…Seeks Support for Tools and Materials

By Chinedu Adonu

A non-governmental organization, Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), has trained over 1,000 women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in various skill acquisition programs aimed at improving their livelihoods.

The Director-General of the foundation, Hon. Jonathan David Okwudiri, disclosed this during a press briefing and conference at Dragon Recreation Center, 82 Division, Enugu, themed: “Empowering a Brighter Future: Royal Ambassadors Family Empowerment Foundation Leads the Way.”

Hon. Okwudiri stated that the foundation’s initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

Goal 1 – No Poverty

Goal 2 – Zero Hunger

Goal 5 – Gender Equality

Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

According to him, the organization is committed to empowering women and youth, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing poverty in Nigeria. He noted that RAFEF’s membership has grown to over 1 million people across the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Okwudiri appealed for financial and material support to empower 1,000 women and youths with the necessary tools and equipment to kick-start their businesses.

Trained over 1,000 women and youths (including PWDs) in various skill acquisition programs.

Provided scholarships to nine students and donated essential items to over 200 students in a government secondary school in Aba, Abia State.

Trained 15 youths in talent development and capacity building.

Registered business names for seven women and youths, helping them establish independent businesses.

Established the Royal Ambassadors Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited in major states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions.

Acquired over 150,000 hectares of farmland in Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Delta, and Abuja.

Launched “Operation Feed Nation,” an initiative focused on reducing hunger, hardship, and poverty through sustainable agriculture and food security.

Hon. Okwudiri emphasized that sustainable agriculture and food security remain the organization’s top priorities in 2025 and beyond. He called for funding from national and international agencies to support the mechanized farming of 150,000 hectares of land, which will:

Reduce unemployment by creating over 500 jobs in farm settlements.

Alleviate hunger and hardship in Nigeria.

Additionally, RAFEF is seeking partnerships and sponsorships to:

Host the 5-Day Royal Ambassadors Gathering Week Abuja 2025, themed “Building Global Partnerships for Sustainable Impact, Innovations, and Development,” at the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development, Abuja.

Purchase equipment and materials, including laptops, generators, photocopy machines, scanners, and agricultural tools to enhance training and business startup opportunities for beneficiaries.

RAFEF called on the Presidency, National Assembly, Federal and State Ministries, Corporate Organizations, Philanthropists, Donors, and International Funding Agencies to support its mission of empowering Nigerians for a brighter future.