ELs Empowerment Foundation, a Kano State-based NGO, has made a significant impact on the lives of over one million Nigerians through a multifaceted approach encompassing skill acquisition, health outreaches, and advocacy programs. Their presence at the 8th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) exemplified their commitment to empowering Nigerian youth. The Foundation partnered with KADIFF to offer free skills training workshops to festival attendees and film enthusiasts, equipping them with practical skills to navigate the challenging economic landscape. These workshops focused on readily applicable skills such as bakery, shower gel production, hair cream formulation, burger making, and bar soap manufacturing. The Foundation’s meticulous selection of these skills demonstrates their understanding of the current economic realities and their aim to provide participants with immediately employable skills. This approach aligns with their overarching mission to foster self-reliance and economic independence, enabling individuals to earn a dignified living.
The training sessions at KADIFF attracted a diverse group of beneficiaries, ranging from ordinary citizens and students to film enthusiasts and members of the elite. This diverse participation underscores the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and its belief that everyone can benefit from practical skills development. By offering these workshops, the Foundation aims to empower individuals across social strata, giving them the tools they need to improve their lives and contribute positively to the economy. This approach transcends mere certificate-based education and focuses on equipping individuals with tangible skills that can immediately translate into income-generating opportunities. The Foundation’s representatives emphasized that the current economic climate in Nigeria necessitates the acquisition of practical skills, making them a crucial addition to academic qualifications.
Beyond the immediate impact of the KADIFF training, ELs Empowerment Foundation boasts a long-standing commitment to empowering Nigerian communities, particularly in the northern region. For years, the Foundation has impacted over a million lives through various initiatives, including skill acquisition programs, school outreaches, and health outreaches. Their work extends beyond providing skills training, encompassing critical awareness campaigns on social vices, health, and education. Furthermore, they actively engage with stakeholders on policy matters at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring that the voices of the communities they serve are heard and considered in policy formulation. This holistic approach to community development demonstrates their understanding that true empowerment requires a multifaceted strategy.
Driven by the philanthropic vision of its President, Ambassador Adesua Udo, the Foundation undertakes numerous projects independently, showcasing its self-sufficiency and dedication to its mission. While many of its initiatives are self-funded, the Foundation also collaborates strategically with stakeholders, including government agencies and other relevant organizations, when necessary. This collaborative approach allows the Foundation to leverage resources and expertise from various partners, maximizing its impact and reach. By combining independent action with strategic partnerships, ELs Empowerment Foundation ensures that its interventions are both effective and sustainable. This blend of self-reliance and collaboration allows for a flexible approach, tailoring interventions to specific community needs while also leveraging the strengths of various partnerships.
The Foundation’s participation in KADIFF 2024, themed “social change,” strongly resonated with their vision. The theme provided a platform for the Foundation to connect with filmmakers who share their commitment to using their craft for social good. The filmmakers expressed a keen interest in producing films that address the current economic challenges and inspire Nigerians to overcome adversity and build meaningful lives. This alignment of vision between the Foundation and the filmmakers highlights the potential of the creative industry to play a significant role in societal transformation. The festival provided a fertile ground for collaboration, fostering a synergy between empowerment initiatives and the creative industry, a partnership that is crucial for building resilience among Nigerian youths.
The Foundation sees the interactions and partnerships forged at KADIFF as a key takeaway from the festival. The shared vision with filmmakers, who aim to create films with economic value, reinforces the Foundation’s belief in the transformative power of storytelling. These films, focusing on economic empowerment and resilience, have the potential to inspire and inform audiences, particularly the youth, equipping them with the mindset and knowledge to navigate economic challenges and pursue opportunities for self-improvement. This synergy between empowerment initiatives and the creative industry holds immense potential for empowering Nigerian youth and fostering positive social change. By combining practical skills training with compelling narratives that promote resilience and economic empowerment, the Foundation and its partners aim to create a more prosperous and equitable future for Nigeria.
