lydiawilsonfoundation

Football Ambassadors FC Win Lydia Wilson Foundation Charity Cup 2026

| May 13, 2026

The 2026 edition of the Lydia Wilson Foundation Charity Football Tournament ended on a high note in Lagos at the weekend, as Football Ambassadors FC of Ebute Metta emerged champions after defeating 11 Stars FC of Egbeda 3–2 on penalties in a thrilling final held on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The yeraly competition, organised by the Lydia Wilson Foundation, continues to serve as a platform for discovering and empowering young talents, particularly orphans and vulnerable children, while promoting community development, youth empowerment and support for widows across Nigeria. Football Ambassadors FC lifted the coveted Lydia Wilson Foundation Charity Cup and received gold medals, while runners-up 11 Stars FC were presented with silver medals. Eight outstanding players at the tournament, including three female participants, also received special awards and cash prizes in recognition of their talent, discipline and dedication. Speaking after the event, the co-founder of the Foundation, Wilson Balogun, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to restoring hope and creating opportunities for vulnerable communities through sports, education, empowerment and humanitarian support initiatives. According to him, the football competition was established to identify and nurture talented young people who deserve opportunities to excel, irrespective of their background or life circumstances. “The Lydia Wilson Foundation aims to catch these children young and restore hope in them. We are not just focusing on orphans alone; we are equally passionate about empowering widows, widowers and supporting vulnerable families across Nigeria,” he said. Balogun noted that the Foundation has consistently used sports as a vehicle for social transformation, mentorship and youth development since its establishment in 2018 by himself and his wife, Mrs Lydia Balogun-Wilson. He explained that the Foundation currently supports vulnerable children through educational scholarships, vocational programmes and sports development initiatives across several Nigerian states, including Kogi, Kaduna, Ondo, Lagos and Abuja. “Every year, we identify exceptional talents through this competition and ensure they are also supported academically. We believe talent should never be limited by circumstance. Nigeria is blessed with extraordinary young people whose futures can be transformed when given the right opportunities,” he stated. He disclosed that widows have benefited from empowerment programmes involving baking, farming and other income-generating skills, while vulnerable families and displaced communities have also benefited from the Foundation’s humanitarian outreach programmes.Balogun affirmed that Nigeria remains a nation of enormous human potential, creativity and talent, and called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, corporate organisations and philanthropists to help scale the Foundation’s impact across the country. “If we are currently supporting farmers with 100 bags of fertiliser, we want to increase that significantly. If we are training 100 widows today, we want that number to grow into thousands. Nigeria has incredible potential, and together we can create opportunities that positively transform lives and communities,” he added. The Foundation therefore appealed to the Federal Government, state governments, corporate organisations, development agencies, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support its humanitarian initiatives through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships, sponsorships, grants, donations and volunteer participation. According to Balogun, support is not limited to financial donations alone. “We are looking for partners who genuinely want to be agents of change. We need volunteers, educational partners, community leaders and corporate organisations willing to invest in the future of our children and families,” he said. The Foundation further encouraged Corporate Nigeria to adopt long-term partnership models capable of sustaining yearly intervention programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and community development projects. We invite companies and institutions to become strategic partners and headline sponsors of our charity initiatives. Together, we can continue to uplift children, empower widows and strengthen communities across Nigeria,” he said. Balogun, whose family is based in the United Kingdom, stated that the yearly football tournament currently impacts more than 200 vulnerable children yearly and is gradually becoming one of the country’s most impactful grassroots humanitarian sports initiatives. The Foundation also acknowledged the support of Westdyke Community FC of Scotland,which donated the jerseys used during the competition as part of its international community partnership support. The event concluded with the distribution of food packages to participating players and beneficiaries as part of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families beyond the football pitch. The Lydia Wilson Foundation reiterated its commitment to expanding its humanitarian reach and building partnerships that will continue to inspire hope, opportunity and sustainable development across Nigeria. For partnership, sponsorship, volunteering and donation enquiries, visit: https://lydiawilsonfoundation.org/get-involved/

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Helping poor women in northern nigeria

