the Founder's Day is a Legacy Project designed to communicate the ideals of Ms. Saratu Abdul to people who comes after her. According to him, the Founder’s Day project brings her life, her philosophy, and her ideology of living to the surface; thereby showcasing the perspective of what is most important about her life.

Oka stated that the high point of the event will be the payment of fines for inmates with minor charges, feeding the hungry and providing health care services for the less privileged. He then concluded by saying that the organisation was working on several skills empowerment and training programmes in collaboration with some individuals and organisations to ensure that inmates who are out of the correctional facilities have what it takes to fend for themselves while being reintegrated into the society.

Some notable names billed to support the Founder’s Day which is also in tandem with the foundation’s mission of rehabilitating, empowering, and reintegrating ex-convicts back into the society include: Faze, Josh2funny, MC Edo pikin, Frodd, and Ogenyi Onazi among others.

Duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation has carried out various medical and humanitarian outreaches across major correctional facilities across Nigeria.

As part of its efforts to support educationally disadvantaged children in Nigeria, the KIEK foundation on Monday, 3rd August 2020 commenced its ‘Education in Covid-19 Project’ which is aimed at impacting 500 orphans and vulnerable children resident in orphanages and IDP camps within and around the FCT-Abuja.

In a press statement by the Executive Director of the foundation, Barr. Mrs. Ebele Iyiegbu, the education sector is one of the worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has compelled several nations of the world to shut down schools in other to flatten the curve and combat the raging spread of the pandemic.

Iyiegbu further noted that unlike children in the private schools who are receiving online classes via several digital platforms, the learning process of disadvantaged children in public schools has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic because their schools have remained shut.

“Many of these disadvantaged children has been completely cut off from all forms of formal education because they do not have access to computers, smart phones or even a transistor radio, and as a result, they’ve begun to roam the streets, while some of them have also been forced into child labour”, she said.

With the aid of experienced volunteers, the orphans and vulnerable children will be taught English language, Mathematics, Arts & crafts, Civic education, Social studies and Personal Hygiene, among others.

Some items which will be donated to aid the learning process of these children during and after the project include, Mathematical sets, transistor radios, textbooks, and tablets, among others.

Duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, the KIEK foundation is an NGO established in 2018 with the aim of improving the lives of the less privileged children in our society through quality education, healthcare, nutrition, child rights protection and advocacy.

Through its several programmes and with the support of its partners, the foundation has impacted over 20,000 disadvantaged children across Nigeria.

The Parliament of the West African Students Union, WASU – a union that was formed in London in 1925 by Oladipo Solanke, a Nigerian studying in Britain has honored the Executive Director of the Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation, Ms. Sara Abdul by presenting her with the meritorious, prestigious Sir Kwame Nkrumah Award of Excellence as an Icon of Humanitarian Service.

The private event which took place at the Sinoki House, Central Business District in Abuja on Saturday, 11th July 2020 had in attendance members of the Parliament of the West Africa Student Union and the management team of the Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation.

While presenting Ms. Abdul with the award, the spokesperson of the Union, Amb. Yusuf A. Abdullahi noted that the recipient has been a beacon of hope for many and a redemptive lodestar who is worthy of emulation in her calling that needs heroes and pathfinders. He also noted that the purpose of the honour is to encourage and motivate her to do more in supporting disadvantaged students in the community.

Abdullahi further stated that Ms. Abdul is a leader, a mother, a role model, and a philanthropist per excellence with an incomparable inspiration whose name will go down in history as one of the most celebrated and most impactful leaders of our time.

In his own remark, the representative of the Speaker, Amb. Shaibu Augustine praised the efforts of Ms. Abdul, urging her not to relent in her quest to create an enabling society where the disadvantaged can be protected and cared for, as this will further help her to etch her name in the sands of history.

Amb. Augustine concluded by stating that an official recommendation will be gotten from the Federal Ministry of Education to enable Ms. Abdul officially use the Ambassador acronym before her name, and also recommend her for suitable appointments whenever such is demanded from the body by the government.

In appreciation, Ms. Abdul not only thanked the West Africa Student Union for the honour that has been bestowed on her, she also expressed her profound gratitude to the executive members of the Shamies Unusual Hearts foundation for their unrelenting support and sacrifices at ensuring that the vision of the organisation is kept alive.

As an Ambassador of WASU, Ms. Sara Abdul automatically becomes the grand matron and a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), as well as a role model in the education sector.

