13 May
Welcome to the January Edition of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Newsletter. As we progress into 2024 with new optimism and determination, we are thrilled to bring you the January edition of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Newsletter. This edition delves into the heart of our endeavours, sharing stories of resilience, progress, and collective efforts that have been instrumental in driving positive change and shaping a future filled with impact and possibilities. Here are the initiatives, programs and events that have continued to shape our mission. Please enjoy reading and thanks for being on this journey with us! MMF COMMUNICATIONS UNIT In our ongoing commitment to empower and uplift communities, we are excited to share the progress and aspirations of our recent visit to the Treasure of Love Orphanage. Below are some of the identified needs and actionable steps we’re taking to enhance the lives of these remarkable individuals. Framing and presenting celebration pictures sourced from the Dec 31 celebration to foster sisterhood. Exploring individual donor options for university scholarships, including academic reports and tuition details. Coordinating with consulting doctors for detailed medical reports in medical case management and following up on potential consultations. Recommendation of physiotherapy initiatives and retaining an occupational therapist. Identifying and hiring special needs teachers and tutors for educational support. Provision of household appliances such as generators, washing machines, etc. Provision of a bus for safe movement and the repair of existing bus. Investigate and resolve the electricity bills. Provision of ceiling options for roof repairs. Supply of specific medical prescriptions. Our efforts extend into education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of children, as well as to the sisters who have dedicated their lives to the needs of the children. We understand that every child is a beacon of hope, and we desire to build their future. We are delighted to share an insightful glimpse into our recent monitoring and evaluation, a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting scholars in their educational journey. This exercise involves interactive sessions, resource sharing, and personalized encouragement. We believe in creating an environment where scholars feel supported and motivated on their academic journey. Through these engagements, we aim to contribute to their education and the development of well-rounded, empowered individuals. In January, our dedicated team conducted impactful visitations to key educational institutions, reinforcing MMF’s commitment to uplifting young minds. Among the notable visits were: Tertiary Scholars at the University of Maiduguri The Digital Learning Centre at FGC, Maiduguri Scholarship beneficiaries at Federal Government College (FGC), Maiduguri We are delighted to report on the outstanding participation of six Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF)-nominated mentees in the prestigious Cherie Blair Mentorship Program. These mentees have engaged in regular sessions with their mentors, contributing to their professional and personal growth. Highlights: Six MMF mentees actively participate in the Cherie Blair Mentorship Program. Regular mentor meetings focus on knowledge exchange, skill development, and goal-setting. Mentorship relationships provide a supportive environment for success and growth. MMF is committed to sustaining this positive momentum, ensuring continuous support for our mentees throughout the mentorship program. MMF will continue to conduct regular check-ins and progress reviews to guide their ongoing development. In addition, we are trilled to share highlights of ongoing preparations and updates from the Murtala Muhammed Foundation. Partnerships with industry-related organisations to foster collaboration that amplifies our impact. Preparation for the 48th anniversary of the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed through its Annual Memorial Lecture MMF is enlisted as one of the host organisation for the 2024 Harvard Global Internship Program Onboarding of 2024 Volunteers
READ MORE13 May
Welcome to the February Edition of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Newsletter As we progress into another month of 2024 filled with hope and determination, we are thrilled to reveal the February edition of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Newsletter. This edition takes you on a journey into the heart of our empowerment and humanitarian efforts, showcasing resilience, progress, and the collaborative initiatives that drive social justice and positive change. We’re thrilled to share with you the latest chapter in our journey of impact and empowerment. February signifies a time of renewal, growth, and boundless opportunities, and we’re excited to showcase the remarkable strides we’ve taken toward fulfilling our mission. Here are the initiatives, programs and events that have continued to shape our mission. please enjoy reading and thanks for being on this journey with us! MMF COMMUNICATIONS UNIT The Murtala Muhammed Foundation, under the leadership of Dr Mrs Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, spearheaded a significant mission alongside dedicated staff members Dr Charles and Mr Muyiwa. Their collaboration with the Sisters at Treasure of Love Orphanage aimed to advocate for marginalized, vulnerable, and disabled children. The esteemed gathering included key figures such as Lagos State Governor Dr. Babajide Sanwolu, Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Gboyega Soyanwo, and Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbo Salu-Hundeyin. Together, they engaged in discussions focused on fostering sustainable solutions for the welfare of children in need. The meeting yielded actionable next steps, emphasizing policy reforms and heightened attention to the needs of disabled children. This collaborative effort marks a pivotal journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate society. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve made significant strides in driving impactful change through sustainable initiatives. Our recent visit to the Lagos State Governor further amplified our impact, fostering collaboration and advancing our mission. We are delighted to share an update on the initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of the children at the Treasure of Love Orphanage Home. As part of our actionable steps, we successfully framed and presented celebration pictures from the Dec 31 event, nurturing a stronger sense of sisterhood and family bonds among the sisters and the children. The Murtala Muhammad Foundation celebrates and acknowledges these remarkable sisters who have dedicated their lives to nurturing the growth of these children. This framed picture not only symbolizes the family bonds but also celebrates the profound sense of sisterhood among them and the children they support while embodying the values of inclusivity and community empowerment. We are thrilled to introduce the exceptional individuals who have joined us as volunteers for 2024, Cohort 1, at the Murtala Muhammed Foundation! Our volunteer program is deeply rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), catalyzing impactful change that resonates with global priorities. We are committed to empowering communities, uplifting marginalised individuals, and advancing sustainable development initiatives worldwide. Within our diverse array of initiatives, we witness exceptional contributions from some of our volunteers, whose dedication and passion greatly enrich our efforts. We are truly delighted to have them on board. As we commemorate the launch of Cohort 1, we extend an invitation for prospective volunteers to prepare for Cohort 2 and consider joining our esteemed volunteer program, where they can contribute meaningfully to our shared mission. To learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved, visit our website On the 13th of February 2024, we marked the passing of our patron, the Late General Ramat Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria’s 4th Head of State from July 29, 1975, to February 13, 1976. General Murtala Muhammed’s visionary leadership continues to serve as the bedrock of our foundation, and we are profoundly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by God through his guidance. Through the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, his unwavering commitment to service and progress remains a guiding light, inspiring generations to strive for excellence. As we reflect on the legacy of General Murtala Muhammed, let us join hands in honoring his memory by revisiting his timeless speeches that resonate with courage, vision, and an unwavering commitment to progress. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to empower lives, cultivate leadership, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria and beyond. The acknowledgement of this occasion by publications such as The New Telegraph and the Nigerian Tribune highlights the lasting significance of General Murtala Muhammed’s leadership in shaping our nation’s history. We are grateful for all your continued support as we honour the memory and legacy of General Murtala Muhammed. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation is calling on all Nigerians to be a part of this historic endeavor by sharing their eyewitness accounts and reflections of the #EndSARS Movement. The goal of our upcoming book is to capture the essence of the #EndSARS Movement, to curate a comprehensive account that reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of those involved. Whether you were at the forefront of the protests, witnessed key events unfold, or have valuable insights to offer, your voice deserves to be heard. We believe in the importance of preserving the truth, backed by credible evidence and firsthand accounts. Furthermore, we encourage contributions from all corners of Nigeria, not just Lagos State, where the movement originated. The impact of #EndSARS was felt nationwide, and we want to ensure that every perspective Is represented in our book. Send your submissions to info@witnessingendsars.pub and Join us in being a witness to history! We’re excited to announce our ongoing partnership with African Science Academy, Facilitated by the African Gifted Foundation. We’re passionate about empowering women and fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM. Through this collaboration, we’re committed to promoting scholarship opportunities specifically tailored for young African women in STEM. This scholarship empowers young Nigerian girls from underprivileged backgrounds with a passion for S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by giving them a full scholarship to the prestigious African Science Academy in Ghana. Do you have the potential to change the world? If you’re a brilliant and motivated girl who dreams of excelling in S.T.E.M. fields, we encourage you to apply! The application form
READ MORE13 May
Welcome to the March Edition of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Newsletter. Looking back on March together fills us with joy as we share the most rewarding part of our work at MMF: tales of restored hope, lives changed, and glimpses of brightness amid adversity. Throughout March, we set ambitious goals and objectives, and we’re excited to announce that, thanks to your invaluable support, we have achieved and surpassed them. Dear readers, these pages contain news highlights and success stories that illustrate the impact of our mission. We are profoundly thankful for your tangible contribution to this remarkable transformation journey. So, immerse yourself and relish the uplifting stories within! MMF COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Celebrating International Women’s Day, the MMF Way March is a special month in the calendar devoted to celebrating women and advocating for gender equality. Specifically, March 8th marks International Women’s Day. Under the theme ‘Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress” ” the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, in