By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The remarkable impact of the Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation (RHAGF) on underserved and excluded communities dates back to 2009. With outreach in over 20 communities and more than 10,000 beneficiaries participating in various skills programs, the foundation’s contributions are immeasurable. Many of its trainees have gone on to earn a living through the skills they acquired.
The organization recently completed an initiative in Jabu Community, where children as young as four, five, and seven demonstrated braiding skills. Building on this success, RHAGF is set to expand its impact to Kukwaba community in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-week skills acquisition training, which began on Monday, June 23, 2025, and runs until July 4, 2025, Program Director of the National Association of SeaDogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Zuma Deck, Dr. Uju Patrick C., told Standard Times Nigeria that the initiative aims to improve the lives of people in the Kukwaba community.
“This two-week empowerment and skills acquisition training is in collaboration with the slum intervention program of the Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation. SeaDogs is here in Kukwaba to bring some elements of relief to this community,” Dr. Patrick said.
He emphasized that the National Association of SeaDogs is deeply committed and passionate about humanitarian service. “We are a humanitarian and social advocacy organization. We run numerous programs to promote justice and egalitarianism wherever we are. Kukwaba is one of the slum communities within our reach, and we are here to make a difference,” he stated.
Dr. Patrick noted that the group had promoted the program on radio prior to the ceremony. He said, “People need to understand that while they enjoy life in Maitama and Asokoro, the people serving them often come from communities like Kukwaba. Have they taken time to find out how these people live?”
Expressing delight over the partnership with RHAGF, he said: “Our global head is aware of this program. To mark his birthday in under three weeks, the association will also provide free healthcare in this community.”
He added that once SeaDogs commits to a cause, they ensure tangible results by deploying significant financial resources. “We don’t just enter communities—we go there to make a difference.”
Dr. Patrick also projected long-term involvement in Kukwaba, saying, “In the next couple of years, there will be tremendous improvement in this community.”
He urged experts in monitoring and evaluation to bring their tools and metrics to assess the impact of the intervention.
Additionally, Dr. Patrick called on well-meaning individuals and development-focused entities to look within their own cities. “Every city has a slum with people in need. We must act.”
“Helping humanity doesn’t require billions. Over the next two weeks, we’ll train and financially empower several people so they can operate independently,” he added. He revealed that Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals would be distributed to some trainees as part of efforts to promote financial independence.
Dr. Patrick encouraged the beneficiaries to replicate what they learn and contribute to building the ideal society everyone desires.
Responding to Standard Times Nigeria, National Coordinator of RHAGF, Dr. Duru Regina, expressed joy over the launch of the slum intervention program in Kukwaba in partnership with the National Association of SeaDogs.
Dr. Regina explained that the program aims to provide skills acquisition, literacy, and empowerment opportunities to members of the community. SeaDogs representative, Steerer Igwe Linus, was also present at the event.
Dr. Regina thanked SeaDogs for their support and urged participants to make the most of the opportunity. She also announced that RHAGF is open to expanding the program to other parts of Nigeria, subject to funding.
The training, which began on June 23, will conclude on July 4, 2025. Participants will receive financial support to launch their own businesses.
RHAGF is a slum-based organization that advocates against child trafficking and drug abuse. It serves as a bridge between the privileged and the marginalized, identifying and addressing overlooked issues in excluded communities since 2009.
Meanwhile, the Head of Department at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Mrs. Nnenna Ejieji—represented by Principal Education Officer Ogenyi Blessing Ebere—commended the foundation for its efforts. She pledged the Commission’s full support and encouraged trainees to seize the opportunity to improve their lives through the free training.
Standard Times Nigeria confirms that this is a developing story and will provide further updates in due course.
