The Dr. Kester Awani Foundation, founded by philanthropist and visionary leader Dr. Kester Awani, continues to make strides in grassroots empowerment across Nigeria with its flagship program, “Empowered to Empower.”
The initiative, first launched on May 6th, 2024, shortly after the official unveiling of the Foundation on May 1st, 2024, was designed to provide practical, life-changing skills to indigent members of society. While the launch of the Foundation itself marked the birth of a dream, the launch of the program marked the beginning of its heartbeat — the engine that would drive lasting impact and legacy.
This August, the Foundation held yet another edition of the Empowered to Empower Initiative, in collaboration with SS Phillip and James Catholic Church, Ajah, Lagos. The opening session drew an impressive attendance of 120 participants, who were spread across various skill classes, including wig making, baking, etiquette, nail technology, photography, drawing, drumming, and musicology.
Leading the training sessions were the Foundation’s Empowered Mentors, committed professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to lift others. They include:
1. Mrs. Oluwanisola Mofehintoluwa (Nail Technology)
2. Mr. Daniel Inyere Chukwudera (Drawing)
3. Mr. Peter Moses (Drumming)
4. Mrs. Sarah Opara and Ms. Patience Odey (Baking)
5. Mr. Precious Onuwa Somadina (Musicologist)
6. Ms. Lucy Oluchi Nduka (Etiquette)
7. Ms. Motunrayo Grace Agbede (Wig Making)
8. Mr. Christian Osawe (Photography)
The program is structured to run for four consecutive Saturdays, ensuring that mentees not only learn but also gain practical, hands-on experience that qualifies them as starter professionals in their chosen fields. At the end of the initiative, each participant will receive a certificate of completion — co-signed by their mentors — signifying that they have successfully met the requirements of the training.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Ogechi Maryanne Nduka, the Foundation’s Secretary General and Program Director, emphasized that punctuality, discipline, and commitment will remain at the core of the program. She explained that WhatsApp groups have been created for each skill category, allowing mentors to continue engaging with their mentees through assignments, mentorship, and guidance outside of the training venue.
“The Empowered to Empower program is serious business,” Nduka stated. “We are not just gathering people for the sake of it. Our goal is to see participants walk away with real, employable skills that can put food on their tables, restore dignity, and position them as entrepreneurs and professionals.”
The Foundation also acknowledged the support of Emore Benjamin, Representative – Laity of SS Phillip and James Catholic Church, who played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth coordination of the program. In his remarks, Benjamin said: “It is a blessing for our church to collaborate with the Dr. Kester Awani Foundation in bringing empowerment directly to the people. We are proud to be part of an initiative that does not just talk about change, but demonstrates it in action.”
The Foundation, which also launched the Educate 365 Initiative in 2025 with the goal of educating 365 children every year, has remained steadfast in its mission to transform lives through education, skills development, and mentorship.
Dr. Kester Awani, speaking about the vision of the Foundation, reiterated his belief that empowerment must always be sustainable. “When you empower one person, you are empowering a family and ultimately a community. Our objective is to ensure that every participant in our programs leaves equipped not just with knowledge, but with confidence and a pathway to independence.”
With initiatives like Empowered to Empower and Educate 365, the Dr. Kester Awani Foundation is steadily reshaping the grassroots empowerment landscape in Nigeria — proving that true transformation comes not only from giving but also from teaching people to rise on their own.