its usual fashion, has aligned with the global community to celebrate women who, despite all odds, have continued to break the cycle. Underscoring our commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, MMF’s commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day was characterised by holding meaningful conversations centred around the topic “Empowering Women for Global Relevance; The Why and How”. As we continue to make tremendous contributions towards highlighting how investing in women across all spheres of life will accelerate progress not just for women but for society as a whole, MMF called on its community to promote women’s inclusion and empowerment by joining the “inspire inclusion pose” trend across social media platforms. Highlighting the event was the shared picture and video of MMF partners, staff, and volunteers striking the “inspire inclusion” pose. MMF continues to actively ‘work the walk’ of women’s empowerment as we record more success with the Women in Business mentorship program. Representatives from partner organisations such as the Ladies Helpline Initiatives and the Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation have shared impact stories based on the program participants’ feedback. One mentee expanded her business into multiple outlets, all thanks to the mentorship program. Another mentee now confidently creates comprehensive business plans, they remarked. Others highlighted the exceptional nature of the mentor-mentee relationship, emphasising the timely and meaningful conversations that foster self-improvement. As we persist in enhancing the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, efforts are underway to devise strategies to enhance women’s access to funding in vulnerable and marginalised communities. Exciting News on MMF’s Women in Business Mentorship Program Women in Business Mentorship Program MMF is gearing up to welcome new mentees into the Women in Business Mentorship Program. Applications for the May 2024 batch closed on March 23rd, 2024, bringing us one step closer to selecting deserving women for a transformative 12-month mentorship journey. Designed to uplift women in business and enhance their economic independence, this program offers personalized mentorship to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed for success. Women have achieved remarkable milestones through the program, from supporting their families to reclaiming financial autonomy. With your support, we can continue to empower women as they break free from economic constraints and build brighter futures. Let’s pave the way for women and girls to unleash their full potential together. MMF Scholarships for Young Women in STEM African Women in STEM Scholarship In our ongoing dedication to addressing the challenges of marginalised children in Nigeria and emphasising education as a national priority, particularly in marginalised areas, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation has partnered with the African Science Academy to offer scholarships to young Africans. Our focus is especially on encouraging women to pursue studies in STEM fields. After receiving many applications from highly qualified students, we have closed the application process. Our team rigorously reviews each submission to identify the most deserving candidates. While our primary goal is to support women in STEM, we are committed to selecting the most exceptional individuals regardless of gender. Your support has been crucial in our mission to advocate for improved educational opportunities, and we deeply appreciate your continued involvement in this important journey. Honouring Our Chairman: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 87th Birthday. Celebrating Olusegun Obasanjo at 87 At MMF, birthdays hold more significance; they’re cherished moments, especially when honouring someone as remarkable as former President Olusegun Obasanjo. On March 5th, we celebrated our esteemed Chairman’s 87th birthday, recognising his unwavering dedication to fostering national peace, unity, and development. Having assumed the role of Chief of Staff, the second-in-command to General Murtala Muhammed, following the coup of July 29, 1975, Obasanjo ascended to the position of Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces after the assassination of our Patron, General Muhammed, in a coup on February 13, 1976. Unlike prevailing trends across Africa at the time, he remained steadfast in upholding the regime’s goals and objectives. During his three-year tenure as Head of State, Obasanjo wholeheartedly committed Nigeria to the anti-apartheid crusade, providing diplomatic, political, and military support to freedom movements in southern Africa, aligning with Nigeria’s independent foreign policy rooted in Africanization and non-alignment. Obasanjo’s steadfast commitment to addressing poverty, social instability, and marginalisation has profoundly impacted our nation’s progress. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation proudly stands alongside him, reaffirming our commitment to his noble ideals and expressing heartfelt gratitude for his tireless leadership as our Chairman. Nurturing Success: MMF Scholars Shine Bright at FGC Maiduguri During the Program Officer’s visit to the Federal Government College (FGC) Maiduguri, MMF vividly demonstrated its commitment to fostering academic excellence and personal development. Interacting directly with our scholars, Mr Maina, MMF’s Program Officer, addressed academic obstacles head-on, offering tailored mentorship to guide them toward success. By providing personalised attention and targeted support, particularly in challenging subjects like mathematics and physics, scholars felt empowered and motivated to overcome hurdles. One scholar expressed, “The sessions with Mr. Maina gave me the confidence to tackle difficult subjects and strive for excellence.” Furthermore, MMF scholars’ cultural richness and talent shone brightly at the 2024 Commonwealth Cultural Day
READ MORE10 May
