By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

At a time when Nigeria’s economic challenges continue to weigh heavily on vulnerable communities, the Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation says sustained empowerment—not charity alone—is the key to breaking cycles of poverty.

The non-governmental organization on Friday, December 12, 2025, concluded its 2025 Family Economic Empowerment Program in Mabuchi, Abuja, where more than 2,000 beneficiaries unveiled.

Many were fully empowered after week long of intensive skills training across multiple vocations which span through Monday – Friday, December, 12, 2025.

The event marked the foundation’s year-end assessment, highlighting what it described as measurable progress in transforming lives, restoring dignity, and building self-reliant families across underserved communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The Economy Is Not Smiling”

Addressing beneficiaries at the closing ceremony, the Foundation’s National Coordinator, Dr. Duru Regina, acknowledged Nigeria’s harsh economic realities while urging participants to maximize the opportunities placed before them.

“The economy is not smiling, but that must not define your future,” Dr. Regina said. “You must become the best of what God has put inside you.”

She stressed that economic empowerment remains the backbone of sustainable development, noting that training parents and children together helps reduce social vices and ensures long-term stability within families.

According to Dr. Regina, the foundation would have expanded its reach in 2025 if more funding had been available. She appealed to government agencies, private individuals, and international donors to partner with the organization in 2026.

“We need collaboration—government support, well-spirited individuals, and donor agencies—to scale these programs and reach more communities,” she told journalists. “What we have achieved is by grace, commitment, and sacrifice.”

From Skills Training to Social Change

The empowerment program trained beneficiaries in tailoring, shoemaking, fashion design, and other vocational skills. Several participants showcased products made during the training, drawing applause from community members and organizers.

In one notable moment, a young fashion design instructor—himself a graduate of the foundation’s earlier programs—was celebrated as a symbol of sustainability and reintegration.

“He was once a beneficiary,” Dr. Regina said. “Today, he is training others. That is the impact we want—beneficiaries becoming leaders and role models.”

Children were also encouraged to see skills acquisition as a pathway to supporting their families and avoiding crime, drug abuse, and dependency.

“I do not want to hear that any child from Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation became a criminal or drug addict,” Dr. Regina told the gathering. “You must grow, succeed, and teach others what you have learned.”

Measurable Impact in 2025

According to data released by the organization, the foundation recorded significant milestones in 2025:

Over 2,000 individuals empowered through its Family Economic Strengthening Program

More than 250 out-of-school children enrolled and returned to classrooms across three slum communities in the FCT

Multiple beneficiaries transitioned into small-scale entrepreneurship, with some now mentoring others

The foundation said these efforts align with broader national goals of reducing poverty, unemployment, and social dependency.

Closing the Year with Hope

The year concluded with the distribution of Christmas gifts and support packages to beneficiaries, a gesture the foundation described as symbolic of hope for a better 2026.

“This season is about love, forgiveness, and giving,” Dr. Regina said. “We believe that next year will be better—for our communities and for Nigeria.”

As the Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation closes its 2025 chapter, its leadership says the mission remains clear: empowering families today to build resilient communities tomorrow.