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Empowering Low-Income Households through Business Expansion At the Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), we are dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities by providing essential support to sustain their means of living. Our livelihood support programmes are designed to promote economic development and reduce poverty, enabling people to generate sustainable income and improve their quality of life. Our Commitment to Economic Empowerment The Cakasa Ebenezer Livelihood Programme encompasses a range of interventions aimed at enhancing skills, access to resources, and market opportunities. These efforts play a crucial role in empowering individuals and fostering community resilience. Achievements in 2023 In 2023, we made significant strides by enhancing the lives of ten female entrepreneurs. Each beneficiary received a total capital injection of N150,000, providing much-needed material and financial support to grow their businesses. This initiative not only boosted their economic prospects but also contributed to the broader goal of gender equality and economic empowerment. Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary in 2024 As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary in 2024, we are proud to expand our impact even further. This year, we have empowered 12 selected entrepreneurs—seven females and five males—within the Lagos Metropolis. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, which focus on enhancing gender equality, decent work, and economic growth. Tailored Support for Diverse Businesses The selected entrepreneurs received business materials and cash transfers ranging from N160,600 to N290,000, depending on their specific needs and business types. The supported business categories include Catering, Drinks & Water, Pharmaceuticals, Point of Sale services, Provision Stores, and Tailoring. By addressing the unique requirements of each business, we aim to provide targeted support that maximizes their potential for success. Ongoing Support and Monitoring Our commitment does not end with initial support. Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation will continue to monitor these entrepreneurs, celebrating milestones in their business growth and providing ongoing guidance to ensure their sustained success. Driving Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction Expanding business opportunities for low-income households is a pathway to economic empowerment and a catalyst for inclusive growth and poverty reduction. By addressing barriers to entrepreneurship, providing access to finance, and fostering innovation and market linkages, our initiatives unlock the potential of individuals and communities to build thriving businesses and resilient livelihoods. Looking Ahead As we look ahead, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation remains dedicated to our mission of supporting and empowering communities. We are committed to driving positive change and creating opportunities that enable individuals to achieve their dreams and improve their quality of life.

Honouring the Achievements and Potential of Women International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, is a global event dedicated to recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also serves as a call to action to accelerate gender equality and create conditions that favour women’s full and equal participation in all aspects of life. The 2024 Theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2024, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underscores the importance of encouraging women to aspire to leadership positions and strive for an inclusive and equal world. This theme resonates deeply with our mission at Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), where we are committed to promoting and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality. CEF’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment In alignment with this year’s theme, CEF held its second edition of the International Women’s Day programme for the female members of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited (CNC) at our Head Office located at No. 96 Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos. The objective of this program was to recognise the contributions and achievements of women within our organisation, who are leading the charge and exploring ways to work together to make the world a better, fairer place for everyone. A Day of Inspiration and Engagement A series of inspiring events and interactions marked the day: Recognising Contributions and Charting the Future The event underscored the vital contributions of women at Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited and highlighted the collective effort needed to create a more equitable world. By celebrating the achievements of our female staff and fostering an environment that encourages their growth and leadership, we are taking significant steps towards a fairer and more inclusive society. Looking Ahead At Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, we remain dedicated to the mission of supporting and empowering women. We are committed to investing in their potential and accelerating progress towards gender equality. By continuing to provide opportunities, resources, and a supportive environment, we aim to inspire more women to reach their full potential and lead the way in their respective fields.

