In the shadows of a world where the struggles of the vulnerable often fade into silence, a beacon of hope emerges. Prayer (Chinaza) Nwagboso, a trailblazing advocate, has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of those marginalized by poverty, displacement and inequality. Her journey began in the heart of Plateau State, Nigeria, where the ravages of injustice left an indelible scar on her conscience.
Witnessing firsthand the devastating impact on children and women, Prayer’s passion for advocacy ignited, fueling a relentless pursuit to challenge the status quo and bring about transformative change. With unwavering determination, she has embarked on a mission to empower the powerless, educate the untaught, and uplift the downtrodden, inspiring a movement that seeks to rewrite the narrative of marginalized communities worldwide.
“I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty and displacement on children and women,” she recalls. “This reality fueled my passion for advocacy and grassroots intervention. I knew I had to make a difference.”
This unwavering drive led to the creation of the Naza Agape Foundation (NAF) in 2018, an initiative focused on addressing the education and welfare gaps in Nigeria’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The impact of NAF’s work has been far-reaching, touching the lives of over 18,000 people through education, welfare, and empowerment programs. One of the defining moments of Prayer’s journey came when BBC News featured the foundation’s work globally, shining a spotlight on the challenges and progress in IDP camps.
The road to success, however, has not been without its obstacles. “Navigating crisis-prone areas in Plateau and other regions was no small feat,” Prayer admits. “We faced limited resources, community skepticism, and logistical challenges. But through resilience, faith, and partnerships, we’ve been able to transform thousands of lives.”
Bridging Gaps in Education and Welfare
Prayer’s inspiration to start NAF came from the alarming number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, compounded by the displacement of families due to ongoing crises. “Children in IDP camps lacked access to basic education, leaving a generation at risk of being trapped in poverty,” she explains. NAF’s mission was clear: to provide tuition-free education, welfare support, and empowerment opportunities for those in need.
Through NAF, Prayer and her team have made significant strides in addressing these challenges. “Through NAF, we provide tuition-free schools and scholarships for displaced children, basic necessities like food, clothing, and medical care, as well as skills acquisition programs for women and youth,” she shares. The results have been impressive. NAF has educated over 300 displaced children in Plateau State, and partnerships with organizations like BBC Pidgin and Edutimes Africa have helped amplify their impact.
One of the foundation’s notable successes is the Zero Hunger Project, which has delivered over 10,000 food packs to displaced families. The project addresses immediate hunger needs while also empowering communities to take charge of their own futures. Prayer recalls a particularly inspiring success story: “Naomi Nanpon’s journey, from an IDP camp where she had been given up on, to graduating in Animal Health and Nutrition, is a testament to the transformative power of education.”
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Innovation
The nonprofit and education sectors have evolved significantly since Prayer began her journey. “There’s now a greater emphasis on technology and innovation,” she notes. “Digital tools play a pivotal role in enhancing learning and operational efficiency.” To stay ahead of these trends, Prayer has embraced strategies like partnership development with global platforms such as WahWoman and SusInsight, and the introduction of tech-based learning models in IDP camps, preparing children for a digital future.
Yet, even with all these advances, there have been numerous challenges. “One of our major challenges was establishing trust within crisis-affected communities,” Prayer reflects. “People often doubted our intentions, especially in the early stages. Overcoming this required consistent presence, transparency, and collaboration with local leaders.”
Additionally, the foundation’s work is often constrained by limited resources. “Operating a tuition-free school and providing welfare support demanded significant resources, which were sometimes scarce,” Prayer shares. However, she has learned to leverage partnerships and volunteer networks, which have helped maximize impact even with limited funds.
Expanding Beyond NAF
Prayer’s dedication to transforming lives extends far beyond the work of the Naza Agape Foundation. Her influence and impact are felt across a wide range of initiatives, each carefully designed to drive systemic change and empowerment across Nigeria and beyond. From advocacy and policy reform to community development and education, Prayer’s tireless efforts have made her a respected voice in the global development community.
