Many Nigerians have made a significant impact globally through volunteerism, contributing to education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and humanitarian aid. Their efforts have not only changed lives but also inspired others to take action. Here are some remarkable success stories of Nigerians making a difference through volunteering.
1. Temie Giwa-Tubosun – Saving Lives Through Blood Donations
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, the founder of LifeBank, started as a volunteer in healthcare outreach programs. She later established LifeBank, a platform that connects blood donors to hospitals in need, addressing Nigeria’s critical blood shortage problem. Her efforts have saved thousands of lives, particularly in emergency maternal and child healthcare.
2. Dr. Ola Orekunrin – Volunteer-Driven Emergency Healthcare
Dr. Ola Orekunrin, a Nigerian-British doctor, founded Flying Doctors Nigeria, an air ambulance service that provides emergency healthcare in remote areas. She was inspired to start the organization after volunteering in various medical outreach programs. Today, her initiative helps transport critically ill patients across West Africa.
3. Samson Itodo – Empowering Nigerian Youth Through Civic Engagement
Samson Itodo is a youth activist and founder of YIAGA Africa, a civic organization that promotes democratic governance. His volunteer efforts in election monitoring and youth advocacy led to the successful Not Too Young To Run campaign, which lowered the age requirement for political candidates in Nigeria.
4. Olumide Idowu – Environmental Advocacy and Climate Change Action
Olumide Idowu, co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), started as a volunteer advocating for climate action in Nigerian communities. His work has led to numerous awareness programs on environmental sustainability, empowering young Nigerians to take action against climate change.
5. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola – Transforming Waste Management in Nigeria
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder of Wecyclers, started her journey by volunteering in waste management programs. She later built a recycling startup that incentivizes low-income households to exchange waste for rewards, reducing pollution and creating job opportunities.
6. Esther Ijewere – Championing Women’s Rights Through Volunteering
Esther Ijewere, a social activist and founder of Women of Rubies, started by volunteering in women’s empowerment programs. Today, she runs initiatives that support victims of domestic violence, provide mentorship for young girls, and advocate for gender equality.
7. Seun Oke – Providing Educational Opportunities for Underprivileged Kids
Seun Oke, founder of the DreamCatchers Academy, was inspired by her volunteer work in slum communities. Her organization provides free education and arts training to children from low-income backgrounds, giving them a platform to succeed.
8. David Lanre Messan – Driving Entrepreneurship Through Volunteering
David Lanre Messan started as a volunteer mentor for young entrepreneurs. Today, he is the CEO of FirstFounders Inc., a startup investment firm that provides funding and mentorship to African entrepreneurs, helping them build successful businesses.