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners of the recently concluded Bookville Reading Competition’s Sixth Edition, hosted at the Alliance Francaise on November 18th, 2023. This annual competition, organised by Bookville World, a proud member of the literary community operating from the platform of a bookstore, witnessed an exceptional display of literary enthusiasm and talent. The Foundation commends the efforts of the 60 contestants drawn from various private and public schools in Rivers State. Their dedication to fostering a culture of reading amongst school-aged children reflects a significant stride toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 17, emphasizing quality education and partnerships. The Sixth Edition, spanning from October 14th to October 21st for preliminaries and culminating in the grand finale on November 18th, showcased the commitment and passion of the young participants. Notably, this competition isn’t merely an inter-school rivalry but a platform designed for capacity building among students. Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation was delighted to witness the emergence of talented winners: Additionally, special recognitions were awarded to commendable contestants: The Foundation is proud to have contributed to the success of this competition, presenting the second prize winner, Miss Amarachukwu Udoevop, with the CAKASA Education Cash Award of N50,000. This contribution underscores our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education and learning among our youth. The Cakasa Team was also thrilled to win books during the competition, further reaffirming our dedication to fostering a culture of reading and knowledge acquisition. The invaluable lessons gleaned from this edition of the Bookville Reading Competition reinforce the need to continue supporting and expanding such initiatives in the future, aiming to reach an even greater number of students. As we look ahead, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth through education, fostering a love for reading, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development.

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) proudly joined the global community in celebrating the annual Global Handwashing Day, an initiative aimed at advocating for the critical importance of hand hygiene in disease prevention and life-saving measures. Led by the Executive Director, Mrs. Helen Egbe, CEF actively participated in the 2023 Global Handwashing Day, aligning its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes clean water and sanitation for all. The foundation engaged pupils from the Cakasa Road Safety Clubs in New City, Palm Avenue, and Oduduwa Primary Schools, situated in the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos. The event witnessed an interactive and educational session orchestrated by dedicated CEF volunteers, focusing on cultivating effective handwashing behaviours among the students. Through engaging activities and practical demonstrations, the children were guided on proper handwashing techniques using soap and water. Additionally, they were equipped with valuable knowledge on healthy practices to prevent the spread of germs, facilitated by interactive materials such as colouring exercises, word searches, and puzzles. Global Handwashing Day, established by the Global Handwashing Partnership, serves as an opportune moment to foster innovative approaches encouraging widespread adoption of handwashing with soap. Mrs. Helen Egbe emphasized, “Clean hands are within reach,” echoing this year’s theme, underscoring the collective responsibility and leadership required to ensure universal access and practice of hand hygiene. Since its inception in 2008, Global Handwashing Day has galvanized millions worldwide to embrace handwashing as a fundamental preventive measure against diseases. CEF remains committed to leveraging such platforms to reinforce the significance of clean hands as a pivotal gateway to preserving lives.

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), a leading non-profit organization committed to educational empowerment, made a significant impact on the lives of pupils from Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State through its Kit-a-Child Programme Phase 4. At the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year, CEF orchestrated a memorable day for pupils from selected primary schools in Mushin LGA, as they received generous donations of school bags, exercise books, and other writing materials under the Kit a Child Programme. The Kit-a-Child Programme (KAC) is an annual initiative by CEF at the start of the academic year, designed to support low-income households in vulnerable communities. This year’s focus on Mushin LGA included New City Pry School, Palm Avenue Pry School, Oduduwa Pry School, Estate Pry School, and Papa Ajao Pry School. A total of 550 pupils, spanning from kindergarten to primary six, were beneficiaries of the programme. The donated items included exercise books with 60 leaves for older classes and 2A, 2B, and 2D books for juniors, along with pens, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners. Additionally, school bags were gifted to pupils from primary 4 to primary 6. Expanding its reach, CEF identified and supported 255 more pupils from Apapa Local Government Area and other low-income families within Lagos metropolis, starting from September 15, 2023. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that every child has the essential tools to pursue education. CEF’s intervention aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 of Quality Education. By investing in education, CEF is committed to providing long-term solutions to the challenges faced by low-income households. Education not only equips individuals with the necessary tools for self-sufficiency but also fosters community development. The distribution was executed by CEF’s dedicated staff and volunteers, witnessed by the Head Teachers of the respective schools, teachers, and community members. The recipients and educators expressed gratitude for CEF’s efforts and encouraged other organizations to collaborate with schools in uplifting indigent pupils. Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to making a lasting impact on education and empowering future generations; thus, keeping to its maxim of transforming society, changing lives.

