Education is the key to unlocking potential, and through her efforts, Prayer Nwagboso opens doors for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.
In this second edition of our Founder’s Corner series, we are excited to feature and interview Prayer Nwagboso, the visionary CEO of the Naza Agape Foundation. Through education and humanitarian aid, Prayer has empowered displaced children and underprivileged girls across Nigeria, driving lasting societal change since 2018.
Prayer, thank you for joining us. In a world where countless humanitarian needs compete for attention, what was the defining moment or personal revelation that compelled you to dedicate your life to helping the most vulnerable, particularly internally displaced persons and underprivileged girls in Nigeria?
Prayer: The defining moment for me occurred during my NYSC service in 2018, when I witnessed the devastating effects of armed attacks in Plateau State. Many communities were displaced, leaving children vulnerable and deprived of education. Seeing these children—once full of hope and joy—reduced to living in camps with no access to education was heartbreaking. I knew then that I couldn’t stand by. I started offering free classes to internally displaced children, but soon realized their needs went beyond education. They needed food, shelter, emotional support, and, most importantly, hope. That revelation cemented my lifelong commitment to humanitarian work, particularly focusing on underprivileged girls and displaced persons.
That must have been incredibly moving, especially seeing those children lose access to education. Before this experience in Plateau State, had you encountered similar challenges in your community or through earlier experiences?
Prayer: Yes, growing up, I had always noticed the inequalities that existed—especially among children from less privileged backgrounds. Many children were denied basic amenities such as education, food, clean water, and healthcare. Watching the effects of insurgency further motivated me to want to change the lives of those around me. Even during my university years, I prayed for the means to help those in need, and through community outreach, I started visiting orphanages and other institutions.
It’s inspiring to hear that this passion for helping others started early. We’d love to hear more about how your university experiences shaped your journey. Can you tell us about the Book Drive project and how it fueled your commitment to this work?
Prayer: In May 2018, during my time at Covenant University, my graduating class embarked on a project known as The Book Drive, to collect 1 million books to impact schools across Nigeria. This initiative aligned with my passion and was inspired by the United Nations’ SDG 4: Quality Education. That project further fueled my desire to do more.
It’s amazing how each step in your journey has built upon the last, leading to your organization’s founding. Could you share more about the Naza Agape Foundation and your first major project with the displaced children in Jos?
Prayer: Upon completing my service, I established the Naza Agape Foundation, named after my tribal names “Chinaza” and “Agape,” meaning unconditional love. Our first major project was at an IDP camp in Jos, where we provided educational support to children who had been out of school for months due to displacement. The response was overwhelming, and I knew we had to continue making an impact from that moment on.
“Seeing these children—once full of hope and joy—reduced to living in camps with no access to education was heartbreaking. I knew then that I couldn’t stand by.”
Following up on that, what personal practices or philosophies motivate you in your humanitarian work, especially when faced with challenges?
My faith in God is the bedrock of my work, coupled with a firm belief in the power of servant leadership. Serving others before myself has been my guiding principle, and I constantly remind myself that even small efforts can create a ripple effect of change. Challenges are inevitable—whether it’s securing resources, navigating resistance from communities, or overcoming personal doubts. However, the joy on a child’s face when they receive food or learn something new keeps me motivated. Additionally, gratitude and mindfulness help me stay centered, even when the road gets tough.
Could you share some challenges you’ve encountered while working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau State, and how your foundation works to create safe learning environments in these conflict-prone areas?
Prayer: Working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau State has presented a range of challenges, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas. One of the foremost challenges has been safety and security. The regions where many IDP camps are located remain volatile, with threats of renewed violence always looming. This environment has made it difficult to create stable, safe learning environments, as the children and volunteers often fear sudden attacks.
That sounds incredibly challenging. In addition to safety, what other hurdles have you faced while trying to provide education in these camps?
Prayer: Resource scarcity has been a significant hurdle as well. The camps typically have limited access to educational materials, food, and even proper infrastructure for learning. Many children lacked basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, and textbooks when we started the free lessons. Even though we received support through donations, it was often difficult to meet the educational and nutritional needs of hundreds of displaced children simultaneously.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the lack of basic supplies. We can imagine that many of these children are dealing with more than just logistical challenges. How have you addressed the emotional and psychological needs of the children?
Prayer: Absolutely, psychological trauma is another key challenge. Many of the children have witnessed horrific events, including the loss of family members, the destruction of their homes, and displacement from their communities. This trauma often manifests in behavioral issues, lack of concentration, and emotional withdrawal, making it difficult for them to fully engage in educational activities. Providing not just academic lessons but emotional support through trauma-informed care became essential for helping the children heal and re-engage with learning.
Emotional support is crucial. With the population being so transient, how do you maintain continuity in education for these children?
Prayer: The transience of the population poses a challenge as well. Due to the fluid nature of the IDP situation, families often move, making it hard to maintain continuity in the children’s education. Some children drop out when their families relocate or when new crises emerge.
That makes sense. How does the Naza Agape Foundation work to create stability in such an unpredictable environment?
