Connect with us

society

Flamestar Empowerment Initiative: Breaking Cycles of Poverty, Transforming Lives

Published

on

Flamestar Empowerment Initiative: Breaking Cycles of Poverty, Transforming Lives

 

In a bold effort to combat poverty, hunger, and hopelessness among vulnerable children, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative (FEI) is emerging as a transformative force in Nigeria’s social development landscape.

This dynamic non-governmental organization (NGO) is dedicated to creating sustainable, community-led solutions that inspire hope and provide opportunities for children and families.

Founded on the principle that no child’s future should be left to chance, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative focuses on breaking cycles of hardship, steering children away from crime and exploitation, and opening doors to education, mentorship, and personal growth.

At the core of its mission is education, which Flamestar Empowerment Initiative views as the foundation of empowerment. Through scholarships, school supplies, and feeding programs for underprivileged families, the NGO ensures that children who might otherwise be left behind gain access to quality learning opportunities.

The organization also ensures the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) including Quality Education, No Poverty, Gender Equality and Zero Hunger for children and families.

A key focus of the organizations work is rescuing children from paths of exploitation. The NGO plans to save many young lives from child labor, trafficking, and abuse. These children will be provided with safe spaces to play, learn, and heal from trauma, as well as access to counseling and peer support groups to rebuild their confidence and envision brighter futures.

In addition to its grassroots efforts, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative will actively raise awareness about child exploitation and advocates for stronger child protection policies. By partnering with other NGOs and local authorities, the organization will be contributing to systemic changes that safeguard vulnerable populations.

However, it’s mission extends beyond individual children. The organization recognizes that breaking the cycle of poverty requires uplifting entire communities. By engaging parents, caregivers, and community leaders, it fosters sustainable, long-term development.

The NGO’s impact will be further amplified through strategic collaborations. By supporting smaller organizations with resources, training, and mentorship, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative creates a ripple effect, extending its reach to more communities and children in need.

Through this enablement initiative, dozens of smaller NGOs will be able to strengthen their capacity, ensuring that more children benefit from targeted interventions. As a result, countless children will now be able attend school, excel academically, and pursue their dreams while inspiring the next generation.

Looking ahead, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative plans to deepen its focus on sustainable development. Expanding educational initiatives and launching new empowerment programs in underserved communities are at the forefront of its vision.

As part of its initiative for 2024, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative is planning a charity drive tagged ‘December Charity Drive-“Feed Lagos1000”

Slatted for December 20, 2024, at Mende, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria, the NGO plans to distribute food packages to 1,000 people, providing them with essentials for the month thus bringing a sense of relief and celebration during the festive season.

Emphasizing on the objective of Flamestar Empowerment Initiative, Ms. Tosin Lewis, Director of Communications, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative said: “A key focus of the NGO’s work is rescuing children from paths of exploitation. No doubt, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative has set itself to become a beacon of hope for countless children and families, breaking cycles of poverty, hunger, and crime while transforming lives and reshaping communities.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

Tayo Folorunsho Partners with Fari Elysian Foundation to Host Content Creation Masterclass 2.0 in Abuja

Published

on

*Tayo Folorunsho Partners with Fari Elysian Foundation to Host Content Creation Masterclass 2.0 in Abuja*

In a groundbreaking initiative to empower Nigeria’s next generation of digital storytellers, Tayo Folorunsho, Founder of Edutainment First International Ltd/GTE, has partnered with Farida Mirzebalaeva, Founder of the Fari Elysian Foundation, to host Content Creation Masterclass 2.0, scheduled to take place from July 10th to 11th in Abuja.

This highly anticipated two-day experience is set to be a transformative event for emerging content creators across Nigeria. The Masterclass will offer hands-on training in media production, digital storytelling, personal branding, content monetization, and digital entrepreneurship. Designed with a national vision, the initiative seeks to position participants as compelling digital voices and creative leaders in Nigeria’s rapidly growing content economy.

Farida Mirzebalaeva, whose foundation is recognized for empowering young people with practical digital skills and a growth mindset, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative:

“At the Fari Elysian Foundation, we believe the future belongs to those who create. By equipping youth with real, applicable creative and digital tools, we’re investing in a future where African voices shape global narratives. This Masterclass is not just a training—it’s a movement to spark confidence, competence, and community in the hearts of aspiring creators.”

Tayo Folorunsho, a respected voice in education-through-entertainment and community impact, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:

“Through Edutainment First, we’ve consistently championed innovation that resonates with the Nigerian reality. Partnering with Farida and the Fari Elysian Foundation to bring Content Creation Masterclass 2.0 to Abuja reflects our shared commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and impact. We are not just teaching content—we’re helping young people tell their stories, monetize their voices, and become change agents in their communities.”

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Content Creation Masterclass 2.0 aims to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and foster a national community of empowered young creators. Attendees can expect expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, access to mentorship, and the chance to become part of a growing network of purpose-driven creatives who are changing the narrative of Africa—one post, one video, one story at a time.

