13 January 2024

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Two-year partnership agreement with the Ladies of St. Mulumba, St. Mary’s Sub Council, Onitsha, Nigeria

In November 2023, a momentous collaboration unfolded between the Chikwem Foundation and the Ladies of St. Mulumba, St. Mary’s Sub Council in Onitsha, Nigeria. Dr. Roy Chikwem, JP, Executive Director of the Chikwem Foundation, and Lady Ejiamike Veronica Nwabund, President of the Ladies of St. Mulumba, St. Mary’s Sub Council, played pivotal roles in representing their respective organizations during the formal signing of the agreement. The outcome was a two-year partnership agreement aimed at effecting positive change through the implementation of the Chikwem Foundation Women’s Microfinance Scheme and the Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards.

On 13 January 2024, during their monthly meeting, the Ladies of St. Mulumba, St. Mary’s Sub Council in Onitsha, Nigeria, meticulously selected five deserving women to be the inaugural beneficiaries of the Women’s Microfinance Scheme. Established in 2019, the Chikwem Foundation Women’s Microfinance Scheme has previously been implemented through the Rotary Club of Ibadan-Akobo (2019-2021) and the Catholic Women’s Organization St James Ibadan (2022-2023). This initiative is specifically tailored to empower women by providing them with financial resources to invest in their existing businesses.

During the ceremony, each of the selected women received a meticulously structured loan, a pivotal component of the microfinance scheme. Notably, 40% of the loan amount was designated as non-repayable, demonstrating a commitment to alleviating the financial burden on the recipients. Concurrently, the remaining 60% of the loan was structured as repayable, ensuring a sustainable cycle for the scheme.

The significance of this event transcends the immediate impact on the five women; it serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the broader community. By fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence among women, the partnership between the Chikwem Foundation and the Ladies of St. Mulumba is poised to catalyze positive social and economic change.

Looking forward, the collaboration is poised to continue its transformative work, with the second batch of beneficiaries slated to receive support in July 2024. This phased approach underscores the commitment to sustainable and enduring impact, emphasizing the long-term success of the Women’s Microfinance Scheme and the Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards. As this initiative unfolds, it stands as a testament to the power of partnerships in driving positive change and fostering inclusivity within communities.

31 May 2023

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Chikwem Foundation and Iya Hauwa Foundation Join Forces to Host the 7th Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards

Chikwem Foundation and Iya Hauwa Foundation are delighted to announce their partnership in hosting the prestigious 7th Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards. This remarkable event aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of young girls from Government Girls Arabic Senior Secondary School, Baure, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The awards ceremony will take place on 2 June 2023 at Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria, bringing together esteemed guests, dignitaries, and influential individuals who share a passion for empowering and uplifting girls in education.

The Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards were established by Chikwem Foundation in honour of its visionary founder, Agnes Chikwem, who dedicated her life to advancing educational opportunities for girls. The annual awards ceremony recognizes outstanding female students who have demonstrated remarkable academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service.

This year’s event is made even more special with the collaboration between Chikwem Foundation and Iya Hauwa Foundation. By joining forces, the two organizations aim to amplify their impact and create an even greater platform for empowering young girls and promoting gender equality.

We are honoured to announce that Honourable Fatima Widi Jallo, a former Jigawa State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Youth, and Social Development, will be the esteemed guest speaker at the 7th Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards. Hon. Fatima Widi Jallo has been a tireless advocate for women’s rights and has made significant contributions to the empowerment of girls in education. Her presence will undoubtedly inspire the awardees and the entire audience, leaving a lasting impression on the importance of education and gender equality.

The five awardees for this year’s ceremony have been selected from Government Girls Arabic Senior Secondary School, Baure, Dutse, Jigawa State. These exceptional young women have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, and leadership qualities, and have actively participated in community development initiatives. Their achievements serve as a shining example for their peers and inspire hope for a brighter future.

Chikwem Foundation and Iya Hauwa Foundation would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the partners, sponsors, and supporters who have made the 7th Agnes Chikwem Girls Achievement Awards possible. Their commitment to empowering girls and promoting education has been instrumental in creating this remarkable platform to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional young women.

5 February 2022

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Chikwem Foundation School Support Program

The Chikwem Foundation recently embarked on a philanthropic endeavor aimed at supporting female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. In a heartfelt gesture, the foundation generously donated school uniforms to students of N O Idowu Secondary School in Ibadan, Nigeria. Recognizing the critical role that education plays in empowering young girls and breaking the cycle of poverty, this initiative was a poignant demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.

The donation of school uniforms not only alleviated the financial burden on these students and their families but also served as a catalyst for their academic success and self-esteem. For many of these girls, the inability to afford proper school attire had posed a significant barrier to their education, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. However, thanks to the Chikwem Foundation’s benevolent gesture, these students were able to attend school with pride and dignity, equipped with the necessary resources to pursue their educational aspirations.

Beyond the provision of school uniforms, the Chikwem Foundation’s involvement extended to fostering a supportive and nurturing educational environment for these students. Through ongoing engagement and collaboration with school administrators and local stakeholders, the foundation aims to implement sustainable solutions that address the broader systemic challenges faced by students from marginalized backgrounds. By advocating for equal access to quality education and promoting initiatives that empower young girls, the foundation endeavors to create a brighter future for generations to come.

This heartwarming initiative exemplifies the Chikwem Foundation’s core values of compassion, empowerment, and community engagement. As the foundation continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower vulnerable populations, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to realize their full potential and lead a life of dignity and fulfillment.