Prayer: To overcome these challenges, the Naza Agape Foundation focused on creating stable structures within the camps where learning could continue, even amid uncertainty. We collaborated with local leaders, government agencies, and other NGOs to ensure that both safety and educational needs were met. Trauma-informed education became a core part of our programming, where children received not only academic learning but also psychosocial support to help them cope with the trauma of displacement.
It’s inspiring to see how your foundation addresses both educational and emotional needs. What impact have these efforts had on the children you serve?
Prayer: By addressing these challenges, we have been able to build safe learning environments that cater to the holistic needs of displaced children, providing them with both the education and emotional healing they need to build better futures.
“By addressing these challenges, we have been able to build safe learning environments that cater to the holistic needs of displaced children, providing them with both the education and emotional healing they need to build better futures.”
Your foundation emphasizes empowering girls through education and skill development. How do you implement strategies to ensure girls thrive academically and personally, and how have you integrated environmental education into these programs?
Prayer: We take a holistic approach to empowering girls. First, we provide scholarships to underprivileged girls, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent them from pursuing their education. Mentorship is also key—we connect the girls with accomplished women who guide them both academically and personally. Additionally, we focus on vocational training, equipping them with skills like tailoring, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Through our Girlified Project, which tackles period poverty, we have also integrated environmental education. By promoting eco-friendly menstrual hygiene solutions, we reduce plastic waste while teaching the girls about sustainability. This empowers them to not only take control of their health but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Can you elaborate on the long-term goals of your IDP project and Project Feed 5000? How do you measure their success, and what plans do you have to scale these initiatives?
Prayer: The long-term goals of our IDP Project and Project Feed 5000 are centered around creating sustainable solutions for displaced persons and underprivileged communities, focusing on education, skill acquisition, and nutritional support.
That sounds like a comprehensive approach. What specific objectives do you have for the IDP Project?
Prayer: For the IDP Project, our primary objective is to reintegrate displaced children into formal education systems while providing them with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Many of the children we work with have been displaced by conflict, and their education has often been disrupted for extended periods. Our long-term vision is to establish permanent learning centers in conflict-prone areas where these children can receive continuous education.
Permanent learning centers sound essential. How do you envision these centers operating?
Prayer: These centers will not only focus on academic instruction but also vocational training, enabling children to gain valuable skills in agriculture, tailoring, carpentry, and other trades that will support their livelihoods in the future. A core element of the IDP project is psychosocial support. Many children have faced severe trauma due to the violence they’ve witnessed, and our goal is to integrate mental health services into our education system. By offering trauma counseling and psychosocial support, we hope to help them overcome the emotional scars of their experiences and enable them to focus on their studies and future ambitions.
It’s so important to address the emotional aspect of education as well. Now, can you tell us about Project Feed 5000 and its long-term goals?
Prayer: Project Feed 5000 is equally focused on long-term sustainability. The goal of this initiative is to expand beyond Plateau State, providing essential food supplies to IDP communities and underprivileged families across Nigeria. We envision this project as more than just a feeding program; it’s about tackling food insecurity in a structured way that involves educating communities on sustainable farming practices and empowering them to become self-reliant. By offering training in agricultural methods and providing communities with tools and resources, we aim to reduce dependency on food aid and create sustainable food sources within the communities we serve.
That’s a significant focus on self-reliance. How do you measure the success of these initiatives?
Prayer: We measure success in a few ways. For educational integration, the number of children reintegrated into the formal education system is a key performance indicator. We track their academic progress, monitor attendance, and ensure continuity in their studies. For skills development, we assess the vocational skills gained by the children and young adults through training programs and follow their success in securing jobs or starting their small businesses.
It sounds like you have a robust system for tracking progress. What about the psychosocial well-being of the children?
Prayer: We monitor the emotional and psychological progress of the children by conducting regular follow-ups with both them and their families, ensuring they receive adequate emotional support. For Project Feed 5000, we track the number of families reached and the reduction in food insecurity in communities benefiting from the program. We also monitor the communities’ capacity to produce their food following the agricultural training programs.
These metrics will help you understand the impact of your work. What plans do you have to scale these initiatives?
Prayer: To scale both the IDP Project and Project Feed 5000, our strategy involves several key components. We’re looking at partnerships with international NGOs and government agencies. Collaborating with global humanitarian organizations will help expand our reach into more conflict-prone areas, while government partnerships will ensure the programs are sustainable and aligned with national policies.
Partnerships seem crucial. How do you ensure community involvement in these initiatives?
Prayer: Community-led models are essential. By training local community leaders and empowering them to take ownership of the initiatives, we can ensure that the programs continue to function even when we are not on the ground. Community involvement is key to scaling these efforts.
That makes a lot of sense. What other strategies do you have in place for scaling up?
Prayer: We are focusing on increased fundraising and advocacy, securing long-term funding through donor campaigns, and advocating for international support to scale both projects. We aim to engage corporate sponsors and philanthropists who are passionate about education and food security in Africa. Additionally, for Project Feed 5000, we plan to establish regional food distribution hubs across Nigeria to ensure that food aid can reach remote communities quickly during emergencies. These hubs will also serve as training centers for sustainable farming practices.
