📍 Uselu Market, Benin City 📅 October 16, 2025 🎒 Organised by the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF)
On World Food Day, we at Grace Agbonlahor Foundation took a meaningful step towards empowering women and combating hunger in our community. We provided food support to 10 market shoppers at Uselu Market, demonstrating our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
🧭 The Initiative
The outreach initiative was generously sponsored by Mr. Charles Omofomwan, Founder of GAF, and successfully executed by our dedicated team comprising Felicitas, Prudentia, Juliet, and Kehinde. Each of the 10 market women received a financial token to support their food purchases, bringing much-needed relief and joy to their families.
🧮 The Impact and Testimonials
The initiative had a profound impact on the beneficiaries, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and emotional responses. Some notable remarks include:
Rice Buyer: “You people made me eat rice today, as I cannot afford to complete the actual amount. May God bless the founder.”
Garri Buyer: “This Garri and starch will last for one week. You people have made it possible; I am grateful.”
Elderly Woman: Offered prayers in Bini language, blessing the founder and the foundation.
🎯 What We Achieved
Real food support to market women
Empowerment through financial assistance
A sense of community and care.
👣 What’s Next?
We’re not stopping here. We plan to continue empowering women and eradicating hunger in our community. We invite you to join us in this noble cause.
🙏 Special Thanks
We’re grateful to Mr. Charles Omofomwan for his generosity and the GAF team for their dedication. Your support made this outreach possible.
🌐 Stay Connected
Join us in our mission to empower women and eradicate hunger. Support our initiatives and let’s create a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and a life of dignity.
The Unspoken Fears of Girls in Public Spaces and Call to Action.
In a heart-wrenching revelation, the second edition of the Voices at the Table (VATT) Citizenship Assembly shed light on the harsh realities faced by adolescent girls and young women in Nigeria. Held on September 19, 2025, at the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation Office in Benin City, the session brought together 15 participants who shared deeply personal stories of insecurity, violence, and trauma.
The Stories Shared
💬 Story 1: Once, Too Many Times
One participant recounted a harrowing experience of being sexually harassed by a church leader’s son. “I was 15 when I was sent on an errand to a church leader’s house to collect a brochure. When I got there, I was told the elder wasn’t home, but his son would attend to me. That’s when he started touching me. I was stunned. I told him to let me go, but he kept touching me without my consent.” The participant’s voice trembled as she recounted the traumatic experience.
💬 Story 2: I Wish I Stood Against Bullies
Another participant spoke movingly about a classmate with Down syndrome who was constantly bullied and isolated by their peers. “I tried to be her friend, but she kept me at arm’s length. I think I understand why. Maybe if I had stood up for her against the bullies, she wouldn’t have seen me as a threat too.” The participant’s words highlighted the need for empathy and inclusion.
💬 Story 3: From a First-Time Birthday Party to Rape
A participant shared a traumatic experience of being raped by a classmate at a birthday party. “I was 14 when I attended my classmate’s birthday party. My first ever that turned into a nightmare. My drink was spiked, I was drugged, and then sexually violated by the celebrant. I got pregnant from that incident, a pregnancy I wasn’t prepared for.” The participant’s voice cracked as she recounted the devastating experience.
💬 Story 4: Even in School
Another participant shared a disturbing experience of being violated by a school’s security officer. “A girl I know trusted the school’s security officer, until he violated that trust. Even in school, girls are not safe.” The participant’s words highlighted the need for safe and secure environments.
Reflection:
These stories reflect a national crisis that is all too often ignored. According to UNICEF, six in ten Nigerian girls experience gender-based violence before the age of 18. The VATT session highlighted the urgent need for action to protect girls and women from violence and insecurity.
A Call to Action
The participants demanded action, proposing solutions that included improved public infrastructure, school-based counseling services, comprehensive sexuality education, community safety task forces, and the engagement of men and boys as allies in creating safer communities for girls.
“We stand firmly with girls who not only dream of safer communities but demand it through bold, practical solutions. At GAF, we are committed to turning their advocacy into action,” said Felicitas Nwadiolu, GAF Manager.
Join the Movement
ImpactHouse and GAF urge stakeholders to take action and prioritize the safety and well-being of girls and women. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all. You can participate by using the link below. 👇
VATT is a girl-led civic dialogue initiative that provides safe spaces for adolescent girls and young women to share their stories, shape public solutions, and participate meaningfully in the civic life of their communities. The project is powered by GAF in partnership with ImpactHouse. Each quarter, a selected group of girls gathers at GAF’s civic hub in Benin City, Edo State, for a physical assembly, ensuring both digital and offline participation. These contributions are consolidated into a quarterly Voices at the Table Report, which is presented to policymakers, development partners, media platforms, and advocacy coalitions.