…celebrates children as a reward of life Mr. Barnabas Olise, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited (CNC), has called on parents, guardians, and educators to recommit themselves to the task of developing the next generation. Olise made the appeal during a two-day event held by the Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) in Lagos in honour of the 2023 Children’s Day Celebration for the children of Mushin.  The CNC Project Manager, Engr. Evans Agboson, represented Olise at the event. Olise was overjoyed to reach out to the kids of Mushin and share in the joy of recognising the inherent greatness, innocence, and beauty that they represent. “In contemplating the significance of this event, my thoughts gravitate towards a timeless African proverb that encapsulates the essence of our gathering: “Children are the reward of life.” “These words hold profound wisdom and encapsulate the immense value that children bring to our lives, families, and communities. “They remind us that the future of our society lies in the hands of these young souls, brimming with dreams, curiosity, and untapped potential. “Today, we come together to celebrate not just the children in our midst but also the profound responsibility that we, as adults, bear in nurturing and guiding them towards a bright future. “It is through initiatives like this that we acknowledge and embrace the importance of investing in our children, providing them with a platform to express themselves, and empowering them to become the change-makers of tomorrow,” Olise said. The CEO made the point that children are a blessing for everyone, not just their parents. According to him, their laughter, creativity, and unfiltered perspectives infuse vitality into our world. He said that children remind us to find joy in simple pleasures, to view the world through innocent eyes, and to believe in the possibility of a better future. “Our children are the torchbearers of hope, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their flames burn brightly. “Through Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, we have committed ourselves to making a positive impact in the lives of children. “We believe that every child deserves access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal growth. “It is through our various initiatives, such as providing scholarships, adding value to existing structures within schools, and organising events like this that we strive to create an enabling environment for our children to thrive,” Olise said. He said the two-day event is a testament to the unwavering commitment of CNC to the well-being and development of children. “It is a celebration of their unique talents, aspirations, and achievements. “We have planned an array of activities and performances that will bring joy, laughter, and inspiration to all. “From art and craft presentations to music performances, cultural displays to games, every moment is an opportunity for our children to showcase their skills and explore their passions. “Moreover, this event is not just a celebration but also a platform for learning and growth. “We have wonderful adults, mentors, and role models to engage with our children, share their experiences, and ignite their aspirations. “Through these interactions, we aim to broaden their horizons, expand their knowledge, and instil in them a sense of confidence and purpose,” Olise said. He urged parents, uncles and aunties to recognise the immense potential within their children, nurture their dreams, encourage their passions, and guide them with love and understanding. “Remember that they are the reward of life, and it is your unconditional support that will shape their journey towards success and happiness,” Olise said. He thanked the foundation for everything that it does to ensure the health and success of children. He continued by saying that everyone has a better future if we invest in children now. Mr Ajayi Abimbola, head of the Local Government Education Authority, made a similar plea to parents, reminding them that their children are the future’s decision-makers and hence deserving of their undivided attention. The New City and Papa Ajao Primary Schools in Mushin both participated in the Children’s Day celebrations. Below are pictures taken at the event:

