WHO WE ARE
Healthy Living & Woman Empowerment initiative (HELWEL) is a national, non-government, non-profit organization that is committed to the improvement of children and women’s livelihood; promotion of general health and wellbeing through nutrition and positive lifestyle.
This we seek to do through provision of opportunities for knowledge sharing, skill acquisition, health advice and information.
OUR VISION
A pacesetter organization promoting optimum health, nutrition and empowerment for children, young people and women.
OUR MISSION
To promote healthy living through knowledge sharing, awareness creation, empowerment & advocacy.
OUR SLOGANG
Equipping hands, saving hearts
OUR GOALS/OBJECTIVES
- To educate and motivate school age children, woman and towards healthy nutrition behaviours.
- To create awareness and promote nutritional education for children and youths as a developmental need.
- To improve the livelihood of children and woman by enhancing access to education and financing towards wealth creation and self-actualization.
- To enlighten children, woman and communities on preventive measures in reduction of diseases.
OUR CORE VALUES
Respect
Accountability
Responsibility
Integrity
Transparency
Gender Equity
OUR STRATEGIES
- Nutrition literacy, educational campaign and programmes
- Capacity building for woman’s groups through training on life skill and wealth creation.
- Conducting research on health and nutrition as they affect woman and children.
- Collaborate and network with government agencies, private sector and other non-governmental agencies in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide.
PROGRAMMES
Nutrition Literacy Awareness and Education
Empowerment Programmes
Advocacy
Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
Research & Documentation
HELWEI CAMPAIGNS
HELWEI engages the communities through four key campaigns:
- Kirk Dirt, Hug Life: SANITATION & HYGIENE –WASH
- Save A Woman, Save Generation: MNCH
- Bold Faces: Nutrition & You: NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLES
- Empowerment & Skill Acquisition: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT & LIFE SKILLS
KICK DIRT, HUG LIFE CAMPAIGN:
SANITATION & HYGIENE –WASH
As an organization, we have observed a vacuum on personal hygiene in the course of our interactions with school-age children and adults in different communities. This hinged on lack of awareness and active participation onS personal hygiene and nutrition for a sustainable healthy life.
In response to this gap, HELWEI designed the Kick Dirt, Hug Life campaign to sensitize and promote best hygiene and sanitation practices among children, women and communities with effective engagement of all stakeholders.
Save a Woman, Save a Generation
(MNCH)
Nigeria is among the 191 United Nations member states with the commitment to realize the
MDGs of reduction of child mortality and improve maternal health by 2015. Though there are
efforts towards improving the health outcomes, it is evident that the mortality ratio of Nigerian
women and children remains high with average maternal mortality ratio of 545 per 1000 live
births. Also, we have children under five mortality ratios of 157 per 1000 live birth. These
ratios are among the highest in the world (NDHS2008).
Moreover, women participation in issues affecting their health is also very low, hence the
need to empower them.
The campaign is designed to do the following:
- To educate pregnant women on the need for adequate antenatal care and increase their
awareness of the risks associated with pregnancies including the need to have delivery
with skilled medical attendants.
- To give nutrition advice and education on healthy eating for mother and child.
- To advise on the importance of immunization uptake during pregnancy and after delivery.
- Family Planning as a strategy to improving maternal and child health
- To equip young girls with knowledge essential for growing up with attendant expectations and challenges.
EMPOWERMENT AND SKILLS ACQUISITION:
Economic Empowerment and Life skills
HELWEI trains women and men on sustainable income generating skills.
This is an economic empowerment scheme aimed at equipping women specifically with the knowledge necessary to identify and manage effectively Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
The Skills include the following:
- Catering
- Fish farming,
- Soap making,
- Fruit juice Production
- Packaging and marketing
- Bead & Wire Jewelry
- Ankara Bags & Shoes
BOLD FACES: NUTRITION & YOU
Enhancing Health Outcomes for Children and Youths
Research has shown that most killer diseases are induced by diet. These diseases include hypertension, obesity and cancer among others. Prevention is attainable with adoption of good food choices and positive lifestyles.