Lydia Wilson Foundation Launches “Bake To Empower” Campaign to Empower 999 Women and Children in Northern Nigeria

| January 29, 2026

As Nigeria faces one of the most severe hunger crises in its recent history, the Lydia Wilson Foundation (LWF) has launched a targeted economic empowerment programme aimed at supporting displaced women and children in Northern Nigeria through sustainable income generation. The Foundation, an SCR (Scottish Charity Regulator) registered charity (SC053221), with operational presence in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, has a long track record of supporting vulnerable families through practical humanitarian programmes in education, food security, health, agriculture, and economic empowerment. Their work focuses on communities facing chronic hardship- including widows, displaced persons and households struggling to secure stable income and food access. Hunger at Unprecedented Levels Nigeria’s food security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent years due to a combination of conflict, economic pressures, and dwindling humanitarian funding. According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 35 million Nigerians are projected to face severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, the highest level recorded in the country’s history. Rural populations in the conflict-affected north are among the hardest hit as food assistance is sharply reduced due to funding shortfalls. The situation is particularly acute in parts of northeastern Nigeria, where violence and displacement have disrupted agricultural livelihoods and strained access to essential services. In the face of these challenges, traditional safeguards are failing to keep pace with rising needs, and families are struggling to find sustainable paths forward. “While humanitarian aid has provided critical short-term relief, it has not always addressed the structural barriers that keep families in cycles of dependency.” “The most sustainable response to hunger and poverty is empowerment,” explains Lydia Balogun-Wilson, founder and chairperson LWF. Empowerment Beyond Relief In response to this crisis, the Lydia Wilson Foundation has designed the Bake to Empower programme focused on sustainable empowerment rather than short-term food distribution. Drawing on its experience in community support and economic initiatives (e.g., ongoing widows empowerment and primary to tertiary education scholarships programmes) LWF aims to shift the conversation from relief dependency to income resilience. What the Programme Entails Participants in the Bake to Empower campaign will receive: This model draws on demand already present in local markets for bread, pastries, and baked goods, offering participants the ability to create value locally and consistently rather than depend on intermittent aid. “More Than Baking: A Lifeline” The campaign’s messaging underscores that this is more than a vocational training programme. Organisers describe the initiative as a “lifeline”, a conceptual pivot from mere survival to sustainable economic participation. “For families who have lost their homes, security and access to stable livelihoods, this programme offers a path toward independence,” says a Foundation spokesperson. “With enough donor support, the women and children would never have to depend on aids to survive.” How You Can Support Donors are encouraged to support the effort via LWF’s online platform, with tiered donation options tailored to different levels of impact and financial capacity. All contributions are directed toward locally procured training, equipment, and programme delivery to ensure efficiency, accountability, and community benefit. A Shift In Humanitarian Thinking  Beyond immediate economic benefits, initiatives like Bake To Empower align with broader development goals of poverty reduction and gender equity in Nigeria. By prioritising skills and income generation alongside essential needs support, LWF’s programme aims to foster resilience and reduce long-term dependency on external aid.The Lydia Wilson Foundation continues to work with partners and local actors to scale impact, with accountability and transparency as central tenets of its operational approach and in compliance with the governance standards of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

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Lydia Wilson Foundation Newsletter- December, 2025