Through the Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation, an Abuja-based NGO, Ms. Sara Abdul has impacted upon the lives of hundred of disadvantaged persons across the country, notable among them being prison inmates and disadvantaged women and children, among others

The KIEK Foundation, an Abuja-based NGO committed to the welfare and maintenance of disadvantaged children with focus on education, healthcare, nutrition, and child rights governance is seeking to recruit a Project Officer to be based in Abuja-the FCT.

Duties & Responsibilities:
• Monitor and Evaluate the implementation of activities of the foundation, gather feedback from beneficiaries and submit detailed report, recommendation and findings.
• Collect data on project indicators and maintain an updated database on project progress
• Assist to develop and strengthen local projects networks.
• Assist in writing proposals and grants for sponsorships and partnerships
• Track project performance, monitor and follow up on project activities.
• Support the program team to record and analyze monitoring data for reporting and timely communicate the results of analysis to inform programme decision making
• Conduct surveys and analyze data on a quarterly basis and make recommendations to improve the project based on the findings
• Identify and document human interest stories and case studies based on the successes of implemented projects

Requirements
• A degree in Education, Community Development or Project Management.
• Knowledge and usage of SPSS.
• Strong proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of grants / donor-funded projects
• Significant experience of qualitative and quantitative data analysis and management
• MUST love working with children
• Strong data collection and collation skills, processing, analysis and report writing.
• Good computer skills
• Experience working with civil society groups and government authorities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Method of Application
• To apply, please send your CV with a cover letter as a single document detailing how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, while also stating their current and expected salary.
• Applications to be sent by email to: vacancies@thekiekfoundation.org
• Candidates should state the role (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer) and their name in the email submission subject header.
• Closing date for applications is: 30th May 2019
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

Viktoreze:
Beautiful write up!

Thank you,

talk2odim:



Do u help sell...in Abuja?

Yes I do.

The outrageous estimated billing by the electricity distribution companies has caused untold hardship and embarrassment on individuals and businesses in Nigeria. This has therefore led to protests by unsatisfied customers and the clamor for prepaid meters to be installed in every home and business premises.
Though a large number of people still fight against the installation of prepaid meter, the advantages of having them installed cannot be over emphasized.
Below are 5 advantages of having prepaid meters installed in your home and business premises.
1. EASE OF RECHARGE: Recharge of prepaid meters has been made easier with online vending platforms which provide services around the clock, everyday of the week. You really don’t have to wait till Monday morning to recharge your prepaid meter that ran out over the weekend. You can simply log onto these platforms and recharge directly from your bank account. The ease of recharge for me is the greatest advantage of using prepaid electricity meters on your property. It also saves you the time-wasting stress of long queues.
2. BUDGET: Unlike estimated billing, you can keep track of what you spend on electricity monthly. This helps you to plan your budget properly. If along the line, you discover you have been spending above your budget on electricity, even with prepaid meters, electricity tariffs may have either been increased or the prepaid meter may be faulty. Either way, it is important you find out where the problem could have emanated from.
3. YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE: With or without power supply, those who use estimated billing systems or manual meters still end up paying bills at the end of the month for power that was never provided or used by them. With prepaid meters, you only pay for what you use. Your prepaid meter stops reading the moment there is no power supply, and it starts reading the moment power is restored.
4. SAVES YOU FROM EMBARRASSMENT: With estimated billing system or meter reading, you just may not be able to predict what you come home to meet after a hectic day’s job. Your house may get disconnected just because your neighbor failed to pay his/her bill. We’ve seen this happen several times. This is not the case with prepaid meters.
5. YOU CURTAIL WASTAGE: In a culture of waste such that is evident in Nigeria, excesses are curtailed with the installation of prepaid meters. Knowing that your prepaid meter is reading based on the number of electrical appliances you put on; wastage is curtailed as you are compelled to turn off all that you are not using.

Having lived in several cities in Nigeria, and having been involved in real estate marketing for a while, the hassle and stress involved in trying to rent or buy properties in Nigeria is not new to me. Daily, I interact with clients who have varying demands, and most often, these demands have to be met. I have had to also answer unending questions at ungodly hours from clients who are about to commit their savings into buying or renting a property.

If you live in Nigeria and you are about to buy or rent a property, you may need to ask the following questions as they may go a long way in helping you make a more informed decision and safeguard your investment.

1. Does the property have the proper approval?
When you intend to buy or rent a property, it is important to find out if the property has a building approval and title documents. It is also important to find out if the property has been built on a land that is meant for that purpose. This is one sure way of not just securing your investment or hard earned money, but also ensuring your peace of mind. In 2012, Minanuel Estate, an investment of over 10 billion naira and involving 500 families was demolished in Abuja. This avoidable incident no doubt caused untold hardship on the affected families.