The choice of children and young people is hinged on our conviction that orientation on healthy food choices and values is ideal in early stages of life. This is expected to make grate impact in their academic, social and mental development.
HELWEI, therefore, equips children and young people with nutritional education skills that help them to make the right food choices and embrace healthy lifestyle.
Meet our People
The Board of Directors
ZEBULON AGOMUO
Media Director
Zebulon Agomuo is a renowned journalist of international repute. He is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical and Health Education. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos. He is a man with a contagious passion for writing and has worked in different capacities for about two decades in the Media Industry.
He started his Journalism career as a proof reader with the defunct Post Express Newspaper from where he rose to the position of Chief Sub-Editor and then Deputy Politics Editor. He was also the head of politics desk, Sunday Times Nigeria. He had a brief stint at Daily Independent from where he moved to Food Business magazine as The Executive Editor. He is currently the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Sunday and member, Editorial Board, BusinessDay Newspapers, Lagos, Nigeria. His wealth of experience and passion for information dissemination is a major asset to the realisation of the organisation’s goals and objectives. He currently lives in Lagos where he works. Agomuo is married with children.
DR (MRS) DORKA BEKEE
Director
Dorka Bekee is an accomplished Medical Practitioner. She is a consultant Pediatric Physician per excellence. She obtained her MBBS degree from the University of Benin. She has a Masters Degree in Epidemics from University of London/London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine. She is also a Fellow of West African College of Physicians.
Her sojourn in Medical practice in various institutions spans over two decades. She has worked as a: Pediatrician, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Research Physician, Medical Research Council, The Gambia, Consultant Pediatrician/Lecturer, University of Port Harcourt, Senior Medical Advisor, Family Health International, Nigeria. She is currently a consultant Pediatrician, Mother and Child Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. She is an amiable fellow, driven by the desire to have wellness for a total child. She brings to the board her wealth of experience on Child Health and Development.
DENNIS OKEZIE
Director
Dennis Okezie is a quintessential minister of the gospel. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in French from Abia State University, Uturu, and a Post Graduate Degree in Mass Communication from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Before his advent into the ecclesiastical office, he worked as a communication, information and Education officer with Yordel Africa, a non-governmental organisation, Enugu. He was also a Branch Manager at Blue-Chip courier, Lagos. He is currently the Area/Zonal Pastor, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Word Assembly, Festac, Lagos. Pastor Dennis is committed to change and transformation in the society.
MRS. JOY OLUCHI CHINE
Director
Mrs. Joy Oluchi Chine studied Home Science/Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is presently pursuing a Masters Degree in Health Administration and Management at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. She runs a fashion Institute in Enugu. She believes, ‘Every life starts from the home.’ Her love for creative designs and healthy living through optimal nutrition is unequalled. She is sold out to women empowerment. To her, when a woman is empowered, she would affect the society at large.
MRS. NKEOMA CHIKA ABARIKWU
Chairperson, Board of Directors, HELWEI
Nkeoma Abarikwu is a veteran Financial and Management Consultant. She has various professional and administrative experiences spanning about two decades. She served in diverse capacities in the Credit/Marketing and Operations Departments at Universal Trust Bank, Union Bank and Eco Bank. She obtained a degree in Bio-Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has several professional certificates. She is passionate about youths and women as change agents. She is the Chairperson, Board of Directors of HELWEI.
- G.K.O.OKEREKE
Director
Dr. Goddy holds a Doctorate Degree in Vocational Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a person builder and has served in diverse capacities, both at the community and state educational levels. His wealth of experience in human capacity development is relevant to the actualisation of the organisation’s vision and mission.