Co-Founder and CEO of Girlified Ltd
As the co-founder and CEO of Girlified Ltd, Prayer is spearheading efforts to address period poverty and reduce plastic pollution. Girlified Ltd produces eco-friendly sanitary pads made from locally sourced materials such as banana fiber and natural cotton. “We aim to reduce plastic pollution and tackle period poverty by offering a sustainable solution,” Prayer explains. Through this initiative, over 5,000 women have been reached through free campaigns and the distribution of sanitary pads, helping to alleviate the challenges many women face due to limited access to menstrual hygiene products.
Cabinet Minister and Representative of the Republic of Women
In addition to her work with Girlified Ltd, Prayer is also a cabinet minister for the Republic of Women, the world’s first bodiless digital space created to amplify and empower the voices of women globally. “This platform celebrates women’s contributions while fostering collaboration and innovation,” Prayer shares. The Republic of Women serves as a powerful tool for networking, learning, and supporting women from all walks of life.
Partnership Officer and Board Member of Rentbetahouse Nigeria Limited
Prayer also serves as a partnership officer and board member of Rentbetahouse Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s pioneering property technology organizations. In this role, she contributes to making housing more accessible and affordable through innovative and scalable solutions. “Our goal is to drive meaningful change in the housing sector, ensuring that more people can access safe and affordable housing,” she says.
Member of the Strategic Action for Community-Led Development in Nigeria (SACDN)
As a member of the Strategic Action for Community-Led Development in Nigeria (SACDN), Prayer collaborates with other stakeholders to promote community-led development initiatives across Nigeria. “We focus on sustainable growth and grassroots empowerment,” she explains. Prayer works alongside local leaders and organizations to design programs that foster long-term development and well-being in vulnerable communities.
The Teach Project
Another of Prayer’s initiatives is The Teach Project, which, in collaboration with Naza Agape Foundation (Lagos Chapter) and Luminous Life Foundation, provides access to technology education for children in the Isolo community of Lagos State. “We started with about 10 children, and now the program benefits over 60,” Prayer shares. The initiative offers free training in computer skills, including Microsoft Word and presentations. Some participants have excelled remarkably, and Prayer’s team is now seeking partnerships to provide advanced software training and necessary hardware to further enhance their learning experience.
Girls Mobile Project
Launched in 2019, The Girls Mobile Project empowers girls with computer skills and promotes their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. “Our goal is to ensure these young women are equipped with the tools and confidence they need to excel in technology and innovation,” Prayer emphasizes. The project not only provides technical training but also seeks to break down the barriers that prevent girls from pursuing careers in these critical fields.
Through these roles and initiatives, Prayer aims to drive systemic change and empower marginalized communities, creating pathways for sustainable development. “Each initiative is an opportunity to make a lasting impact and help people build a better future,” she concludes.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Prayer is excited about the potential of emerging technologies in the nonprofit sector. “I’m particularly excited about EdTech and digital learning platforms that make education accessible to even the most remote communities,” she says. “We’re also exploring blockchain for transparency and AI-powered learning to customize educational content for diverse learners.”
Her next major initiative involves launching a Digital Learning Hub for rural schools, combining technology with traditional learning methods. “The future of education is digital, and we want to ensure that even the most underserved communities have access to it.”
Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
For those looking to start their own charitable organizations, Prayer has a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Start where you are, with what you have. Focus on a specific issue and build a passionate, committed team. Document your activities, tell your story authentically, and don’t hesitate to seek partnerships.”
Her own journey is a testament to this advice. “Dreams are achievable when you believe and work towards them,” she says, quoting her personal mantra.
Leadership with a Servant’s Heart
The most significant lesson Prayer has learned throughout her journey is that leadership is about service. “Empowering others and fostering collaboration has been the cornerstone of our success,” she reflects. “Trusting my team, valuing their input, and leading with humility have enabled us to achieve our mission of transforming lives.”
In the words of Business Day, Prayer’s work is “not just about providing services, but about instilling hope and building a better future for the next generation.” Through her vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of justice, Prayer Nwagboso is creating a legacy of hope and transformation that will reverberate for generations to come.