Noella Foundation

2024 Impact Report

Welcome to the Noella Foundation Annual Impact Report for 2024.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Noella Foundation Annual Impact Report for 2024. This report highlights the transformative work we have undertaken throughout the year, with a focus on the key initiatives that have driven our mission forward. At Noella Foundation, we are committed to addressing some of the most pressing societal challenges faced by vulnerable and marginalised communities in Nigeria. In this report, we reflect on our accomplishments, the impact of our programs, and the lives we have touched through our dedicated work in education, healthcare, employability, and hunger eradication.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER

Transforming lives and uplifting communities is at the heart of everything we do, and it fills us with immense joy to reflect on the milestones we achieved in 2024. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and hard work of our incredible team and the steadfast support of our partners. 

As we look ahead, our commitment remains resolute, to create lasting change and provide meaningful solutions for those who need it most. This report is more than a summary of our efforts; it is a testament to the lives we have touched, the challenges we have overcome, and the vision that drives us forward. To everyone who has joined us on this journey, thank you. Your belief in our mission inspires us to keep pushing boundaries. Together, we are not just making a difference; we are building a legacy of hope and transformation.

– Layal Jade Tinubu

OUR PROGRAMS

At the Noella Foundation, we are driven by a singular purpose: to create meaningful and sustainable change in the lives of vulnerable and marginalised women, children, young adults, and the elderly in underserved communities. Our mission is not just to address immediate needs but to provide enduring solutions that empower individuals and uplift entire communities. We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve transformative results. 

By working hand in hand with established partners and experts in key fields, we amplify their efforts and champion the remarkable progress they have already achieved. This synergistic approach allows us to maximise impact, leveraging collective expertise to tackle pressing challenges. Our work is centred around four core areas that serve as the foundation of our mission which are Education, Employability, Healthcare and Hunger Eradication In 2024, we focused on four key areas: education, employability, Sickle Cell Awareness & Support, hunger eradication, access to clean water and small business support. Through a combination of direct support and strategic partnerships, we empowered individuals and families to build better futures.

2024 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

Individual Lives Impacted
0
Impactful Programs
0 +
Key Partnerships
0
Disbursed In Grants and Sponsorships
N 0 M+

HUNGER ERADICATION

Our food outreach programmes were driven by our mission to address food insecurity and spread hope to underserved communities. These initiatives impacted over 10,500 individuals and families across eight communities, including Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kosofe, Ajegunle, Bariga, Oworoshoki, Ikorodu, Ijede, and Ajeromi Ifelodun.

EMPLOYABILITY

The Noella Foundation empowered young people through various initiatives in 2024. The “Be Empowered Entrepreneurship Grant” supported women entrepreneurs, while the “Vocational Skills Training Program” equipped young adults with practical skills. The “Life After School Summit” and a subsequent boot camp provided students with valuable career guidance and workplace readiness skills. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with Leading Ladies Africa to empower young African girls with leadership and life skills.

HEALTH

The organization observed World Sickle Cell Day by raising awareness and advocating for improved healthcare services for individuals with the condition. A month-long sickle cell awareness campaign included public education and community outreach to dispel misconceptions and encourage support. The organization partnered with Crimsonbows Initiative to provide free genotype testing, medical consultations, and counseling in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, they supported maternal health by donating resources to Lagos Maternity Hospital and providing prenatal care to expectant mothers in Kosofe.

OTHER PROJECTS

The Noella Foundation, led by Layal Jade Tinubu, organized impactful initiatives to support widows in Lagos and Abuja. These initiatives provided essential food supplies and sponsorship opportunities for children, offering both emotional and financial support to widows. The Foundation also launched clean water projects in two communities and is planning five more. Additionally, they hosted “Men’s Impact Sessions” in Lagos and Abuja, creating safe spaces for young adults to discuss mental health, personal growth, and healthy relationships.

We are incredibly proud of the progress made in 2024 and the positive change we have brought to countless lives. Our work is only possible thanks to the support of our team, partners, and donors. As we move into the future, we remain committed to expanding our programs, fostering new partnerships, and continuing to address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Together, we are creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Food Outreach Programmes

Our food outreach programmes were driven by our mission to address food insecurity and spread hope to underserved communities. These initiatives impacted over 10,500 individuals and families across eight communities, including Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kosofe, Ajegunle, Bariga, Oworoshoki, Ikorodu, Ijede, and Ajeromi Ifelodun.

Key highlights included:
  • Ajegunle Food Distribution: Reaching over 5000 individuals with much-needed food supplies to combat hunger.
  • Oworoshoki Food Outreach: Supporting over 5000 families with essential food supplies to alleviate hunger.
  • December Food Tour: Bringing joy and nourishment to over 5000 individuals in Bariga, Oworoshoki, and Ijede during the festive season.
Kosofe and Valentine’s Widows Outreach

In February, we organised outreach programmes to support widows in Kosofe and other areas. Essential food supplies were distributed to 250 widows, providing relief and showing love to these resilient women during challenging times.

Ajeromi Ifelodun Christmas Party & Food Outreach

We celebrated the festive season with 1500+ families in Ajeromi Ifelodun, distributing food supplies and hosting a Christmas party to create a joyful atmosphere. This event underscored the importance of community and generosity during the holidays.