Welcome to the April Edition of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Newsletter. Reflecting on the past month fills us with a sense of pride and fulfillment as we recount the incredible moments of transformation and resilience that have unfolded. As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements and milestones reached through our collective efforts. With gratitude for your unwavering support, we present to you a collection of inspiring narratives that embody the spirit of hope and perseverance. So, dive in and enjoy the uplifting tales that await within these pages!MMF COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Murtala Muhammed Foundation Empowers Young Scholars Through Mentorship The Murtala Muhammed Foundation recently visited Federal Government College Maiduguri to offer support and guidance to the Foundation’s Young Scholars there. The visit aimed to help these young students find their way towards successful careers. During the visit, the tertiary scholars, who are recipients of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation Scholarship Program, shared their own stories of facing challenges and overcoming them. They also took time to have personal chats with the young scholars, giving them advice on different career options, education paths, and how to develop useful skills. These conversations weren’t just informative; they also encouraged the students to get involved and ask questions, opening up new ideas about the many career paths available to them. Overall, the visit was a big success, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. It showed how dedicated the Murtala Muhammed Foundation is to helping young people become future leaders by giving them the support and motivation they need to succeed. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: EndSARS The Murtala Muhammed Foundation invites all Nigerians to contribute to our ongoing effort to document the events of the #EndSars protest in 2020. We are seeking your eyewitness accounts and reflections to feature in our upcoming book. Our goal is to create a comprehensive portrayal of the #EndSARS Movement, capturing its significance from various perspectives. Whether you participated in the protests, witnessed key moments, or have valuable insights to share, we want to hear from you. Your story is crucial in providing authentic evidence and firsthand experiences. We encourage submissions from across Nigeria, not just Lagos State where the movement began. The impact of #EndSARS reverberated nationwide, and we are committed to representing every viewpoint in our book. To contribute, fill out the form here and join us in bearing witness to history! You can also contact info@witnessingendsars.pub for more enquiries. Exciting News Alert: Mentorship Program for Women – May 2024 Intake We are thrilled to announce that our Mentorship Program for Women, May 2024 Intake, is gearing up for an incredible journey ahead! After weeks of dedicated preparation, our applicants have completed their pre-matching online training, and we couldn’t be prouder of their commitment and enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate the next phase of our program, it’s time for our mentors and mentees to prepare for the exciting opportunity to be matched together. Mentoring is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering meaningful connections, sharing experiences, and guiding each other towards personal and professional growth. As we move forward, let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and forge lasting connections. Together, we will make a difference and empower each other to reach new heights of success. STORY OF THE MONTH MMF Reaffirms Commitment: 10 Years Since Chibok Girls’ Abduction In April, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) marked a significant milestone in our ongoing dedication to the Bring-Back-Our Girls mission. It has been a decade since the tragic abduction of the Chibok Girls, and MMF stood strong, honouring their memory through a series of impactful events. Our virtual gathering, a centrepiece of these events, featured a poignant report launch and a thought-provoking panel discussion with eight experts. The report shed light on the heartbreaking realities faced by the Chibok community: out of the 276 abducted girls, only 21 have returned, accompanied by 34 children. This report unveiled the grim truth of the sexual violence and forced marriages endured by these girls during their captivity, with 91 still missing. The coverage of our report by esteemed outlets like Tribune, PMMews, Independent and more amplified the urgency of our cause, exposing the devastating toll on families. Tragically, 48 parents of victims have passed away since the abduction, while survivors continue to battle profound psychological trauma, impacting their education and employment prospects. In response to these challenges, MMF’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aisha Muhammad-Oyebode, presented ten vital recommendations during the report’s unveiling. These proposals implore the Nigerian government and the international community to prioritize the well-being and reintegration of survivors. In addition to our virtual gathering, MMF organized poignant events around the world to honour the resilience of the Chibok Girls. From “Remembering the Chibok Girls: A Decade of Resilience” at Brooklyn College, New York, in partnership with BBOG, to a Fireside Chat and Photo Exhibition at The Africa Center, MMF ensured that their story resonated globally. As we reflect on this sombre anniversary, MMF reaffirms our unwavering commitment to securing the release of those still in captivity and supporting their successful reintegration into society. Together, we continue to stand in solidarity with the Chibok community, offering hope and advocacy for a brighter future. Download the Chibok Report here! Get ready to journey with us as we uncover the inspiring narratives behind the tangible impact of our programs. Stay tuned for fascinating updates coming your way!
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