Making a world of differenceÂ
From way back, Nigeria has been the home of some of the most impactful charities in Africa that work tirelessly trying to combat related issues such as poverty, poor healthcare, education as well and other economic empowerment. These charitable organizations work to fill in critical gaps left in the country thereby providing essential services and hope to millions.Â
These organizations have contributed to changing countless lives through the provision of educational scholarships to feed the hungry as well as life-saving healthcare initiatives. If ever you have wondered about where to direct your support or how you can get involved in charity, here are 10 charitable organizations that truly make a difference in Nigeria.
1. Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF)
The ADF was founded in 1994 by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and is one of Nigeria’s largest operating private philanthropic organizations. The Aliko Dangote Foundation has its mission grounded in improving health education and economic opportunities for Nigerians. A simple yet very powerful mission.Â
It has also invested billions of naira in support of the fight against malnutrition, maternal and child healthcare as well as providing relief to millions of people in times of disaster. Among its significant contributions in the initiative to tackle malnutrition and strengthen healthcare services nationwide which amounted to the tune of ₦10 billion. Â
If you are looking for a charitable organization in Nigeria that takes on large-scale national issues, ADF is at the forefront.Â
2. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
Entrepreneurship is one of the strongest paths to poverty alleviation, and Tony O. Elumelu understands this well. That’s why he founded the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in 2010, aiming to empower African entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and business training.
Through its Entrepreneurship Program, TEF has trained over 1.5 million young Africans and provided nearly $100 million in funding to more than 18,000 entrepreneurs across 54 African countries. If you believe in the power of small businesses to transform lives, TEF is an inspiring success story.
3. Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS)
The Nigerian Red Cross Society(NRCS) is one of the first responders in times of crisis or disaster, providing medical care, humanitarian aid and relief to affected individuals. Established in 1990, the NRCS has been saving lives in times of countless emergencies, including disease outbreaks and flooding. Â
With more than 500,000 nationwide volunteers, the NRCS has also played very critical roles in blood donation drives, community health programs and first aid training. They are always there when Nigerians are in most need from disaster responses to quality healthcare promotion.
4. Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI)
Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COF) was founded in 2008 by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Christ Embassy church. The COF is a faith-based charitable organization that is committed to the improvement of healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Â
The foundation has set up free primary schools, health centers, and scholarship programs, helping thousands of children access quality education and healthcare. With a focus on sustainable solutions, COFI is helping to break the cycle of poverty for many families.
5. Street Child Nigeria
Imagine being a child in a conflict zone with no access to education or safety. Street Child Nigeria, which expanded to the country in 2016, is tackling this crisis by providing education and protection for children affected by war and poverty.
As of 2024, they’ve helped over 125,000 Nigerian children go back to school, especially in the North-East, where conflict has displaced millions. By giving these children a fighting chance through education, Street Child is creating hope for a better future.
6. Oxfam Nigeria
No doubt, poverty and inequality are great challenges to Nigeria. However, Oxfam Nigeria is making great strides towards advancing solutions. Oxfam improves women’s empowerment, enhances food security, and actively engages in governance within the country as a part of the global Oxfam network.Â
In collaboration with local organizations, Oxfam aids economic growth among women, provides assistance to small-size farmers, and addresses humanitarian needs during emergencies. Their goal is to provide permanent solutions to poverty as opposed to merely alleviating them.
7. Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI)
Achieving a hunger-free Nigeria should be a priority, but sadly, millions of children and adults face food scarcity every day. This is the main reason why the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) was established in 2015. This initiative strives to provide healthy and nutritious meals to vulnerable children, the elderly, and poor families.Â
Aside from distributing food, LFBI empowers low-resource families through nutrition education and other effective self-help food programs. Consider supporting LFBI if you’re interested in a grassroots initiative working towards ending hunger.
8. Education as a Vaccine (EVA)
Youth requires healthcare and education to blossom. Education as a Vaccine (EVA) focuses on sexual and reproductive health issues affecting the youth of Nigeria by increasing their health and developmental outcomes.
EVA is empowering the youths’ knowledge and skills through HIV prevention programs, mental health support, and youth empowerment activities. These are fundamental to being charged, as without them, adolescents would not be able to properly navigate their health and future.
9. The Irede Foundation
What if I told you that there exists a child who cannot walk purely because they do not have the resources to acquire a prosthetic limb? The Irede Foundation is changing this by offering free prosthetic limbs to children who suffer from limb loss and was founded in 2012.
To date, they have impacted over 200 children to help them once again walk on their feet. The foundation also campaigns for the rights and inclusion of children because they deserve more than just health assistance.
10. TASTE Nigeria
Clean water is important for human life, but many people in rural Nigeria do not have access to drinkable water. TASTE Nigeria is solving this problem by constructing sanitation facilities and installing boreholes in remote villages.
They are enhancing the health and hygiene of countless families by cutting down on water-related diseases and focusing on hygiene education. Their efforts guarantee safe drinking water to families from all corners, even those from the most neglected regions.
Step in and make a difference in Nigeria
There is amazing work being done by these organizations, but they can not do it single-handedly. A part of the change can be brought by donations, volunteering, or even word of mouth.
If any of these causes interest you, make an effort to contact them. Giving little support, whether towards time, money, or advocacy will greatly someday change someone’s life.