1. AKINGBADE TOLUWA-JOLOMI

Akingbade Toluwa-Jolomi, through his Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Dakiz Human Development and Empowerment Initiative (DHDEI) based in Ondo State, has made a significant impact on youth development in Nigeria. With his limited resources, he has facilitated free vocational and technical training for over 5,000 youths, empowering them with valuable skills in both technology and various vocational fields. His dedication to providing opportunities has resulted in verifiable success stories.

Dakiz Initiative, as the NGO is popularly known, focuses on reducing unemployment and curbing social vices by equipping young people with the tools they need for a better future. Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), DHDEI continues to seek partnerships and support to further its mission of transforming lives through empowerment.

2. NJOKU CHIBUEZE MAC-DONALD

Njoku Chibueze Mac-Donald has exemplified what it means to be a true change-maker of our time. As the founder of Cause a Smile Educational Foundation, he is committed to ensuring that quality education reaches children in underserved communities, particularly those facing poverty. His work is rooted in love, compassion, and a deep sense of humanity, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless children.

In addition to his humanitarian efforts, Njoku has served in various leadership and volunteer roles, demonstrating integrity and dedication. His roles include CYON Zonal President, Chairman of the Feast of Ascension Committee 2024, Secretary of the Ordination Planning Committee 2024, Quality Assurance Volunteer for SMFest 2024, Chairman of YCSN Owerri Provincial Convention 2016, Auxiliary of the Schoenstatt Fathers, Ibadan 2020, Chaplain for the Youths of St. Molumba 2020, and Director General of the Secret Intelligence Unit, National Cadet Corps Nigeria. His diverse contributions across these roles underscore his commitment to leadership and service.

3. PRESIDENT AIGBOKHAN EWEMADE, ESQ

President Aigbokhan Ewemade, Esq. has played a key role in advancing human rights, particularly in defending press freedom. In 2019, he secured a landmark ruling from the ECOWAS Court, affirming that citizen journalists deserve the same legal protections as traditional journalists, strengthening freedom of expression across West Africa. https://www.voanews.com/a/nigerian-press-advocates-hail-ecowas-court-ruling-on-media-laws/7385660.html

He also made significant strides in prisoners’ rights, successfully advocating for inmates’ right to vote before Nigeria’s 2015 general elections. This victory marked a pivotal moment in recognizing the rights of marginalized groups and sparked discussions on legal reforms.

In recognition of his efforts, Aigbokhan has received several accolades, including the Public Interest Lawyer of the Decade and the Community Public Interest Lawyer Award in 2022, highlighting his impact on public interest law and social justice.https://sunnewsonline.com/foi-counsel-aigbokhan-bags-nycns-prestigious public-interest-lawyer-award/

4. DR ABEL ABRAHAM HONOURABLE

As the founder of the Abraham Honourable Foundation, Dr Abel Abraham has made remarkable strides in promoting good governance and championing grassroots development in Akwa Ibom. His unwavering commitment to human capacity development and empowerment has positively impacted countless lives within the community.

Through the foundation, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly widows. The foundation currently provides monthly stipends to nearly 100 widows, offering them much-needed financial relief and stability. Additionally, his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship is evident in the foundation’s monthly business grants of $100, which are awarded to young startups, helping to nurture innovation and economic growth.

By driving these impactful initiatives, Dr Abel Abraham has not only empowered individuals but also strengthened the community’s socioeconomic fabric, earning him recognition as a tireless advocate for sustainable development and grassroots empowerment.

5. LUKMAN OLADIMEJI JAIYEOLA: 

Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola is a dedicated legal practitioner, mediator, and human rights activist who has provided pro bono legal services to over 400 inmates across several Nigerian correctional centers, including children in Borstal institutions. As a member of key committees, including the Legal Aid Committee and the Court-Centered Prison Decongestion Committee, he has worked tirelessly to defend vulnerable individuals and decongest prisons. His public enlightenment efforts through radio have educated thousands on issues like child rights, legal guardianship, and juvenile delinquency.