As the global community marks International Women’s Day, Cakasa Engineering Company and Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation have emphasised the need for gender equality and women empowerment. They made the call at an event to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday at Mushin, a suburb of Lagos. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of CAKASA Nigeria Company Ltd, Mr Barnabas Olise, said that IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign topic was created by its initiators to start a global conversation on why equal opportunities were not enough. Represented by Mrs. Folake Akangbe, Manager, Personnel Service, Olise said that true inclusion and belonging required equitable action since everyone had distinctiveness. The chief executive officer said that flowing from the general theme for 2023, the United Nations had further made the theme for the year: “DigitALL Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”. “In both our business operations and as an organisation, Cakasa Nigeria Company Ltd. continues to place a high priority on gender equality and empowerment. “As part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives, led by Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, we have encouraged women’s economic empowerment in tandem with girls’ educational advancement as a strategy to accelerate women’s inclusivity,” Olise said. He said that Cakasa was currently sponsoring the education of 10 young girls up to the university level in Education District 1 Alimosho Local Government Area in Lagos State as a means of promoting gender equity. According to him, Women’s opportunities to pursue careers in fields related to Science, Technology. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are reduced if they cannot access the Internet and do not feel secure doing so. On her part, the Executive Director of Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation, Mrs. Helen Egbe, urged women in Mushin Community to be change makers. “We need women who would come and change the world. The men have done it for so long. It’s time we need women to come up and let’s see what women can do,’’ Egbe said. She supported her position by lending some quotes from renowned women across the globe. The executive director said that the foundation decided to partner with five schools within the Mushin area to celebrate women because of its vision to transform society and give hope to the less privileged. Egbe said that as part of the foundation’s CSR, it decided to impact the women, and mothers of the children of New City Primary School, Papa Ajao, Oduduwa, and New Estate Primary School because they were the ones who really were at home most of the time with the children. Also speaking, Education Secretary, Mushin Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Princess Olu Akinlude, expressed appreciation to Mushin women for their resilience. She said that the “I can do it” spirit of women was second to none, saying that they had also trained their children in like manner. In her keynote address, Olusola called on women to leverage technology to better their lives. Agboola said that with the aid of technology, ordinary things could be transformed with better value addition. According to her, there is a world of possibilities for women to thrive in the world. She urged women to make good use of their smartphones to improve upon what they do. The event was graced by women within the Mushin locality, staff of the Foundation and Cakasa Nigeria Company, teachers from selected schools and principal staff of the LGEA.

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) was given a ‘Prestigious Community Service Award’ on 9th February 2023. The award was given in recognition of CEF’s “outstanding contributions to society’. Presented by Indy Media, the award specifically signposts CEF’s efforts at enriching the value of primary and secondary school education around the Mushin area. Receiving the award, the Executive Director, CEF, Mrs. Helen Egbe, said that she was elated that the work of the Foundation had not gone unnoticed. Giving credit to the parent company, Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, she said, “We are now encouraged to even do more.”

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) in collaboration with its parent company Cakasa Nigeria Company (CNC) visited a few homes for the underprivileged in Lagos and Port Harcourt respectively from Friday 8th December 2022 to Tuesday 13th December 2022 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility outlined to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness to Cakasa Nigeria Company (CNC).The homes visited are: This humanitarian gesture was aimed at providing succour for the weak and vulnerable members of society in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goals 2, 3, 4 and 8 of zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, decent work and economic growth. Items donated based on their needs to the two homes in Lagos were Rice, Beans, Garri, Cereal, Indomie, Spaghetti, Milo, Milk, Toiletries, Detergents, Disinfectants, Braille Papers, Slate and Stylus. Also, the Marillac Centre in Port Harcourt received four Sewing Machines and a Deep Freezer based on their request. At Pacelli School for the Blind, Lagos At Little Saints Orphanage, Lagos At De Marillac Centre, Home for Street Children, Diobu, Port Harcourt

