SIFAX Group, through its NGO, the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation (AAAF), and other partners, supported 3,083 vulnerable persons across the country in July. Beneficiaries included widows, children, voluntary returnees abroad, and people with disabilities.

Initiatives ranged from healthcare support for 639 people in Lagos, Isade and Zaria, to vocational training for 1,398 women, girls, and boys in crocheting, tailoring, shoemaking, and bag-making.

The Foundation also facilitated one-day training for petty traders in Umuahia ahead of the interest-free loans scheme, empowered 10 traders in Zaria, provided a borehole for Agbelekale community in Lagos, and in collaboration with the World Bank and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), distributed essential items to 750 voluntary abroad returnees.

Similarly, in August, SIFAX Group partnered with NIDSMET Services to sponsor the skill acquisition training of 500 youths in Lagos. Participants were trained in confectionery, catering, textile design, photography, cosmetics, event management, and diverse skills.

Speaking at the grand finale of the skill acquisition programme in Satellite Town, Lagos, Mr. Olumuyiwa Akande, group head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group, represented by Mr. Olatunde Adewola, emphasised that the company’s philosophy goes beyond profit-making and extends to philanthropy and creating sustainable pathways for economic growth.

“At SIFAX Group, we measure success not just by business achievements but by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create. Entrepreneurship and empowerment remain central to our vision of a better Nigeria,” he said, urging beneficiaries to build their futures on integrity, excellence, and digital visibility.

Mr. Olabiyi Oluwole, managing director of NIDSMET Services, the programme continues to produce entrepreneurs who eventually become job creators.

“SIFAX Group has been a major supporter of this programme since its inception, and since then, many of our graduands have become successful business owners”, he noted.

Foluke Ademokun, AAAF Coordinator, said the Foundation remained focused on providing succour for disadvantaged groups nationwide.

“From scholarships for widows’ children to empowerment opportunities for women, AAAF is committed to eradicating poverty and delivering sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.”

The donation was aimed at providing support to vulnerable households facing increased food prices and other economic challenges in the country.

According to Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, the rising cost of living has negatively impacted the less privileged and those with low income and noted that her partnership with AAAF was to bring relief to the selected widows.

She said:

“The Foundation works with the less privileged and has various programmes to support them and their households. I am partnering with the Foundation to further strengthen their financial capacity to discharge their roles more effectively and to reach more beneficiaries. The last few months have seen a surge in the cost of living, especially food prices. Widows, due to their economic situation, are mostly impacted by changes in the economy. This food donation is to provide succour to these widows and their families.”

On her own part, Foluke Ademokun, executive coordinator, AAAF emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities, especially widows and their children.

“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to provide relief and encouragement to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Folashade Afolabi for her motherly concern in supporting us to reach more beneficiaries,” she said.

The widows expressed their gratitude for the foundation’s thoughtful gesture. One of them, Mrs. Egwuonwu said “This donation has come at a time when we truly need it, before now, I was already thinking of what my children will eat. It is not just about rice; it’s about knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. We are grateful to the foundation for remembering us.”

AAAF is a non-governmental organisation alleviating poverty through education, skills and financial empowerment for widows, orphans and vulnerable persons across Nigeria.

The Foundation promotes access to skills, education and healthcare for vulnerable children, women, particularly widows and resource poor communities. In addition to providing scholarships for primary, secondary and tertiary education, AAAF builds the skills of our beneficiaries through training, advocacy and viable collaboration.