2. How secure is the location of the property?
There are several advantages attached to buying or renting a property in a secure location. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood that is constantly being attacked by petty thieves and robbers. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood where you wake up to go to work with your vehicle only to find out that the battery has disappeared. It is important you find out how secure the neighborhood is from people living there. Find out what the various measures taken by the neighborhood to protect people’s lives and properties. Buying or renting a home in a secure location will go a long way in helping you go about your daily activities with peace of mind.

3. How close is the nearest market or shopping mall to the property?
It is not convenient when you have to walk or drive a distance to get something as little as a razor blade, toothbrush or toothpaste. You may not know how frustrating this may be until you have experienced it, most especially if you are new within the neighborhood. Having a market or shopping mall close to where you intend to buy or rent a property is a plus as this will save you the stress of having to drive or walk long distances to get something as simple as toiletries.

4. How close is it to the nearest hospital or healthcare center to the property?
Having a healthcare center or hospital close to the neighborhood where you intend to buy or rent a home is an added advantage. The hospital or healthcare center may not be up to the standard you want, but trust me, this hospital or healthcare center will come be useful in the middle of the night and during emergencies when first aid treatment needs to be urgently administered.

5. How effective is the drainage system where the property is located?
Buying or renting a property could turn out to be a disaster if the place where the property is located is prone to flooding. Most often, I ask people to inspect the property they intend to buy during the rainy season. This gives you a clear perspective of the actual state of the property. If you are comfortable with what the house looks like in the middle of the rainy season, it shows you are about to make a good decision. There is no point buying or renting a property when you have to move out your belongings during the rainy season because of flooding. Damp internal walls, algae growing on the external walls, leaking roof, smell of dampness, etc. may just be a pointer for you to have a rethink. It is also important to note that people contribute to flooding when they dump rubbish directly into water passages.

6. Are there legal issues surrounding the property?
Buying or renting a property that is in dispute or have legal issues surrounding it is not a wise path to tow. Most often, sign posts are put up asking buyers to stay away from such property, but in most cases also, those signs are removed by unscrupulous individuals who want to quickly cash in on the potential buyer’s ignorance. Once your mind is made up with regards to the property you intend to buy or rent, it will be wise to simply ask people who live around the neighborhood. Ask for all the documents and have a lawyer take a proper look at them. Asking why a house is up for sale or rent may also not be a bad idea.

7. How reliable is power supply around where the property is located?
Though power supply is gradually improving in Nigeria, there are still some areas that go for weeks and months without electricity. If you do not have the financial capability to afford an inverter or solar system that can power all your appliances, it will be helpful to find out how reliable power supply is within the neighborhood that you intend to buy or rent a property. There is really nothing as frustrating as a living in a neighborhood that experiences unending power supply challenges.

8. How serene is the location of the property?
If given a choice, very few people will want to buy or rent a property in an area that is known for noise. Having a serene place to come back to after the hustle and bustle of daily activities is an asset you may not acknowledge until you don’t have it. At a point in my life, I rented a house that was surrounded by several religious institutions. At a point, it seemed they were competing for “the noisiest religious institution in the world”. Sleep often eluded me as they held programs at ungodly hours with their speakers blaring at their loudest. The frustration was further compounded by the people living in the neighborhood who felt okay with the noise. I had no choice but to move out of the neighborhood even before the expiration of my annual rent.

9. What billing methods are available for water and electricity?
My experience with estimated billing for both electricity and water supply has really not been a palatable one, as I seem not to have ever gotten it right with the respective service providers. The bills come, I pay at their office. I come back home only to find out I have been disconnected. How was I to know that I am supposed to make copies of the stamped bills and paste on my doors and gate? I had prepaid meters installed and that solved the problems. Finding out what kind of billing system is available where you intend to buy or rent a property will go a long way in helping you plan properly.

10. How honest or reliable is the agent trying to sell or rent the property to you?
There is no doubt that there are now fraudulent agents everywhere. It is often difficult to recognize one as they often tend to look genuine. The easiest way to recognize a fraudulent agent is his love for money. When you meet an agent who wants to start milking you of your resources the moment he sets his eyes on you, it is a sign for you to soft pedal and ask more questions. Meeting a reliable agent could be challenging, but they exist, if you take your time to search for them.

My name is John, and I sell for a living.