Foundation Empowers 2,000 Vulnerable Nigerians

MaryCrown Foundation has empowered over 2,000 vulnerable Nigerians through a multi-city outreach organised to commemorate the birthday of its managing director and chief executive officer, Ambassador Dr Mary Olubunmi Gbadewole.

The programme took place yesterday at Staff Community School, Asokoro, Abuja, attracting government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, community leaders, family members and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate Gbadewole’s humanitarian contributions.

As part of the intervention, beneficiaries received direct cash grants through physical disbursements and electronic bank transfers facilitated by officials of Wema Bank and Taj Bank. Others were provided with business support items, including wheelbarrows, large market umbrellas and plastic chairs to help boost their entrepreneurial activities.

Hundreds of households also received food palliatives comprising bags of rice and cartons of instant noodles to cushion the effects of the country’s prevailing economic challenges.

The initiative marked another milestone in the Foundation’s expanding humanitarian outreach. Unlike her previous birthday celebration, during which Dr. Gbadewole donated a fully completed Primary Health Care Centre to the Kobi Community in Asokoro, the 2026 anniversary focused on empowering vulnerable Nigerians with financial support and business tools aimed at creating sustainable sources of income and reducing dependency.

Addressing beneficiaries, Dr. Gbadewole urged them to regard the assistance not as gifts but as seed capital for enterprise development.

She encouraged them to invest wisely, remain disciplined and maximise the opportunity to establish thriving businesses capable of supporting their families and contributing to national economic growth.

“The greatest success of this Foundation will be to see today’s beneficiaries become tomorrow’s employers of labour,” she said.

Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Gbadewole recounted how she started an ice block business with just ₦1,000, noting that perseverance, prudent management, hard work and faith in God transformed the modest venture into a multimillion-naira enterprise.

She disclosed that the empowerment initiative began in 2023 following what she described as a divine instruction from the Holy Spirit.

According to her, the programme started with only 100 beneficiaries but has continued to expand annually due to the numerous success stories and testimonies recorded from previous recipients.

Dr. Gbadewole further explained that beneficiary selection extends beyond formal registration.

She revealed that she personally visits underserved communities and areas beneath bridges within the Federal Capital Territory to identify vulnerable individuals and invite them to participate in the programme.

Although many initially questioned her sincerity, she said those encounters have produced countless success stories, reinforcing her belief that compassion remains one of the most effective tools for restoring hope and dignity.

Speaking during the celebration, her husband, Dr. Amos Kayode Gbadewole, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Luxury Properties, described generosity as an inseparable part of his wife’s character.

He said helping others comes naturally to her, adding that even in moments of personal sacrifice, she remains committed to supporting those in need.

He commended her consistency in humanitarian service and prayed for greater strength, wisdom and divine provision as she continues to impact lives across Nigeria and beyond.

The event featured goodwill messages, prayers, musical performances and emotional testimonies from beneficiaries who recounted how previous editions of the empowerment programme had transformed their businesses and improved their living conditions.

The humanitarian initiative, held simultaneously in Abuja, Ibadan, Ilorin and New Jersey, United States, brought together beneficiaries both physically and virtually, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship development and sustainable community transformation.

As the celebration concluded amid applause and heartfelt appreciation, MaryCrown Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to restoring hope, empowering vulnerable Nigerians and promoting sustainable national development through purposeful humanitarian service.