| December 27, 2025

Welcome to this festive season. We are fortunate to keep the Foundation going thanks to the support you provide as our partner over the years. We have made meaningful progress since the beginning of the year, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support. In response to the increasing and exceptional demand for support, we remain dedicated to providing assistance as community members face challenges associated with escalating living costs. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in enabling us to respond with agility and impact to these evolving needs. Formal Partnership with the United Community of Ukrainians in Azerbaijan L-R – Wilson, Ms. Tamilla Musayeva and Lydia – And the kids during our visit on the 21st of December. We are pleased to announce that the Lydia Wilson Foundation has entered a formal partnership with the United Community of Ukrainians in Azerbaijan (www.ukrdiaspora.az). This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting those most affected by the ongoing conflict in the region. As many are aware, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in the displacement of numerous families. Through this partnership, our organizations aim to bolster care and support for displaced children by providing consistent welfare assistance, ensuring access to education, offering psychosocial services, and delivering structured humanitarian aid. Ms. Tamilla Musayeva, Head of the Ukrainian Community, has warmly welcomed this partnership, and we look forward to working closely together to make a positive impact. We visited the Sumgayit residence, where we donated materials to the children on November 11, 2025, and again on December 21, 2025. During our recent visit, we joined the Christmas celebrations and provided additional supplies to help alleviate the challenges faced by these children. We encourage and welcome any support from our community to further assist these vulnerable children in need. Annual Football Tournament The kids displaying their football talent with the 3 scholarship recipients from the tournament. In partnership with WestDyke Community Football Aberdeen, 5 Stars of Egbeda, and Football Ambassadors, the 2025 annual football tournament was held in Lagos on the 5th of July, this tournament featured over 100 children from both the Football Ambassadors FC and the 5 STARS football club Egbeda Lagos. The Football Ambassadors lifted the cup after an incredible display of football talent!!! This annual event is targeted at children from slum areas to provide a safe space away from the trauma at home. The children displayed their excellent football skills and received medals with scholarships provided to the top 3 players of the tournament. This annual event has gained so much popularity, and we thank our partners for making it happen.Widow Empowerment through Farming Widows receiving fertilizers and other farming items in June and the harvest gathered in October.In June 2025, we partnered with RADi to empower 20 vulnerable rural women farmers located across three Local Government Areas in Southern Kaduna. Through this collaboration, each participant received essential agricultural inputs, including liquid fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, and hybrid seedlings. The primary objective of this initiative is to enable these women to cultivate their land effectively, thereby ensuring food security and generating income to support their families. Our team conducted a follow-up visit in October to assess the progress of the programme. We were greatly encouraged by the advancements made by the women, witnessing firsthand the positive impact the support has had on their farming activities and livelihoods. For a more personal perspective on the program’s effectiveness, we invite you to listen to a testimonial from one of the beneficiaries here. Baku Half Marathon fundraising Success In an inspiring show of commitment to our charitable mission, Wilson took part in the Baku Half Marathon on 4 May 2025. Running an impressive 21 kilometres, Wilson not only crossed the finish line but also helped to raise £2,500 in support of the Lydia Wilson Foundation’s ongoing efforts to aid vulnerable members of our society. We invite all those passionate about making a difference to contribute to this cause. Your donations will help us continue our vital work in supporting those in need. To donate, please visit our website page or follow this link: https://bit.ly/4hXIBDA Sustained support for the vulnerable during festive season Our commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals within our communities remains steadfast. Currently, the foundation provides empowerment and educational aid to a growing number of beneficiaries, including 102 widows and 130 children. These individuals rely on our programmes for vital resources and opportunities to improve their quality of life. Throughout the year, and especially during festive periods such as Easter and Christmas, we distribute food parcels to selected widows. These packages are intended to bring both joy and much-needed relief during times that can be particularly challenging. Despite our efforts, many beneficiaries continue to face hardships due to persistent food poverty and rising inflation, which further threaten their wellbeing. Strengthening Our Impact and Partnerships in 2026 We extend our sincere gratitude to all our volunteers and change agents who have worked tirelessly with us to advance the charity’s mission. Their unwavering dedication is fundamental to the delivery of our programmes and the progress we have achieved so far. However, to widen our reach and amplify our impact, we are seeking to engage more change agents. We warmly invite individuals who are passionate about making a difference to join our team and help extend our support to even more vulnerable communities. We are also committed to deepening our partnership with the Ukrainian community in Baku. There is a present need for an English-speaking teacher for the students within this community, with an annual cost of £15,000. To address this, we are actively seeking additional grants and financial support. Your support will be instrumental in making this educational opportunity a reality for these students. In pursuit of our commitment to education and empowerment, we are eager to set up partnerships with educational charities and pursue grants. Collaborating with like-minded organisations will enhance the educational support we provide and further develop our widow empowerment programme, ensuring broader and more sustainable

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lydia wilson foundation celebrating christmas with ukrainian refugee children displaced by war

Lydia Wilson Foundation Brings Christmas Cheer to Ukrainian Refugee Children in Sumgait, Azerbaijan

| January 17, 2026

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Lydia Wilson Foundation visited the Ukrainian refugee community in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, on 21 December 2025, to spread holiday joy to the children who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict. The foundation donated Christmas presents, toys, and sweets to the youngsters, ensuring they feel included and cared for during the festive season.This gesture is part of the organisation’s ongoing partnership with the community, aimed at providing support and creating memorable experiences for the children. “We believe every child deserves a special Christmas, no matter their circumstances,” said a representative from the foundation. “Our visit today is a small token of love and solidarity to these resilient young souls.” The children were overjoyed with the gifts, their smiles lighting up the atmosphere. The community expressed deep gratitude for the foundation’s continued support, which has helped ease the challenges of displacement. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the coordinators of the centre for their warm welcome and dedication to the children,” the foundation added.The Lydia Wilson Foundation remains committed to uplifting vulnerable communities and fostering hope for a brighter future.