#ContentCreationMasterclass #FariElysian #EdutainmentFirst #DigitalNigeria #AbujaEvent2024

Tayo Folorunsho Partners with Fari Elysian Foundation to Host Content Creation Masterclass 2.0 in Abuja*

Continue Reading

society

Ngozi Okafor: A Life Devoted to Empowering the Next Generation*

Published

on

*Ngozi Okafor: A Life Devoted to Empowering the Next Generation*

From the bustling streets of London to the heart of Lagos, from mentoring inner-city teens in Atlanta to crafting training blueprints for global institutions, Ngozi Okafor’s journey has been one of purpose, passion, and people. A woman of many hats—organizational psychologist, trainer, mentor, author, mother—Ngozi has spent over two decades empowering young people and shaping lives, one conversation, one opportunity, and one program at a time.

With more than 23 years of experience in instructional design and corporate training, Ngozi is not just a trainer or strategist—she’s a storyteller, a guide, and a believer in human potential. Her work cuts across sectors and continents, but her mission has always remained constant: to equip young people with the tools, confidence, and mindset to lead meaningful lives.

“I’ve always believed that young people don’t just need information—they need belief. They need someone to see them, to invest in them, and to walk beside them,” she once said. And that belief has taken her to 56 countries, living on four continents, and working with youth and organizations around the world.

Early Roots in the UK: Hope for the Hopeless

Her story begins in the United Kingdom, where she volunteered with Hope Worldwide International. There, she worked with vulnerable youth—many on the brink of homelessness or already living on the streets. Ngozi helped them navigate their way back into education and employment, guiding them gently but firmly toward stability and success. She didn’t just talk to them; she walked with them—sometimes organizing food drives, sometimes helping them launch charitable initiatives of their own.

A Voice in Atlanta’s Classrooms and Communities

When she moved to the United States, Ngozi took that same energy to Junior Achievers of Atlanta, facilitating business simulation programs that didn’t just teach numbers, but gave students the confidence to dream of building something of their own. Her influence extended beyond the classroom. She mobilized young people to serve their communities—visiting the elderly through Meals on Wheels, delivering not just food but companionship and care.

Returning Home to Inspire Nigeria’s Youth

Back in Nigeria, Ngozi didn’t slow down. She launched Youth Arena, a popular radio show on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM that became a lifeline for many young Nigerians searching for answers, guidance, and mentorship. With her warm voice and relatable stories, she connected with thousands. The show’s success led to a partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Financial Inclusion Committee, enabling her to produce a groundbreaking radio series on financial literacy.

But she didn’t stop at broadcasting. Ngozi created a practical financial workbook that was distributed across the country, demystifying savings, budgeting, and financial planning for young people who had never been taught these skills before.

Backing Words with Action

For Ngozi, empowerment isn’t just about ideas—it’s about action. She has personally financed the startup dreams of more than 50 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, providing essential tools like sewing machines, baking ovens, and more. “Sometimes all they need is that one push—a show of faith that says, ‘I believe in you,’” she reflects.

More Than a Resume—A Mission

Ngozi Okafor’s life isn’t just a collection of impressive roles or accolades. It’s a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. She’s worked with global public institutions, spoken at conferences, published books, and trained leaders. Yet, what defines her most is her unwavering commitment to young people—their stories, their struggles, and their potential.

A mother, mentor, and motivator, Ngozi continues to inspire across generations and geographies. Her story is still being written, one life at a time.

And in a world that desperately needs hope, her message is simple yet profound: *Every young person deserves a chance to thrive—and someone to believe.

Ngozi Okafor: A Life Devoted to Empowering the Next Generation*

Continue Reading

Politics

Why We Remain D-Colonised: The British Built Institutions, Nigerians Built Excuses & Blames

Published

on

Why We Remain D-Colonised: The British Built Institutions, Nigerians Built Excuses & Blames By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Why We Remain D-Colonised: The British Built Institutions, Nigerians Built Excuses & Blames

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

More than sixty years after taking independence from Britain, Nigeria remains a painful paradox, a nation rich in resources yet poor in discipline, rich in talent yet impoverished by corruption and rich in culture yet diminished by moral decay. The painful irony is that Nigerians were colonised by the British, a people whose commitment to order, public service, patriotism and institutional integrity stands in stark contrast to the prevailing chaos in Nigeria.

It is time we admitted a bitter but necessary truth: the British are very much unlike Nigerians, especially in the spheres that determine national greatness. In public service, in private enterprise, in respect for the rule of law, in the dignity of labour, in financial accountability and in civic responsibility, the British have long upheld values that are either absent or grossly undervalued in Nigerian society.

1. Public Service and Integrity: A Tale of Two Cultures
The British civil service is one of the oldest and most respected bureaucracies in the world. It is built on principles of neutrality, competence and loyalty to the state; not the ruling party. According to the UK Institute for Government (2023), over 98% of British civil servants are appointed through a competitive, merit-based system that upholds the values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. Compare this to Nigeria, where nepotism, bribery, tribalism and religious stands often determine appointments.

Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index ranks the UK 20th out of 180 countries, while Nigeria languishes at 145th. In Nigeria, public service is viewed not as a means to serve, but as a platform to loot. The Nigerian politician is not a statesman; he is a state-chopper.