Felicitas Nwadiolu Foundation Manager felicitas.nwadiolu@gaf.org.ng 08162272016
About the Partners
ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication is a nonprofit working to improve the quality of civic conversations among everyday citizens in Africa to drive responsive and accountable governance. Our work spans critical areas such as civic participation and good governance, gender equity and justice, education and human rights, and media and civil society development. Learn more atwww.impacthouse.org.ng
The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) is a girls and women focused organisation working to promote gender equity, education, and participation for girls and women across Nigeria. Learn more atwww.gaf.org.ng
📍 University of Benin, Benin City 📅 May 9, 2025 🎒 Organised by the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF)
What happens when you take 12 junior secondary school girls on a tour of a university campus for the very first time?
For us at GAF, the answer came to life on May 9, 2025 — when the Girls in Career Boost (GCB) STEM Foundation programme brought its second quarter participants to the University of Benin for an unforgettable exposure tour. And yes, we saw jaws drop, dreams stretch, and ambitions take flight.
This wasn’t just a school trip. It was a window into the future — one where girls from Benin City could imagine themselves as engineers, computer scientists, medical researchers, and more.
🧭 Stepping Into University Life
The day kicked off at the UNIBEN Main Auditorium, where GAF’s team welcomed the girls with smiles, energising icebreakers, and “University Goal Cards” — a fun activity where each girl wrote down what she hoped to learn, see, and dream about during the tour.
With ambassadors guiding the way, the girls moved through key departments that opened their minds and sparked new possibilities.
🧮 Where It All Happened
Mathematics Department
Led by Prof. Francis Osagiede, this session demystified maths and made it feel like a powerful tool — not a scary subject. The girls listened closely as he spoke about mentorship, financial empowerment, and the role of female mathematicians in global development.
Computer Science
Inside buzzing computer labs, students got a taste of what it means to build technology. They interacted with undergraduates, explored digital tools, and gained an insider’s view of computer science in action.
Engineering Faculty
This was a clear favourite! Faculty executives and student leaders shared their journeys, encouraging the girls to own their space in STEM. It was emotional, motivational, and deeply affirming.
🏫 Exploring the Campus
From classroom blocks to hostels, from the iconic John Harris Library to the Faculty of Medical Science, the girls soaked in the vibe of university life. They even stopped by Student Affairs, Bukka, and other landmark spots — places that once felt distant but now seemed possible.
They asked bold questions. They took notes. They imagined themselves in those lecture halls — not one day, but soon.
💬 What the Girls Said
“Now I understand the difference between faculties and departments.” – Amanda, future Mathematician
“I want to be a gynecologist because of what I learned today.” – Adeola, future gynecologist
“This tour has motivated me to pursue a career in medical science!” – Emilia, future pediatrician
These weren’t just reflections — they were declarations.
🎯 What We Achieved
Real Exposure to university systems, departments, and STEM career options
Hands-On Mentorship from professors and faculty leaders
Confidence Building through open dialogue and on-site learning
Career Redirection — with many girls adjusting their goals after what they saw
📸 Some Unforgettable Moments
Girls standing proud behind the Medical Sciences signboard
Group photos with the Director of Social, Faculty of Engineering
Moments with Prof. Osagiede at the Mathematics Department
Wide-eyed wonder inside the Computer Science lab
👣 What’s Next?
We’re not stopping here. ✔️ We’ll strengthen our mentorship support with faculty and STEM ambassadors ✔️ Expand to more universities and institutions across the state ✔️ Add hands-on STEM experiments during tours to increase engagement
🙏 Special Thanks
We’re grateful to all the faculty mentors, ambassadors, and the GAF team who made this day powerful and inspiring. You didn’t just open doors — you opened minds.
🌐 Stay Connected
This is just the beginning. GAF remains committed to bridging the gender gap in STEM by investing in the dreams of girls — one tour, one workshop, one bold conversation at a time.
👉 To support or partner with us on future GCB STEM tours, email us!
Date: 2nd May 2025 Location: Akugbe Union, Benin City Organised by: Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) Facilitator: Favour Ogbonna
What does eating for longevity really mean to the everyday market woman in Nigeria?
That question brought 30 amazing women together on a warm Friday morning at the Akugbe Union hall in Benin City. They weren’t there for business as usual. No tomatoes, no ogbono sales. This time, they came to learn something far more personal — how to eat well, live long, and take control of their health.
The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) hosted the final session of its MarketCare workshop series, and the focus was simple but powerful: food as medicine.
🥬 Small Changes, Big Results
Facilitated by the ever-energetic Favour Ogbonna, the session was not just informative — it was lively. There was laughter, “ah-ha” moments, and some honest confessions about love for garri and late-night rice. But by the end of the day, the message was clear: what we eat really matters.
Many of the women were surprised to discover that small tweaks — like swapping yam for cocoyam, custard for millet pap, or heavy fufu for starchless garri — could help manage blood sugar and digestion. Even better? These changes didn’t require fancy diets or imported ingredients. Everything discussed could be found right there in the market stalls they work in daily.