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Lydia Wilson Foundation’s 4th Annual Charity Football Tournament

| January 17, 2026

Join us for the Lydia Wilson Foundation’s 4th Annual Football Tournament on July 5th, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria! ⚽ This exciting event brings together football enthusiasts, families, and philanthropists to support a great cause. Your support will help empower less privileged children in Africa through our charity initiatives. Let’s kick off a brighter future together! ? Please Donate now and be part of this impactful journey. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

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Running for Humanity: Wilson Balogun’s 21KM Campaign of Compassion

| January 19, 2026

On May 4th, 2025, the Lydia Wilson Foundation proudly championed a remarkable initiative led by one of our own, Wilson Balogun. As he took on the Baku Half Marathon in Azerbaijan, his footsteps echoed far beyond the racecourse. This was not a competition against the clock—it was a global appeal to raise £2,500 for the vulnerable: orphans, widows, elderly citizens, and disadvantaged households. This effort was more than athletic endurance—it was a call to action and a reflection of our unwavering commitment to improving lives where help is needed most. Purpose in Every Step Wilson’s marathon was symbolic. Each kilometer represented the often-unheard voices of children yearning for education, women navigating widowhood without support, and seniors living in solitude. These individuals are central to our mission, and this run brought their stories into the spotlight. Rather than pursuing personal victory, Wilson dedicated his journey to advocacy—amplifying the Foundation’s impact and reaching hearts around the world. Who We Are: Lydia Wilson Foundation? The Lydia Wilson Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting underprivileged groups through sustainable, community-based interventions. Our strategic programs are designed to meet essential human needs and restore dignity through: Every donation fuels these life-changing efforts. From a Single Post to a Global Movement The campaign began with one social media post. Wilson announced his participation in the Baku Half Marathon with a powerful message: “Every step I take is for someone waiting for a second chance.” That single post ignited waves of support. Contributions began arriving, encouragement came from all corners, and a ripple of compassion turned into a global movement. The response confirmed a universal truth—people are eager to be part of meaningful change. Training with Intention, Running with Resolve As race day approached, the preparation was both physical and emotional. Wilson trained consistently, but his true strength came from the purpose behind each session. Every stride served as a reminder of the lives he aimed to impact. From receiving his race number to the final countdown, he was not alone. Behind him stood a community of supporters who believed in the cause as much as he did. Race Day Reflections The streets of Baku were vibrant on the morning of May 4th. Thousands gathered to test their limits, but for Wilson, the marathon was a platform to amplify awareness and compassion. As he crossed the finish line, it wasn’t just a personal milestone—it marked the beginning of a new chapter of giving. Together, with the backing of generous donors, we exceeded our goal and raised £2,680. A run completed. A mission advanced. A difference made. Real Outcomes, Tangible Change The success of this campaign is already creating visible impact: Each contribution turned possibility into progress. Why This Matters At the Lydia Wilson Foundation, we believe progress begins with purposeful actions. Wilson’s 21KM run was a powerful example of how individuals and institutions can collaborate to champion human dignity. Advocacy doesn’t always require a platform. Sometimes, it simply needs a determined heart and a clear goal. This journey was a testament to that belief. There’s More Work Ahead—Join Us While this campaign has concluded, our work continues daily. Vulnerable families still need support. More children still need education. And hope must be continually restored. We invite you to stay engaged: ? Make a contribution: https://bit.ly/4hXIBDA? Share this campaign: Inspire others to join? Partner with us: Create lasting change with your network Together, we can keep transforming compassion into action.

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TOGETHER, WE MADE IT ! £2,680 raised so far !!!

| January 17, 2026

From the starting line to 21km, every step was powered by purpose — to support the mission of Lydia Wilson Foundation Charity. ? I crossed the finish line with your love, prayers, and donations.But this is just the beginning. ? Let’s keep the mission alive — to uplift orphans, empower widows(ers), and support the elderly.? You can still donate here: https://bit.ly/4hXIBDA? Help Share this. Inspire someone. DrWilsonBalogun #LydiaWilsonFoundation #CharityRun #WeDidIt #RunForHope #GlobalGiving #AfricaToTheWorld

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Lydia Wilson Foundation Fundraising

| January 17, 2026

On May 4th, 2025, I will be running 21km in the Baku Half Marathon — not just for the finish line, but to raise £2,500 for the Lydia Wilson Foundation’s mission to help support the vulnerable in our society. ? Every step I take is for someone who needs support. ? To support my cause, please donate through this link https://bit.ly/4hXIBDA? Kindly share this post DrWilsonBalogun #LydiaWilsonFoundation #BakuHalfMarathon #CharityRun #SupportAndDonate #RunForHope #GlobalGiving #AfricaToTheWorld@anthonyjoshua @stylebender @davido @mazitundeednut @verydarkblackman