…364 kids get bags, books, writing materials Lagos – SEPTEMBER 8, 2022. Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) has donated school bags, books and other writing materials to the pupils of three Lagos public primary schools in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA). The donation was part of Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation’s ‘Kit-a-child’ programme held every new school year. The schools – all on Ladipo Street, Papa Ajao – are Oduduwa Pry School, Estate Pry school and Papa Ajao Pry School. The children – 364 of them from kindergarten to primary six – were gifted school bags, exercise books comprising 40 leaves for kids in the older classes and 2A, 2B and 2D for their juniors, pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners as well as free snacks of doughnuts and a drink. At Papa Ajao Pry School, Head TeacherMrs. Oladele Folayemi described Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation as a godsent for indigent parents and their wards. Folayemi, who administers the school’s 174 pupils with a staff strength of only five teachers and one cleaner, lamented that most parents had been unable to afford writing materials for their wards. “I’m very glad because they (CEF) have done a wonderful thing. The parents of some of these pupils have not been able to afford their books. But now all of them present today have received the writing materials and I am very glad about that. “A child came to school with only one notebook. I asked the mum, ‘Is it only one notebook your child will use for 12 subjects?’ She sighed and said ‘God will help me. I’m hoping that by Monday, I would have bought her more notebooks.’ That mother will be pleasantly surprised to see her child return home today with so many books. Many more parents who hear of Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation’s gesture will also be attracted to bring their children to this school. We are very grateful,” she said The delight was similar at Oduduwa Pry School, where Mrs. Akpan Sifon Godwin is Head Teacher with over 86 pupils and nine-member staff strength. “I am so happy about today, about what I have seen Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation do for the children. They gave them bags, books and many other things. I am very happy. I pray that the Almighty God will reward them. As they have done for these children, I pray God will do for their kids too and they will continue to make progress in life. She noted that since she was appointed head teacher last year, “only one other non-governmental organisation has come to visit these kids, but Cakasa has done even more marvellously.” Mrs. Godwin noted that the school’s challenges were many, and lamented that it seemed the pupils and staff had been abandoned by the government. Pointing at the broken ceiling of several classrooms, she said: “It seems as if they (government) dumped us here. Everywhere is dilapidated; you can see that even the walls are not painted, we are just like that. “We are looking for help, people should come and help us; we need more help so that these children will feel at home in school, they will not feel like they’ve been abandoned. “I have up to 86 kids here, from kindergarten to primary six. My staff strength is nine, both teaching and non-teaching. Each class has one arm each, but because we don’t have enough teachers, we joined two levels in the same class. So, Primary one and two are in the same classroom, primary three and four too, etc, because of a lack of teachers. “I’ve complained about the problem to the authorities, even the Mushin Local Government Area Chairman promised to do something for a long time, but never came back to fulfil his promise.” Estate Pry School, with its 104 pupils and four teachers, is administered by Mrs Orelaro Abosede who thanked CEF for fulfilling its promise to help the school meet some of its challenges. “When EkoExcel came to tell us that they wanted to link us up with an NGO that they saw doing wonders somewhere, I said okay, if it is something that will be beneficial to our children, they are wholeheartedly welcome. So, CEF came and we told them some of our problems. They left and promised to return. “They’ve now fulfilled their promise and have done welcome back to school for the children. I really appreciate Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation. They have been trying and we have seen it now, we have enjoyed it. The donations they made have solved one of the problems we listed. The CEF team was led by its Executive Director, Mrs. Helen Egbe, who noted that the foundation has been in existence since 2014She explained that the annual ‘Kit-a-child’ scheme is under CEF’s education portfolio. Egbe said: “Under education, we try to help parents alleviate the poverty and challenges they are facing getting materials, such as notebooks and school bags for their kids. “What informed this Kit-a-child’ programme is that most of the children in public schools come to school without writing materials, bags, and school shoes. On one of my visits to one of the primary schools within the area of our head office, New City Primary School, Palm Avenue, Mushin, I noticed that some of the children were putting on torn uniforms and they came to school without writing materials. “That is what inspired our Kit-a-child programme, where we are able to – at the beginning of every school year – provide writing materials such as exercise books, pencils, biros, erasers, sharpeners as well as school bags for the older primary school classes. That’s what we have come to do in Oduduwa Primary School and Papa Ajao Primary School. These three schools are within the vicinity of our head office and the area where we are located.” She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic cost many parents their jobs, resulting in many of them being unable to afford their kids’ basic school needs when the new school term resumes. “With the