Ooni of Ife Formally Launches Hopes Alive Initiative

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, formally launched the Hopes Alive Initiative TV Advocacy yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The TV advocacy, first of its kind in Africa, is solely dedicated to promoting the works and activities of non-profit and non-governmental organizations in Africa in order to help eliminate poverty. The beautiful event was held together with the Give Back Concert which is an annual event to raise funds for charity by the House of Oduduwa Foundation founded by the Ooni of Ife.

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife making a speech

In his speech, His Imperial Majesty reiterated his commitment to support NGOs and non-profit organizations particularly in Nigeria. He stressed the need to support their work both financially and materially to encourage them.

Princess Temitope Adesegun, the Deputy Convener and organizer of the event, gave a pat on the back to NGOs and non-profit organizations in Nigeria, and urged them to continue their good work.

Marvella Odili at the event

L-R: Alex Asogwa, Marvella Odili and Tobi Bakre

Comedian and MC, Gbenga Adeyinka the Ist compered the grand event. Other comedians including Kenny Blaq, Seyi Law and Woli Arole performed to the delight of guests. Veteran artiste, Sir Shina Peters was also on hand to thrill guests. There was a talent discovery session where some of the less privileged children who had benefitted from the Ooni's generosity also performed to a standing ovation.

Jerry Odili, Founder/CEO Tech ME at the event

Monarchs, high chiefs, government officials, captains of industry, celebrities and representatives of selected non-profit organizations were all present at the event. Also present at the event were social media influencers, the versatile and talented Tobi Bakre and Alex Asogwa of BBN Season 3.

Save Our Needy was represented by Marvella Odili, Founder and CEO, as well as the Program Manager and Finance Manager. It was indeed a memorable event.

Marvella Odili admiring a portrait 

Marvella Odili, Founder/CEO, Save Our Needy at the formal launch of Hopes Alive Initiative

An Afternoon With Walter Carrington (Former United States Ambassador to Nigeria)

Jerry Odili, Save Our Needy Program Manager, spent the afternoon with Ambassador Walter Carrington and John F. Bray (U.S. Consular General). They spoke on how to solve social issues in Nigeria and the important role young people play.

Walter Carrington served as United States Ambassador to Nigeria from 1993 -1997 during the military era. He was a strong advocate of democracy and spoke up for social justice.

Jerry Odili Awarded CYFI "Fellow Of The Year"

Yesterday, April 12th, Program Manager, Save Our Needy, Jerry Odili, bagged the "Fellow of the Year" award of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI). The award was presented to him by the US Consul General, F. John Bray and Darcy Zotter, Public Affairs Officer during the graduation ceremony for 2016 CYFI Fellows.

L-R: F. John Bray (US Consul General), Jerry Odili and Darcy Zotter (Public Affairs Officer)

 

Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode was represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti.

L-R: AnuOluwapo Adelakun (CYFI Fellow), F. John Bray, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Jerry Odili and Charles Adewole (CYFI Fellow).

L-R: Winifred Imoyera (CYFI Fellow), F. John Bray, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Marvella Odili

CYFI Fellows 2016 with members of CYFI Board

Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) is a U.S. Consulate, Lagos sponsored initiative aimed at training young Nigerian leaders in honor of former Ambassador Walter Carrington. The initiative which started in 2011 has trained about 75 young Nigerians till date.

The day ended with networking and refreshments.

*Jerry Odili also recently became a YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) alumni.*

Congratulations to him!

Marvella Odili (CEO, Save Our Needy)

Marvella Odili (Founder and CEO, Save Our Needy)

F. John Bray, US Consul General making a speech at the event

Influential Singer and Ambassador, Waje, Joins Save Our Needy Advisory Board

We are thrilled to welcome amazing singer, philanthropist, UN Ambassador for Peace, ONE ambassador and influential African woman, Waje, to Save Our Needy Advisory Board.

Welcome certificate from Save Our Needy

 

Waje

Waje at an event

Waje comes on board as the first celebrity to officially acknowledge our good works and a willing partner to help end extreme poverty in Africa.

Award-winning singer and songwriter, Waje

Aituaje “Waje” Iruobe is a respected, multiple award-winning Nigerian singer and song writer. She was found singing in church as a young lady. Her love for humanity led her to study social work at the University of Nigeria (UNN). 

Waje with Jerry Odili, Program Manager, Save Our Needy and Marvella Odili, CEO, Save Our Needy

In 2012, Waje became the founder of Waje Safe House. Through her non-profit organization, she teams up with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help raise funds for their various causes. She supports NGOs with laudable causes and helps them achieve their goals and targets. The first project supported by Waje Safe House was the Mental and Environmental Development Initiative for Children (MEDIC), assisting Project HELP (Help Educate the Less Privileged) which aimed at raising funds for vulnerable children in Makoko (a disadvantaged community in Lagos) to continue their education.