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US health funding cuts: what Nigeria stands to lose

| February 13, 2025

US president Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization is threatening funding for critical health programmes like HIV/Aids and tuberculosis in different parts of the world, including Nigeria. The Conversation Africa’s Adejuwon Soyinka asked professor of virology and former WHO Africa regional virologist Oyewale Tomori why Nigeria is heavily dependent on US funding for some of its health programmes, what’s at risk and how to mitigate the impact. How dependent is Nigeria on US funding for health?Sadly, Nigeria and many African countries are too dependent on US funding and other donor funding for basic health activities and interventions. These activities are the normal function of a good and responsive government which is committed to the welfare of citizens. According to a US embassy publication, since 2021, the US has committed to providing nearly US$20 billion in health programmes in Africa. The report says in 2023 alone, the US invested over US$600 million in health assistance in Nigeria. That is about 21% of Nigeria’s 2023 annual health budget. Nigeria has, over the years, allocated on the average about 5% of the national budget to health. Three quarters of that covers recurrent expenditure like salaries. Nigeria’s proposed 2025 budget is ₦49.74 trillion (US$33 billion), of which ₦2.4 trillion (US$1.6 billion) (4.8%) is allocated to health. This is lower than the 5.15% allocated to health in the 2024 budget. The private sector plays a significant role in the Nigeria’s healthcare system, providing close to 60% of healthcare services. In recent years, traditional medicine is increasingly offering complementary and alternative medicine in support of the services provided by the federal, state and local government areas levels. What health programmes does the US fund in Nigeria?The US support is focused on preventing malaria, under the US President’s Malaria Initiative; ending HIV, through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief; and delivering vaccines (COVID, polio, rotavirus, IPV2 and HPV). Malaria is a major public health concern in Nigeria. In 2021, there were an estimated 68 million cases of malaria and 194,000 deaths. Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria globally, nearly 27% of the global malaria burden. Nigeria has a high burden of HIV – fourth in the world. A large number of Nigerians live with the virus. The national agency responsible for AIDS control reported a rate of 1,400 new HIV cases per week in 2023. Nigeria has experienced outbreaks of yellow fever, meningitis, cholera, Lassa fever and COVID-19. In addition to helping with managing these major diseases, the US government also provided funds to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from emerging public health threats. With these funds, a Public Health Emergency Management Programme was established and national disease surveillance systems were upgraded. Nigeria’s laboratory diagnostics were enhanced to test for Ebola, mpox, yellow fever, measles, Lassa fever, cholera and cerebrospinal meningitis. Other countries (Japan, Germany, Canada, the UK) also provided support through building and equipping laboratories and training health workers. What’s most at risk?Interventions most at risk are those of which the Nigerian government has abdicated its responsibilities to the donors. They include provision of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria preventive treatments in pregnancy, provision of fast acting malaria medicines and insecticide for home spraying. The following HIV interventions are likely to be adversely affected: HIV counselling and testing services, especially for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and the care of people living with HIV with TB/HIV services, as well as care and support for orphans and vulnerable children. Sustaining laboratory capacity for rapid disease diagnosis will suffer a major setback with reduced or lack of reagents and consumables. A huge amount of laboratory equipment is provided by donors. Servicing and replacement of equipment will be affected. The Nigerian health sector’s challenges include inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare professionals, poor access to healthcare due to cost, poor infrastructure, and high prevalence of preventable diseases. Cutting off US money is not likely to affect the shortage of healthcare professionals, as the major reason for the shortage is their deteriorating work environment and unsafe social environment. This environment was created by years of economic downturn and social insecurity in Nigeria. Why is Nigeria still so reliant on US funding?I think Nigeria lacks national pride as it begs for assistance to provide what it already has the resources for. The government seems to place the well-being of the citizens on a secondary status. Many African governments assume the world owes Africa compensation for colonial activities. But to me, the danger to Nigeria’s freedom from dependency is not truly knowing what we are, who we are, and how endowed we are. The world describes Nigeria as “resource limited” and, without thinking, Nigerians accept such name calling. Nigeria is not resource-limited, it is resource wasteful. Nigeria is not resource constrained; it is corruption constrained. Until Nigerians know who and what we are, we will never find the solution to our problems. Nigeria’s acceptance of the tag “resource-limited” drives it to beg for assistance even in areas of its highest capability, capacity and competence and where it has highly trained people. Like disease prevention and control. Africa has since the 1960s experienced numerous outbreaks of diseases and has acquired significant expertise in disease prevention and control. An example is the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, which was brought under control within three months with only 20 cases and eight deaths. This was a disease that raged for three years and ravaged three countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It was reported in seven others with 28,600 cases and 11,326 deaths. In Nigeria, the country coordinated response activities which were anchored on the participation of the community. The community was part of disease investigation, contact tracing, isolation of cases and adoption of infection, prevention and control interventions. How can Nigeria mitigate the impact?Nigeria must immediately provide emergency funds to cover the shortfall arising from the action of the US government. What

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