In addition, Jaiyeola founded the Human Rights & Welfare Advocacy Mission, which defends the rights of the indigent and vulnerable, addressing issues of injustice, violence, and discrimination. From 2018 to 2023, he handled over 50 pro bono cases, including domestic violence and child rights matters, and played a key role in representing over 100 #EndSARS protesters unjustly incarcerated during the 2020 protests. https://loyalnigerianlawyer.com/a-milestone-achieved-lawyer-marks-500th-pro-bono-court-appearance-vows-to-continue-to-make-a-positive-difference-2/

In January 2024, Jaiyeola marked a milestone by celebrating his 500th pro bono court appearance, solidifying his commitment to human rights and social justice. Link to his latest pro bono case he completed: https://thenationonlineng.net/electrician-mechanic-discharged-of-armed-robbery-after-six-years/

6. DINATU DAMA MAJI: 

Dinatu Dama Maji is the founder of the Kasham Girls, Women, Youth and Community Development Network (KGWYCD), an NGO that has collaborated with over 30 international organizations and academic institutions. Through her leadership, she has designed and implemented impactful projects that have reached more than 150 million people, earning recognition for her integrity and effectiveness in driving change.

Her interventions have significantly improved the lives of countless vulnerable girls, particularly survivors of gender-based violence, as well as empowering youth to become self-reliant and gainfully employed. The effects of her work have been particularly notable in Northern Nigeria, where her initiatives have transformed communities and made a visible impact on social development.

Since 2016, more than 20,000 individuals can directly testify to the positive outcomes of Dinatu’s efforts. Her dedication has attracted support from prominent organizations such as Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, and the Irish Embassy, making her a beacon of hope for vulnerable communities in the Northwest region of Nigeria.

7. DR. LOLA ODEYALE AYO-FASHIDA

Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida is a dedicated advocate for positive change, tirelessly working to uplift and empower individuals in her community. Through her NGO, the Outpour of Fragrances Initiative, she has significantly impacted countless lives by providing essential support to those in need. Her initiatives include covering JAMB fees for students, offering business grants to single mothers and widows, and distributing educational materials to vulnerable students.

Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others has earned her numerous awards recognizing her contributions to community excellence and social impact. Dr. Ayo-Fashida’s efforts not only bring smiles to faces but also foster hope and opportunity for many, making her a true champion for those she serves.

8. IDRIS BILYAMINU NDASADU

For the past 6years to date, Mr. Idris Bilyaminu Ndasadu’Lau has been able to raise over $20,000 through funding, self-donation and public donors to solve Nigeria most critical community social issues and work tirelessly to empower marginalized communities in Nigeria through education, health, clean water, social inclusion and economic opportunities for women.

With 43 percent of Nigerians (89 million people) live below the poverty line, while another 25 percent (53 million) are vulnerable. Mr. Idris Bilyaminu Ndasadu‚ has grown his initiative to become a largest grassroot social development organization,Youth Advocacy for Peace and Development (YAPD4Africa) that lead a voice in the fight against poverty, marginalization and inequality across Africa.

Through his organization, he has executed six social impact projects with over 12 thousands lives in more than 50 rural communities in Nigeria has positively reached and impacted directly. While over 80% of his beneficiaries are children, women and young people living in hard to reach marginalized grassroot communities. https://medium.com/@insideofexplorer/idris-bilyaminu-ndasadulau-i-want-to-be-a-source-of-inspiration-to-those-who-will-create-6b1b45f3b210

9. CHIEF KELVIN JOMBO ONUMAH:

He is the founder of The Kelvin Jombo Foundation, which has become a symbol of hope and transformation, making strides in public charity and positively impacting communities. The foundation prison outreach program aims to rehabilitate inmates and reduce recidivism. Through educational and skills training  programs, the foundation also helps prepare inmates for life after their release.

The foundation coordinates literacy and skills programs to equip inmates with knowledge and skills that can help them find employment post-release. The Kelvin Jombo Foundation Agricultural Program aims to equip farmers in rural areas by donating tools, equipment, and resources to help farmers implement their training. The foundation is also committed to the development and progressiveness of communities through infrastructure and welfare contribution.

https://thesun.ng/jombo-foundation-gives-scholarship-to-52-indigent-students-in-abia/

10. COMRADE BUHARI YERIMA BALLA

Comrade Buhari Yerima Balla the CEO the Yerima Balla International Education initiative has transformed the lifes of the Less Privileged women, Victim of insecurity women, women rural poverty, victim of Gender based violence and early child marriage victim through his organization initiative women entrepreneurship Response. The initiative was based established to empower women with entrepreneurship skills from rural communities who are facing marginalization in terms of development.

The initiative aims is to equipped marginalized women with great entrepreneurship skills to become a self reliance most especially women of insecurity victim, gender equality victim, child early marriage victim, rural poverty victim and less privileged women.  The initiative was successfully empowered more more than 2000 women, and young persons, the initiative has been great to women thus I’m nominating Comrade Buhari Yerima Balla CEO the Yerima Balla international education initiative for outstanding Impact Award for his tremendous success in the lives of women in North East and Nigeria as whole.