🌶️ Spicing Up Health — Naturally
One of the biggest hits of the day was learning about the power of natural spices. The women buzzed with excitement as they explored how everyday ingredients like ginger, nutmeg, curry leaf, cinnamon, and moringa could be used not just for flavour, but for wellness.
“I didn’t know that cinnamon could help with sugar control,” one woman exclaimed, clutching her notes like gold.
There were gasps, jokes, and plenty of nodding when someone suggested soaking bitter leaf to make a morning detox drink. You could feel the mindset shift happening in real time.
💧 More Than Food: Lifestyle Talk Got Real
The workshop wasn’t just about what’s on the plate. It also touched on:
Prioritising meals before diving into market hustle
Drinking more water (not just soft drinks!)
Watching salt, sugar, and alcohol
Finding simple ways to move their bodies daily
Understanding digestion and even… bowel movements (yes, we went there!)
The conversations were raw, relatable, and often hilarious. But behind every laugh was a genuine hunger to do better.
👩🏽🏫 Women Leading the Change
The energy in the room was contagious. These weren’t passive attendees — they asked bold questions, shared their own home remedies, and even challenged some health myths. By the end, many were pledging to not just change their own habits, but to teach their daughters, neighbours, and even fellow traders.
Some expressed interest in getting home-test kits for blood sugar checks. Others were eager to learn more about mental wellness, family planning, and even eye care.
💬 In Their Own Words
“This training was different. I learned things I can actually use. I’m going home to throw away that custard and soak millet tonight!” — Workshop participant
“Please invite us again. We need more talks like this — especially on hormones and body changes as we grow older.”
🙌 A Few Thank Yous
To Favour Ogbonna for bringing both expertise and humour into the room — thank you. To the Akugbe Union Women, your warmth, openness, and eagerness to learn made this session unforgettable. To our team — we couldn’t have done this without you.
🚀 So, What’s Next?
Though this was the final workshop in this round, it’s really just the beginning. We’re already exploring more topics like:
Hormonal health and menopause
Family planning awareness
Mental health and stress relief
Eye care for women over 40
And yes — future sessions may just include some live cooking demos (because who wouldn’t love a taste test?).
📣 Final Thoughts
This workshop reminded us of something important: health education doesn’t need to be boring or intimidating. When you bring it to where women are — in their language, on their terms — real change happens.
So here’s to fewer processed meals, more mindful eating, and women who are rewriting the story of wellness, one market at a time.
📸 Scroll down to see photos from the session 📨 Want to partner or sponsor future workshops? Email us!
Glory, a young widow living in Ighekpe Community, Benin-City, has faced profound challenges since the death of her husband. With three children to care for, including one with special needs, her daily life is a constant battle against poverty and uncertainty. Before receiving support from the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF), Glory struggled to maintain her small-scale cooked food business, which was her primary source of income.
The Struggles of Daily Life
Following her husband’s passing, Glory found it increasingly difficult to manage her household and sustain her business. The meager earnings from her food sales barely covered the basic needs of her family, leaving little room for purchasing essential ingredients. Many days, she had to make tough decisions, often prioritizing her children’s immediate needs over her business.
Glory’s challenges were compounded by the lack of financial resources. Without sufficient capital to restock her shop, she was unable to offer a diverse menu, which meant losing customers to competitors who could provide a wider range of meals. This cycle of underperformance deepened her financial woes, creating a sense of hopelessness and despair.
Identifying the Need for Support
Recognizing Glory’s plight, GAF organized a needs assessment in the Ighekpe Community. During interviews, it became clear that Glory lacked the essential supplies necessary to run her business effectively. She expressed her desire to improve her situation but felt trapped by her circumstances. The stress of managing her household and business with insufficient resources took a toll on her health and well-being.
A Turning Point
On October 16, 2024, during a visit to commemorate World Food Day, GAF intervened by providing Glory with essential food stocks to revitalize her business. The support included a 10kg bag of rice, 5 liters of groundnut oil, a carton of spaghetti, a carton of tomato paste, and 2 rubbers of white beans. This timely assistance not only replenished her supplies but also renewed her hope and motivation.
Glory expressed profound gratitude for the support she received from GAF, noting how it would significantly alleviate her daily struggles. She now has the means to expand her menu and attract more customers, providing her children with better food security and a brighter future.
Looking Ahead
With the help of GAF, Glory is optimistic about her business’s potential. She has started to plan for the future, envisioning a thriving food enterprise that can support her family and contribute to her community. The intervention by GAF was not just a momentary aid; it marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Glory and her family.
Glory Iboi’s story is a testament to the impact that targeted support can have on individuals facing adversity. With continued support and empowerment, GAF is committed to helping women like Glory achieve stability and success in their lives.