We are honoured to contribute to the fight against poverty by providing essential food supplies
and remain committed to addressing food insecurity.

Be Empowered Entrepreneurship Grant Initiative

The Be Empowered Entrepreneurship Grant initiative was launched to support young women in business by providing resources to help them start, scale, and sustain their enterprises. On June 29, 2024, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, 14 deserving women entrepreneurs were awarded grants totaling 40 million naira.

The initiative attracted over 1000 applications, and the selected candidates were trained in essential business skills by distinguished speakers such as Adaora Mbelu, Tejumade Tejuoso, and Teni Sagoe. The event was a great success, and three additional candidates were awarded one million naira each, bringing the total grant disbursed to 46 million naira.

Vocational Skills Training Program

In 2024, we launched the Vocational Skills Training Program, aimed at equipping young adults with essential skills for employment. The program offered free training in event planning, makeup artistry, and hairstyling, empowering over 100 participants. Industry experts like Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Teniola Aisha Kashaam, and Adefunke Adewunmi provided invaluable training, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the participants.

The program not only offered technical skills but also included a panel discussion where professionals shared insights on entrepreneurship and overcoming challenges. This initiative reflects our commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce.

Life After School Summit (LAS) & Virtual Boot Camp Sessions

The first edition of the Life After School Summit (LAS), held on October 26, 2024, brought together over 500 final-year students from universities across Lagos State. This impactful event, organised by the Noella Foundation in collaboration with Layal Jade Tinubu, aimed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce by providing students with career insights, personal branding tools, and professional headshots to boost their employability.

A key highlight of the summit was the engaging panel discussion, which featured distinguished industry leaders and experts who shared invaluable advice on career development, personal growth, and navigating the challenges of the modern job market. Esteemed speakers included Japheth Omojuwa, Author and Publisher; Adaora Mbelu, StoryTeller X Creator; Christabel Chidiebere, Production/Operations at Shell; Seyi Tinubu and Layal Jade Tinubu, Co-Founders of the Noella Foundation; Dotun Ajibola, Managing Partner and Lead Consultant at Olimage Mining Ltd.; Arc. Olufumilayo Gbemudu, Principal Partner and Founder of Rehob Consult Ltd.; Shehu Tijani Abdullahi, Founder and CEO of Amal Technologies Ltd.; and Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Their insights and experiences left an indelible mark on the students, inspiring them to take charge of their professional journeys.

Building on the momentum of the summit, the Noella Foundation hosted a five-week virtual boot camp from November 16 to December 14, 2024, for 240 selected students. This intensive programme was designed to equip participants with critical skills for thriving in the workforce. These sessions were led by seasoned professionals, including Oluwakemi Akinola-Adedeji, Senior Manager of People & Culture at The uLesson Group; Lady Diana Eyo-Enoette, a mental health advocate; and Precious Olaoluwa Adedeji, Management Consultant and CEO of Shipa.

These experts shared invaluable insights and actionable advice and provided students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace. Key areas of focus included recruitment processes, understanding workplace culture, emotional intelligence, and effective business writing. The boot camp provided a comprehensive platform for students to gain practical knowledge and develop the competencies necessary to excel in a competitive job market.

Partnership with Leading Ladies Africa

In collaboration with Leading Ladies Africa, we hosted empowerment workshops for young African girls on 28 May 2024. These sessions focused on building self-confidence, leadership abilities, and life skills. By nurturing the next generation of female leaders, we aimed to inspire them to break barriers and achieve their full potential.

Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign

In September, we spearheaded a month-long campaign to promote awareness about sickle cell disease. Our activities included public education sessions, community dialogues, and online engagements to dispel misconceptions and encourage informed conversations. By spreading factual information, we empowered individuals and communities to address stigma and support those living with the disease.

Free Genotype Testing Sponsorship

Recognising the importance of genotype compatibility, we partnered with Crimsonbows Initiative to sponsor free genotype testing for individuals in vulnerable communities. Alongside the testing, we provided free medical consultations, screenings, medications, and psychological counselling.

This initiative not only offered critical healthcare services but also emphasised the importance of making informed decisions to prevent the spread of sickle cell disease.

Maternity Outreach in Kosofe

Our maternity outreach programme extended to Kosofe, where we supported 50 expectant mothers with vital resources such as prenatal vitamins, maternity kits, and educational materials. We aimed to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the community by focusing on safe pregnancies.

Widows Outreach

Layal Jade Tinubu and the Noella Foundation organised impactful initiatives that impacted over 250 widows in Lagos and Abuja with essential food supplies and sponsorship opportunities for their children.

The focus of this event was to offer not only emotional encouragement but also tangible resources to ease the financial burdens faced by young widows. We are committed to empowering these women by providing them with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives and care for their children.

Clean Water for all Communities

We successfully launched our planned water projects across two of the communities we visited for our food outreach programs and five more projects are in the pipeline.

Men’s Impact Sessions

We have created safe spaces for over 100 young adults to connect, unlearn and build capacity in Lagos and Abuja. Discussions centred on mental health, personal growth, and fostering healthy relationships.