The Whoba Ogo Foundation (WOF), established in 2016, is a leading African social impact non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of rural communities through education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship support. In early 2024, as part of its mission to empower youth, the foundation launched an ICT Hub at L’arcade Mall, New Owerri, Imo State, offering tuition-free training to over 1,000 participants annually. On the 20th of September 2024, WOF marked a milestone with the graduation of Cohort 1 and the orientation of Cohort 2 at a ceremony held at L’arcade Mall.

The event with over 200 participants celebrated the achievements of the first cohort while welcoming a new group of participants.
The event attracted prominent figures from both the Foundation and government sectors academics and entrepreneurs:

Mr. Evarist Uwam, Promoter, WOF Promoter (Lagos headquarters)

Dr. Lady Dorathy Mmirikwe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, representing Dr. Emeka Mandela, Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt

Hon. Bright Chimezie Eluagu, Esq., Media/Legal Consultant to the Commissioner

Hon. Chukwuebuka Udeagha, S.A to the Commissioner of Youth and Talent Hunt on Media and Publicity

Ambassador Ijeoma Ibeka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Productivity.

Mrs. Amaka Umeh, Head of Skills Acquisition Dept., Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity

Dr. Kingsley Enyeremadu, Senior Lecturer, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri.

Hon. Eke Anayo, CEO, ANASAB Motors LTD

Mr. Nzeocha Kenneth, The president of New Owerri Youths Organization (NOYO)

Pastor Kingsley Chiaka, Living Faith Church, Owerri.

Mrs. Onuoha Patience, Notable Guest.

Event Highlights

The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by Pastor Hnery Ota from the Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, and Acknowledgement of special guest by Dr. Jude Chinonso Muojekpe, Open remark by one of the promoters of the Whoba Ogo Foundation Mr. Evarist Uwam, speech from special guest and government representatives followed by the presentation of certificates to the 80 graduates. A speech by Mr. Evarist Uwam, titled "Impacts and Benefits of the Ongoing Programme", inspired both the graduates and the incoming participants, underscoring the transformative power of ICT education.

Orientation for Cohort 2 Participants:

New participants were introduced to the Whoba Ogo Foundation's mission, history, and accomplishments, including initiatives like university scholarships, WAEC sponsorships, and trade innovations. This was done through a series of presentations aimed at familiarizing the participants with the foundation’s values and expectations by Dr, Jude Muojekpe.

Guest Speakers:

The keynote speaker, Mr. Evarist Uwam, a promoter of the foundation delivered a motivational speech that highlighted the program’s potential to create job opportunities and improve the future prospects of its participants. His words were met with enthusiasm from both the new and graduating participants.

Ambassador Ijeoma Ibeka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Productivity, commended the Whoba Ogo Foundation for its impactful work and expressed interest in further discussions on how the ministry could collaborate with the foundation to support youth empowerment initiatives through the ICT Hub.

Dr. Lady Dorathy Mmirikwe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, praised the foundation’s efforts in engaging schools and empowering young people. She assured the audience that she would relay all that she observed and learned to the Honorable Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, encouraging potential collaboration.

Feedback from Participants
Graduates expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Whoba Ogo Foundation. Many spoke about how the program had transformed their personal and professional lives. Incoming participants praised the clarity of the orientation, noting that it helped alleviate any concerns they had and provided them with a solid understanding of what lies ahead in their training.