In June 2025, the Oyana Mbogo Otu Tawaye program, under nonprofit ABA World, reached a significant milestone with its first hybrid community gathering in Lagos. The evening brought together participants from across Nigeria, combining an in-person meeting in Ikoyi, Lagos, with members participating via Zoom. What made the event meaningful was witnessing our members come together to share their journeys, discuss challenges, and develop solutions to advance their personal and professional goals.
The highlight of the evening was the distribution of laptops to five program members. These devices represent far more than technology; they are tools that will contribute to digital skill development and support educational or vocational goals. For many recipients, this laptop represents their first personal computer.
Oyana Mbogo Otu Tawaye was created to support people in Nigeria continuing their education or improving employment conditions. Our participants range from seventeen to forty-five years old and include students and working professionals from various regions. Minimal access to resources, mentorship, and structured support are common barriers to success.
The program is an eighteen-month development initiative designed to support thirty individuals. Every other Sunday, our community gathers for two-hour sessions including guest speakers, hands-on training, and collaborative learning experiences. These sessions are supplemented by personalized mentorship, where each participant receives individualized guidance aligned with their specific educational and career objectives.
What sets our program apart is its adaptive curriculum approach. Rather than following a rigid structure, we continuously assess participant needs and adjust our content accordingly. This responsiveness ensures that whether someone is interested in digital marketing, financial literacy, business development, or technology skills, they receive relevant and practical training that directly supports their goals.
The challenges our participants face are significant. Very few have access to laptops. This technological gap creates barriers to full participation in our digital skills training and limits them from completing assignments or accessing online learning resources that could support development.
During the Lagos meeting, we discussed challenges, shared personal experiences, and brainstormed innovative solutions and strategies to strengthen the program. The energy in the room was inspiring, as collective actions could support individual challenges.
The laptop distribution was my favorite moment. One participant, a young student developing a digital marketing business, explained how the laptop would enable him to create professional content for clients. Another, a university student pursuing computer science, described how having his own device would allow him to practice coding between our sessions and complete coursework more effectively.
To continue supporting our participants, we are actively seeking support from individuals and organizations who share our vision of developing Nigerian talent. We have identified several critical areas where external support would dramatically help our program’s effectiveness.
Laptop donations represent our most urgent need. These devices are essential tools that make participation possible during digital skills training and access to online learning opportunities. Whether new or gently used, each laptop donation directly translates to expanded opportunities for a program member.
Financial contributions support the broader infrastructure of our program, including access to data for some participants or covering basic needs for others. These donations allow us to maintain program quality while expanding our reach to serve more participants effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, we are looking for mentors and guest speakers, particularly Nigerian professionals in the United States, who can share their expertise and inspire our participants. These individuals share their perspectives, having navigated similar challenges and achieved success. Their guidance provides our participants with practical advice, networks, and proof that their dreams are achievable.
The impact of supporting Oyana MOT extends far beyond individual participants. Each person returns to their community with more skills, expanded networks, and increased confidence. They become catalysts for change in their local environments, creating employment opportunities, starting businesses, and mentoring others. This multiplier effect means that supporting one participant ultimately benefits entire communities.
Our program methodology is being documented. As we demonstrate success with our current cohort, we plan to establish additional programs across Nigeria and potentially throughout West Africa. Supporters who join us now are not just investing in thirty individuals; they are helping establish a model for talent development that could impact thousands of lives.
For those interested in supporting Oyana MOT through donations, mentorship, or speaking opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about how your contribution can make a meaningful difference. Together, we can bridge the gap between potential and achievement, supporting the next generation of Nigerian leaders to dream, rise, and succeed.
The evening in Lagos was just the beginning. With continued support from partners who believe in Nigerian talent, we are confident that our participants will succeed and become leaders who drive positive change in the community. Their journeys from aspiration to achievement depend on the tools, guidance, and opportunities that supporters like you can provide.
Thank you, Sam Oredoyin, Chloe Adeniyi, Godwin Omeiza, Jhaun Omaghomi, Chikadibie Amagwula, Sodiq Adelami, Ayodeji Babatunde, and Charles Nku, for your support and contributions!
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