As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Grooming Centre donated a total of N4,080,000 to St. Louis Convent Boarding House in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, to support teachers’ salaries and ensure the continued education and development of the girl-child at St. Louis Junior Grammar School. For the 2023/2024 academic session, the Centre donated ₦2,880,000 to cover teachers’ salaries. Recognizing the need for additional educators, the Centre also funded the salaries of five extra teachers hired mid-session, with an additional contribution of ₦1,200,000. This funding helped address the school’s staffing shortages and ensured the continuity of quality education without disruption.
SUPPORTING PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION: GROOMING CENTRE DONATES TO FEET OF GRACE FOUNDATION
Grooming Centre donated ₦10,231,475 to the Feet of Grace Foundation, supporting its mission to provide prosthetic rehabilitation for eight amputees. The Centre also contributed to organizing an awareness charity walk in Lagos State, further demonstrating our dedication to giving back to the community.
This initiative reflects our unwavering belief in the power of community and our responsibility to uplift those in need, and is a testament to our ongoing efforts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families, helping them overcome challenges and create brighter futures.
GROOMING CENTRE UNVEILS NEWLY RENOVATED ST. PETER’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, ABIA STATE
In October 2024, Grooming Centre, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, proudly unveiled the newly renovated St. Peter’s Secondary School in Awomnuzie, Abia State. Renovation works included brand-new classrooms designed for comfort and effective learning, fully equipped science laboratories, a state-of-the-art computer laboratory and advanced teaching tools such as interactive whiteboards and projectors, all aimed at fostering dynamic and engaging lessons.
The renovated school was unveiled in the presence of members of the Governing Council led by Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Noel Ihebuzor, the Centre’s Management, led by our CEO Dr. Godwin Nwabunka and the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, led by the Bishop of Umuahia, Most Reverend Micheal Ukpong and other dignitaries who came together to celebrate this significant milestone.
The Centre believes that education is the foundation of thriving communities. Through initiatives like this, we remain committed to empowering children with the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
931 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS IN 8TH EDITION OF GROOMING’S LADY KATE OKAFOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
On October 18, 2024, Grooming Centre hosted the 8th Edition of Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme (LKOSS), marking yet another significant milestone in its commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering young minds.
This prestigious event honored over 931 secondary school students from across the Centre, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements with scholarships. The occasion brought together our esteemed clients, dedicated staff, and other distinguished guests to celebrate the hard work and determination of these bright students. Each recipient was carefully selected for their exceptional academic performance, dedication, and commitment to their studies. The Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme remains a powerful testament to the Centre’s unwavering commitment to educational empowerment and social development.
Through Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme, we continue to provide deserving students with the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams and unlock their full potential, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
150 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WIN N20M GROOMING RESEARCH UNIVERSITY GRANT
The 2024 Edition of the Grooming Centre University Grant Scheme came to a successful conclusion on the 15th of November 2024, in Lagos State, marking another significant milestone in the Centre’s ongoing mission to support students’ educational journeys.
This year, over 150 applicants were selected as winners, including 100 undergraduate students and 50 postgraduate students, each receiving ₦100,000 to further their academic pursuits. The award ceremony was a joyous occasion, celebrating the hard work, determination, and excellence of the winners.
The University Grant Scheme continues to play a pivotal role in promoting research, innovation and supporting students in their academic pursuits.
GROOMING TALENT HUNT’S 6TH EDITION HOLDS IN LAGOS
The Grooming Talent Hunt, an annual competition designed to empower youths and uncover exceptional talents, marked its 6th edition on November 23, 2024, in Lagos. This event has consistently served as a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their creativity and potentials in a supportive and celebratory environment.
This year, over 215 participants competed, with 11 outstanding finalists captivating the audience at the grand finale. Kreatures Dance Crew emerged the winners, dazzling the judges with their incredible performance and earning the grand prize of ₦1.5 million. In the 1st runner-up position was Farounbi Benjamin, a gifted singer whose powerful performance earned him a prize of ₦900,000, while Omojehwo Hannah, another talented vocalist, secured the 2nd runner-up spot, taking home ₦600,000. The event was a joyful celebration of talent and artistry, filled with unforgettable performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Nigerian youth creativity.
GET HOLDS GET ACCELERATED AWARDS – 5 STARTUPS RECEIVE EQUITY FREE FUNDING
On December 14, 2024, the Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) celebrated the successful conclusion of its third Accelerated Cohort with a grand award ceremony in Lagos. This milestone reaffirms GET’s commitment to driving entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria. The 2024 cohort, under the theme “Building for Growth,” saw 10 promising startups participating in the accelerator program, with 5 finalists awarded ₦10 million each from a ₦55 million equity-free funding pool.
The comprehensive accelerator experience included tailored mentorship, workshops, and masterclasses, empowering founders with essential tools for growth. Additionally, they gained access to GET’s expansive ecosystem and its global network of partners.
The startups in this year’s cohort spanned diverse sectors, including gaming, filmmaking, and mobility. The program’s impact went beyond just financial support. In a continued effort to drive growth, GET has committed to quarterly check-ins for all the winners to track their progress and provide ongoing mentorship. Furthermore, 5 non-finalist startups were each granted ₦2 million to further fuel their development.
Adaobi Okafor, Chairperson of GET, highlighted the crucial role entrepreneurship plays in economic growth:
“We are proud to support startups from a variety of industries. This program is designed to fuel their growth, helping them scale and create jobs, which is central to our mission. Our alumni, such as MyFoodAngel and MySmallChops.ng, have achieved remarkable success, proving the immense potential of Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
As GET continues to foster innovation, this cohort stands as a testament to Nigeria’s thriving startup ecosystem and the importance of collaborative support in driving long-term success.
GET COMPASS AWARDS 2024: TRAINS & FUNDS 15 STARTUPS
The Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) concluded the third edition of its GET Compass Awards on September 12, 2024. This year’s program drew an impressive 3,770 business applications, highlighting the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of Nigerian business owners.
In line with its mission to foster sustainable growth, GET organized two weeks of intensive business workshops and advisory sessions for the 15 finalists, facilitated by the Centre for Research in Enterprise and Action in Management (CREM). Finalists received funding ranging from x-x for their start u projects. Since its inception, the GET Compass Awards have empowered 26 SMEs with funding and capacity-building support, reinforcing Grooming Centre’s commitment to driving economic growth and entrepreneurship.
The GET Compass Awards stand as a testament to Grooming Centre’s dedication to creating an enabling environment where SMEs can collaborate, innovate, and achieve long term success.
AMADEUS UNIVERSITY OPENS IN AMIZI, ABIA STATE WELCOMES PIONEER STUDENTS
On October 28, 2024, Amadeus University celebrated a historic milestone as she welcomed her pioneer students and they registered to begin their academic journey. Grooming Centre’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Amadeus University, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, and officials of the University, led by the Vice Chancellor Professor M. Nzotta were on hand to receive the students at the University’s Welcome Centre and later hosted them to an inaugural dinner at the University’s guest house.
Committed to delivering quality education and fostering opportunities for both personal and academic growth, Amadeus University stands to shape a generation of 21st century leaders and innovators.
Admissions are still ongoing! Prospective students, parents, and guardians are encouraged to seize the opportunity to join Amadeus University and become part of a transformative educational experience that equips students from the classroom to boardroom for success in a dynamic world.
GROOMING CENTRE PARTNERS WITH WOMEN’S WORLD BANKING TO LAUNCH SMARTBIZ PLATFORM
In June 2024, we partnered with Women’s World Banking (WWB) to launch the SmartBiz platform, a cloud-based solution designed to support micro-women entrepreneurs. This innovative platform offers self-service tools for easy access to loans, repayments, and other non-financial services. The collaboration, which runs through November 2025, aims to drive business growth, increase revenue for women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and create jobs. The partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing loan processing times, and empowering women entrepreneurs with the resources to scale their businesses. Staff participation and support are crucial to the success of this initiative, marking a significant step in our mission to foster economic growth and social development.