It sounds like you have a solid plan in place. By scaling these initiatives, what are you hoping to achieve for the communities you serve?
Prayer: By scaling these initiatives, we hope to not only address the immediate needs of displaced and underprivileged children but also create a foundation for long-term success and self-sufficiency.
Could you share a success story of an individual or community that has significantly benefited from Naza Agape Foundation’s programs and how they are contributing to societal transformation today?
Prayer: One of our most profound success stories is that of Naomi Nanpon, a survivor of insurgency in Plateau State. In 2018, Naomi was among the displaced children at an IDP camp where our foundation provided free educational support. Despite her family’s struggles, especially as the only girl, Naomi was determined to continue her education.
It’s inspiring to hear about her determination. How did the foundation support her during this challenging time?
Prayer: Naomi showed exceptional promise and a passion for learning, which caught the attention of our team. We supported her schooling and welfare, ensuring she didn’t drop out despite the overwhelming challenges. Fast forward to March 2023, and Naomi matriculated into Veterinary School, defying all odds as a young woman from a displaced family.
That’s an incredible achievement! Has Naomi continued to give back to her community since starting her education?
Prayer: Absolutely! What makes her story even more inspiring is that Naomi has begun running free lessons for less privileged children during her free periods, exemplifying the true spirit of empowerment and leadership that the Naza Agape Foundation aims to instill. She graduated from her National Diploma program at VOM Polytechnic on September 14th through the foundation’s support.
It’s amazing to see how she’s giving back. Do you have any other success stories that highlight the impact of your programs?
Prayer: Yes, another standout story is that of Noro Daniel, a resilient girl who faced significant hardship after her father’s tragic death in 2018 during a village attack. Forced into an IDP camp, Noro’s future looked bleak until she encountered the Naza Agape Foundation. Through our support and the generous sponsorships from partners, Noro was able to continue her education and graduated from secondary school in 2023.
That’s a remarkable journey. What are Noro’s aspirations now?
Prayer: Today, Noro dreams of becoming a medical doctor and continues to inspire others by overcoming adversity.
Her story is truly motivating. Do you have one more example to share?
Prayer: Certainly! Another remarkable success story is Maryam, a young girl displaced by armed attacks in Plateau State. When we met her, she was shy and traumatized, having lost her home and her chance to go to school. Through our programs, she not only caught up academically but also discovered a passion for mathematics.
It’s wonderful that she found something she loves. What is Maryam doing now?
Prayer: Today, she is enrolled in secondary school on a full scholarship and dreams of becoming an engineer. She now volunteers with the Naza Agape Foundation, teaching younger children, and has become a role model in her community.
These stories are so powerful and truly showcase the transformative impact of your foundation.
The tragic incident at Saints Academy in Jos highlights your commitment to responding to crises. What role do you see Naza Agape Foundation playing in future emergency responses, and how do you prepare your team for such unexpected challenges?
The Naza Agape Foundation is committed to being a first responder in crises affecting children across Nigeria. We are building a network of volunteers and resources to provide immediate aid in emergencies, whether through food, shelter, or emotional support. Our team undergoes regular training in crisis management, first aid, and trauma care to ensure that we are always prepared to step in when needed. We also aim to establish a rapid response fund to mobilize resources quickly during emergencies.
“We are building a network of volunteers and resources to provide immediate aid in emergencies, whether through food, shelter, or emotional support.”
How do you manage your diverse team of volunteers across different countries, and what are your biggest aspirations for expanding Naza Agape Foundation’s international reach in the next five years?
Managing a diverse team across different countries requires constant communication, digital tools, and clear leadership. We hold regular training sessions and virtual check-ins to keep everyone aligned with our goals. In the next five years, we aim to expand our reach into other African countries, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement. We also aspire to partner with international organizations and corporations that can provide both funding and technical expertise to help scale our impact.
As a recognized Global Goodwill Ambassador, what advice would you give to sustain successful nonprofit organizations in Africa, particularly for women leaders striving to make an impact?
To women leaders, I would say: remain focused, be persistent, and always stay true to your mission. Build a strong support network locally and internationally. Partnerships are vital, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Transparency and accountability are essential in sustaining any nonprofit, so always prioritize these values in your operations.
Lastly, if you could give one message to young people across Africa who aspire to create positive change in their communities, what would it be?
Prayer: Start early; you aren’t too young to make a positive impact in your community. The key to creating change is consistency, passion, and the belief that even small efforts can lead to massive transformations. Find an issue that resonates with you—whether it’s education, environmental conservation, women’s rights, or healthcare—and commit to doing something about it. You don’t need to have all the resources to start; begin with what you have, and where you are, and learn as you go.
Your unwavering commitment to education and empowerment is making a lasting impact. As we conclude, we reflect on the importance of addressing the challenges faced by displaced children and underprivileged girls. Together, we can foster brighter, more resilient futures.
Thank you, Prayer, for sharing your journey and the transformative work of the Naza Agape Foundation with us.
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