Waje with her bestie, singer Omawumi

Waje in a selfie with Jerry Odili, Save Our Needy Program Manager

Waje is a United Nations Ambassador for Peace and a ONE Ambassador. She is deeply concerned about women issues as well as the welfare of the disadvantaged in the society.  Little wonder she leads ONE #MakeNaijaStronger Campaign urging the Nigerian government to increase budget allocation to health care and reform the health sector.

 

L-R: Aliko Dangote, Waje and Bono of U2 (Co-founder ONE)

Waje with her daughter, Emerald

Waje, who wants to be known as more than just a great, beautiful artiste, was recently a judge on the panel of The Voice Nigeria. She is mother to beautiful Emerald.

Save Our Needy Partners With PEP Stores To Support Vulnerable Women and Children

Multinational retail store, PEP Stores has joined hands with Save Our Needy to reach out to vulnerable women and children as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The retail giant has always made huge efforts to improve the lives of host communities over the years.

Since 2011, Save Our Needy has been committed to positively impacting the lives of disadvantaged women, children and young people through education, empowerment, enlightenment and community outreach programs.

L-R: PEP Stores team (Dynamos) with the Save Our Needy team

A generous donation of items including clothing, toys and baby nappies worth over a million naira was presented to the Save Our Needy team represented by the CEO, Ms Marvella Odili and the Program Manager, Mr. Jerry Odili, on September 30th 2016 by the PEP Stores team (Dynamos).

Widows, single mothers and internally displaced persons (IDPs) will be the main beneficiaries of this partnership.

Ms Marvella Odili expressed great joy and appreciation to the PEP Stores team as she received the donated items.

Marvella Odili, CEO, Save Our Needy expressing joy as she received the donated  items

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Jerry Odili becomes Carrington Youth Initiative Fellow 2016

Save Our Needy is pleased to announce that our Program Manager, Jerry Odili, is one of the few selected Nigerians chosen this year to become a Carrington Youth Initative fellow.

Jerry Odili, Program Manager, Save Our Needy, second from right

The Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI), in honor of former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, a champion of civil liberties, seeks to develop a select group of young Nigerians into ethical and impactful leaders by connecting them with mentorship, networking, training and funding opportunities over the course of an intensive fellowship year.

The initiative, launched in 2011by the U.S Consulate General, Lagos, is a dynamic and youth-based initiative which brings together Nigerian youth of exceptional vision, skills and experience to design and implement projects that have a positive impact on Nigerian society.

 The CYFI fellowship is built around year-long social innovation projects that are designed by fellows and supported by the U.S. Consulate and private partners. Following successful completion of their projects, fellows remain involved with CYFI and the U.S. Consulate through the CYFI Alumni Program.
 

Congratulations to him!!!

Saving Education

Education remains a top priority for Save Our Needy. Poverty can be greatly reduced by supporting education initiatives for disadvantaged children.

A young single mother of 4 boys, victim of domestic violence and abuse recently benefited from Save Our Needy support. Since she took courage to leave her husband several years ago due to constant abuse and lack of care for her and her children, life has not been easy for Nkechi as she shoulders all the responsibilities at home. She lives in a one-room apartment in a very disadvantaged community in Lagos State. Save Our Needy gave her a generous donation of food items, clothing for herself and her children, toiletries as well as toys when the SON team visited.

Most importantly, her son, Ifeatu Chinerem, who lost a whole school year due to financial difficulties is now able to go back to school as Save Our Needy provided his school fees.

Program Manager, Save Our Needy, Jerry Odili, presenting the tuition fees to Nkechi Onuorah

Nkechi and two of her sons showing appreciation to Save Our Needy

Nkechi happily looks on as her children practice their music skills with one of the donated toys

Food items, clothing, toiletries and toys were also donated to the family

AFRIMA 2015 - A Celebration of Africa

It was a night of glitz, glamour, fun, music and lots of more music, as the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, November 15th 2015.

Celebrities, government officials and top industry moguls graced the beautiful red carpet event. Some of the celebrities in attendance were Dayo Adeneye (D One), Waje, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, Ubi Franklin (CEO, Made Men Music), Yeni Kuti, Swanky Jerry and Kenny Saint Best.

Performances by artists from across Africa including Olamide ( Nigeria), Cobhams Asuquo ( Nigeria), Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania) and AKA (South Africa) rocked the event.

"Strong Girl" the ONE theme song for the Poverty Is Sexist Campaign was nominated for Best African Collaboration. Some ONE members including Save Our Needy were on hand to lend support to Waje as she performed the song.

Save Our Needy was ably represented by Marvella Odili (CEO) and Jerry Odili (Program Manager).

One of the highlights of the event was the inspirational speech given by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (former Governor of Lagos State) after he collected his honorary award given by African Union for the development of Arts and Culture in Africa for social change. He was presented with a 23.9karat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy by Ambassador (Dr) Wale Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs, African Union.

It was a night to remember.