Chinua Achebe famously said, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

2. Discipline and Duty to the State
The British are raised with an internalised sense of duty to their country. The Union Jack is not just a flag; it is a sacred symbol of collective sacrifice and national pride. Every schoolchild is taught to honour it. In contrast, Nigerian students do not know their state flags, much less the meaning of their national symbols. Even our National Anthem is recited without heart, often forgotten by those in power.

The British queue with discipline. They drive with patience. They pay taxes with dignity. In Nigeria, the concept of queueing is alien. We jump lines, bribe our way through airports and evade taxes while crying for development. According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), only 10 million Nigerians pay taxes out of over 70 million eligible adults. In the UK, over 95% of working adults pay taxes annually.

Patriotism is not singing national songs during football matches. It is protecting public property. It is demanding accountability. It is paying taxes. It is electing leaders not based on tribe, but merit.

3. Financial Accountability and the Public Treasury
The British Parliament has robust mechanisms for scrutinising public expenditure. The UK’s National Audit Office regularly audits ministries and public officers are held accountable. In 2009, British MPs were forced to resign and even prosecuted over minor abuses of parliamentary expenses, some as little as £100.

In Nigeria, we lose billions to untraceable budget padding, fake contracts and ghost workers. According to the Auditor-General of Nigeria’s 2022 report, over ₦105 billion in federal funds were misappropriated or unaccounted for in one year alone. Yet, there are no consequences.

John Locke, a philosopher whose ideas influenced British governance, once said, “Where law ends, tyranny begins.” In Nigeria, law has long ended.

4. Private and Public Morality
The British sense of morality, though not perfect, is guided by centuries of cultural evolution, religious moderation and civic education. There is respect for the law, a love for clean environments and a fierce dedication to honesty in both public and private dealings. In the UK, cheating in an exam can end your academic career; in Nigeria, lecturers collect bribes for grades and universities sell honorary degrees to fraudsters.

In the UK, traffic rules are obeyed even without police presence. In Nigeria, motorists drive on pedestrian sidewalks, while police officers extort citizens in broad daylight. British society frowns at dishonesty; in Nigeria, we baptise fraudsters with nicknames like “fast Guy” and or “yahoo Yahoo”

Professor Wole Soyinka once said, “You cannot build a nation with crooks and you cannot expect honour from those who were not taught honour.”

5. Leadership and Political Discipline
The British political system is one of the most stable democracies in the world. Prime Ministers have resigned over integrity issues that would be considered trivial in Nigeria. David Cameron resigned after losing a referendum. Boris Johnson stepped down amid an internal party revolt. That is what democracy looks like: accountability not impunity.

In Nigeria, a leader can be caught on camera stuffing dollars in his agbada and still become a senator. The political elite are shielded by ethnicity, immunity and a docile populace. Leadership is about sacrifice in the UK; in Nigeria, it’s about plunder.

6. Religious Management and Behaviour
The British people have evolved spiritually. Religion is personal, not political. Churches and mosques do not block roads. Clerics do not endorse politicians for money. Religious leaders do not preach hatred or tribalism. In contrast, Nigerian religious institutions have become extensions of political parties and money-laundering schemes.

We pray more than any other nation on earth, yet our roads are the worst, our hospitals dilapidated and our police the most feared institution after armed robbers. God is not our problem; CHARACTER is.

7. Human and Resource Management
The UK has one of the best systems for managing its citizens. Births are recorded, national identity is compulsory, pensions are paid and the National Health Service (NHS) offers universal healthcare. In Nigeria, millions have no ID. Ghost workers earn salaries. Pensioners die in queues. Doctors flee the country daily. According to the Nigerian Medical Association (2023), over 60% of Nigeria-trained doctors now work abroad, many in the UK and Canada.

A Call to National Rebirth Through Character Transformation
It is not geography or GDP that distinguishes nations, it is the character of the people. Britain colonised over a quarter of the world not just with ships and soldiers, but with an ideology of order, systems and responsibility. Today, Britain remains relevant not because of its natural resources, but because it has mastered human management, institutional governance, and social discipline.

Nigeria must stop blaming colonialism for her current state. The British have long left, but we continue to govern like a colony of impunity. We have replaced oppression with self-destruction and substituted colonial order with indigenous chaos. The tragedy is not that we were colonised; it is that we never outgrew it.

The time has come for Nigerians to look in the mirror and ask: “Are we building a country, or simply existing in one?”

If we must ever rise, then every citizen from the street HAWKER to the SENATOR must undergo a moral re-engineering. Our children must be taught ethics before English and our leaders must be held to the standards of public service, not personal gain.

Nations are not built by miracles, they are built by mindsets and until we begin to think like those who once ruled us not in dominance but in discipline, we will remain a footnote in the history of missed potential.

Let me end with the words of Mahatma Gandhi:
“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”

And to paraphrase former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill:
“To each, there comes a moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and asked to do a great thing. Let Nigeria not sleep through that moment.”

Nigeria, arise; not in noise, but in discipline and let the transformation begin, not in Abuja, but in the Nigerian soul.

Why We Remain D-Colonised: The British Built Institutions, Nigerians Built Excuses & Blames
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending