8 June 2024, Nigeria: 386 of our clients from 32 states were pleasantly surprised by Grooming at the 13th annual edition of the Grooming Centre Splash with prizes such as commercial tricycles (keke), deep freezers, double-door refrigerators, and generators, among others. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as over 200 clients and staff gathered for this annual celebration at the CREM Multipurpose Hall in Ejigbo, Lagos. The event, a highly anticipated raffle rewards loyal clients from all of Grooming’s six programme areas with prizes. Winners are selected by a transparent digital raffle draw spun in full view of a live audience. The lucky winners are announced on the spot and those in Lagos get telephone calls inviting them to come and pick up their prizes, if possible, immediately from the venue. Speaking at the event, Grooming’s CEO, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka noted that Grooming’s 2024 Splash underscored the Centre’s commitment to empowering clients even with the challenging economic climate adding that, “This year’s edition leveraged technology to ensure inclusivity and transparency, further showcasing our commitment to innovation. We are also committed to economically supporting economically people at the bottom of the pyramid and our mission is to uplift and support our clients while helping them navigate challenges and reach new heights. This is what Splash is about.
GROOMING CENTRE HOSTS GIZ DELEGATION AND AWARD-WINNING TOGOLESE START-UPS ON DIGITAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
On Tuesday, 10th September 2024, the Centre hosted a delegation from GIZ’s Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria, DTC Togo and winners of the 2024 Togo Digital Awards as part of an immersion visit organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation (through the Togo Digital Agency) and German cooperation GIZ Togo. The visit aimed to enhance the skills and networks of the Togolese digital entrepreneurs as they would meet entrepreneurs, incubators and investors in the digital sector to experience best practices in digital transformation. Lagos’ dynamic tech ecosystem is one of Africa’s most vibrant innovation hubs.
The visit to Grooming Centre offered the visitors a unique opportunity to explore Grooming Centre’s pioneering digital transformation initiatives and provided inspiration and practical takeaways for driving innovation in their home country. This visit highlighted the power of cross-border collaboration in advancing digital innovation and fostering growth within African tech ecosystems. By bridging ideas and opportunities, Nigeria and Togo are paving the way for a stronger, interconnected future of technology and entrepreneurship.
GROOMING, GIZ-NG COLLABORATE TO LAUNCH AGRI-FINANCIAL INCLUSION PRODUCT FOR 10,000 FARMERS & AGRO-BUSINESSES
In August, 2024, Grooming Centre, in collaboration with GIZ Nigeria, launched the Grooming Agricultural Loan (GAL), to support farmers and agro-businesses in 14 states of Nigeria. The pilot programme aims to disburse 10,000 loans by December 2026 to enhance financial inclusion and foster growth in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, Mr. Alex Enyinnah, Grooming’s Executive Director Programmes said: “We are very pleased to launch this product at a time when Nigeria’s food security has taken centre stage in the national discourse more than ever before. GAL will address the working capital needs of farmers in crop production, animal husbandry and agro-enterprises and will contribute to improving Nigeria’s food security, employment and economic growth while expanding Grooming’s outreach to underserved areas.”
This initiative reaffirms Grooming Centre’s commitment to empowering the economically active and supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
GROOMING CENTRE RECEIVES DATA PROTECTION CERTIFICATION & COMPLIANCE RECOGNITION BY THE NIGERIA DATA PROTECTION COMMISSION
August, 2024, Lagos Nigeria. Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre has reached two significant milestones in data protection, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and safeguarding sensitive information.
NDPC Certification: The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has certified Grooming Centre as a major data controller/processor under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. This certification underscores our adherence to high standards of data security, ensuring the rights and privacy of the individuals and communities we serve are protected. NDPR Audit Compliance: Grooming Centre successfully achieved NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation) Audit Compliance for 2023. This milestone strengthens our data governance framework and demonstrates accountability in managing sensitive information and reflects the Centre’s unwavering commitment to upholding trust and advancing its mission to create positive social impact.
GROOMING CENTRE CEO AT ICAN’S 74TH INDUCTION CEREMONY – SAYS ‘PROPER ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICES CAN LEAD TO POVERTY REDUCTION’
4 December 2024, Amowu-Odofin, Lagos State. Our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, delivered a compelling keynote address as the guest speaker at the 74th Induction Ceremony of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at Agbara, Ogun State. His thought-provoking speech illuminated the transformative power of accountancy in fostering good governance, alleviating poverty, and creating sustainable value at the grassroots.
In his address, Dr. Nwabunka emphasized, “Accountancy, when properly practiced, leads to poverty reduction, effective development planning, and improvements in the human development index of any country. The profession has a crucial mandate to restore and maintain integrity, as it holds the key to building trust and transparency in governance.”
He joined in celebrating the newly inducted professionals and commended their commitment to upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and excellence that are the cornerstone of the accountancy profession. He further wished them every success in making positive impact on their communities and beyond and exhorted them to continue to champion the role of ethical practices in shaping a better future for all.
Grooming Centre Renovates Abia School, Enhances Learning for Local Students
In a boost for education in Abia State, the non-governmental organisation Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre has completed a large-scale renovation of St. Peter’s Secondary School in Awomnuzie, Ikwuano Local Government Area.
The initiative has transformed the school with state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced science labs, and modern digital learning tools, which leaders hope will improve educational opportunities for local students.
Founded in 2006, Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre is known for its work in financially supporting Nigeria’s economically active poor, but its mission extends well beyond financial aid.
By investing in education, Grooming Centre aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for economic independence. The renovation at St. Peter’s Secondary School is one of several education-focused initiatives the NGO has supported.
At the handover ceremony, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, Founder and CEO of Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre, emphasized the organization’s commitment to community empowerment through education. “Empowering communities goes beyond providing financial services,” he stated. “It’s about shaping a future where poverty is reduced through education and opportunity. We believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education. That’s why initiatives like this are at the heart of what we do.”
The project, completed in collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, involved renovating classrooms and equipping laboratories for physics, chemistry, and biology. The school now also features a computer lab and new administrative offices. Interactive whiteboards, projectors, and other digital tools are part of the upgrades, creating an environment designed to prepare students for a technology-driven world.
Speaking on behalf of the Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, Bishop of Umuahia, praised the organization’s commitment to empowering youth. “The management of Grooming Centre, led by Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, has provided students with an enabling environment that nurtures future leaders,” he said. “Their dedication to quality education is making a huge impact on the lives of these students, and we are grateful.”
Other projects by the organization include the Lady Kate Okafor Scholarship Scheme, an initiative offering scholarships to 931 secondary school students across Lagos. This program, now in its eighth year, funds Senior Secondary School fees for deserving Junior Secondary students, providing a foundation for them to pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Through scholarships and initiatives like the school renovation in Abia, Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering educational development in Nigeria.
DONATION TO FEET OF GRACE FOUNDATION
We made a donation to Feet of Grace Foundation, to support their prosthetic rehabilitation of Eight (8) amputees and an awareness charity walk in Lagos State. This reflects our unwavering commitment to assisting those in need and giving back to our community. We remain committed to empowering people.
DR. GODWIN NWABUNKA MADE “THE GUARDIAN’S top 50 MOST INSPIRING AND DEFINITIVE CEO’s in 2023
Dr. Godwin Nwabunka made “The Guardian’s Top 50 Most Inspiring and Definitive CEO’s in 2023”. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian Newspaper, the CEO of Grooming Centre shared insights into the Centre’s journey, the impact on communities across Nigeria and the vision for the future. During the interview, the CEO highlighted the Centre’s evolution from its inception to becoming a leading player in financial inclusion and community development. He emphasized the Centre’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering sustainable growth, citing initiatives such as microfinance services, corporate social responsibility programs, and partnerships with international organizations. The CEO also discussed the challenges faced by the Centre, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the Centre adapted by leveraging digital resources for seamless operations. He emphasized the importance of digitalizing processes to enhance efficiency and serve clients better, reflecting the Centre’s dedication to innovation and client-centric approaches. Discussions also revolved around the CEO’s extensive experience, drawn from previous roles in multilateral agencies like UNDP and UNICEF. His insights into client-centric approaches and strategic partnerships underscored the Centre’s ethos of prioritizing the welfare of its clients and staff and leveraging collaborations for impactful outcomes. Overall, the interview with The Guardian Newspaper provided a platform to showcase the Centre’s achievements, aspirations, and ongoing efforts to drive socioeconomic progress in Nigeria. Through transparent dialogue and shared insights, he reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to empowering communities and transforming lives across the nation.
Global SME FINANCE AWARDS
We are proud to announce that Grooming Centre has been recognized by the SME Finance Forum with an Honorable Mention in the Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs category of the Global SME Finance Awards 2023, from the most competitive pool of applicants ever. Organized by International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and endorsed by the G20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the Global SME Finance Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of financial institutions and FinTech companies in delivering exceptional products and services to their SME clients.
Special thanks to our clients, staff, and partners. The Honorable Mention from SME Finance Forum is a shared achievement, celebrating our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Grateful for your contribution to our success!
Press Release
MicroRate’s Top Rated MFIs 2021
MicroRate’s Top Rated MFIs 2021
Grooming Centre Ranked Among the Best
Lagos, Nigeria – Grooming People for Better livelihood Centre (Grooming Centre) has been ranked among the highest rated Microfinanace Institutions globally by MicroRate, the foremost international rating agency. Announcing this, MicroRate stressed that “after a year full of challenges for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), we want to publicly recognize in presence of the various actors of the Microfinance Sector, those MFIs rated by MicroRate that had superior financial, social, and institutional performances even in the face of an adverse context in the localities where they operate without losing focus on their mission towards financial inclusion”.
Grooming Centre achieved excellence in both Institutional Performance and Social Performance, rated a- and ranking among the ten top institutions globally in Institutional performance (which gauged Governance and Management, Organization, Credit Operations, Portfolio quality, and Financial Profile), and rated four stars out of five stars in Social Performance (which examined the Depth and Adequacy of services, Responsible Finance, Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Commitment). A virtual award ceremony was held on Thursday, November 18, 2021 to officially present the list of institutions that made remarkable efforts in demonstrating the possibility of a financial-social balance.
“Sustaining this milestone in two successions is a significant step for Grooming Centre as it continues to drive for excellence in empowering the poor at the bottom of the pyramid by scaling up its financial and non-financial products and services, particularly in these unprecedented times with the Covid-19 pandemic having a profound effect on the lives of millions of people across the country. Additionally, it creates more opportunities and partnerships which strengthens our commitment to promoting financial inclusion and expanding choices for the excluded at the base of economic pyramid.” says Godwin Nwabunka, CEO, Grooming Centre.
About Grooming Centre
Grooming Centre, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), was founded in 2006 to address the near absence of financial services to the large population of economically active low-income earners engaged in small trading and micro productive activities in many parts of Nigeria. The Centre has done over 11 million credits since inception and is presently providing financial and non-financial services to over 700,000 members through a network of 603 branches across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Centre is a member of the World Bank Group Universal Financial Access (UFA 2020) initiative.