EBERECHUKWU M.OKEY-ONYEMA
Founder/Executive Director, HELWEI
Eberechukwu is an experienced programme manager with demonstrated passion for the improvement of health through optimum nutrition and positive lifestyle. She has a B.A. degree in English from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; PGD in International Relations and Strategic Studies; M.A. degree in History and Diplomatic Studies from the Lagos State University, Ojo, and currently an M. A. student in English Department, University of Lagos. Ebere has served in several capacities including Women’s Right and Health Project where she served as a volunteer, and Fidelity Bank Plc as a Business Development Officer and Credit/Relationship Officer for over Nine years. She is the Founder/Executive Director of Healthy Living and Women Empowerment Initiative (HELWEI).
Meet The Management Team
EBERECHUKWU M.OKEY-ONYEMA
Executive Director
Eberechukwu is an experienced programme manager with demonstrated passion for the improvement of health through optimum nutrition and positive lifestyle. She has a B.A. degree in English from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; PGD in International Relations and Strategic Studies; M.A. degree in History and Diplomatic Studies from the Lagos State University, Ojo, and currently an M. A. student in English Department, University of Lagos.
Ebere has served in several capacities including Women’s Right and Health Project where she served as a volunteer, and Fidelity Bank Plc as a Business Development Officer and Credit/Relationship Officer for over Nine years. She is the Founder/Executive Director of Healthy Living and Women Empowerment Initiative (HELWEI).
ADEDAYO GBADEBO
Dayo is an emerging leader and public speaker with an infectious positive personality. He has HND in Mass Communications and a B.Sc. Degree in Public Administration from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Enugu State University of Technology respectively. He has Professional certificates in Public Relations, Advertising and Branding. He works as a Public Relations Assistant with Lagos State Ministry of the Environment. He is passionate about service, change and knowledge acquisition. He works towards this achieving as an active partner in HELWEI. He loves photography.
ALBERT ADEBAYO
Albert Adedeji Adebayo graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu with HND in Mass Communication in 2009. He has Professional training in Print Technology Management and Graphics. He served under Novitas for several years with exceptional performance including the production of award winning press ad for Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Associated Bus Company (ABC), Trinity International College, Ofada e.t.c
Albert has participated in several creative workshops and seminars organized by APCON and other notable organizations. He is passionate about transformation for youths and children and deploys his creative skills towards attaining this vision.
Albert plays table tennis in his spare time.
OLUWAKEMI ALBERT-ADEBAYO
Kemi has a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Lagos State Polytechnic with specialization in Print Journalism. She has worked in Young Focus Media Group and Human Shield as Field Reporter and Programme Manager respectively. She has been on training tour to countries like United State of America, South Africa among others.
Kemi is a pioneer Staff of HELWEI. She is self-motivated and a unique team –player. She is in-charge of programmes.
She loves singing and at her spare time, she thrills people with gospel melodies.
OUR CONSULTANTS
Dr. (Mrs.) Priscillia Okunji
RN-BC, Msc, Ph.D.
Howard University, USA
Dr. D.O. Akinola
Director,
Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria
Events (PHOTO SPLASH)
FOUR DIFFERENT WAYS WE ARE
IMPACTING THE COMMUNITIES
- DICK DIRT, HUG LIFE
- SAVE A WOMAN, SAVE A GENERATION
- ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT & LIFE SKILLS
- NUTRITION & LIFESTYLE – BOLD FACES
Partner with Us
Be A Change Agent
“We all have something to give. So if you know how to read, find someone who can’t. If you’ve got a hammer, find a nail. If you’re not hungry not lonely, not in trouble –seek out to someone who is.”
-George HowBush
- Become a financial Partner
- Be a core Partner of the initiative
- Be a volunteer
Make Commitment today, to change a life…..
I will like to volunteer (Name:) ________________________Tel:_______________ E-mail________________________________________
Educational background:___________________________________________________
I will like to be a core financial partner at this level (Please state the amount)
To donate in cash, make your donation to the following banks:
Zenith Bank
Fidelity Bank
Our Growing Partners List
- USAID, SHOPS
- DKT INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA
- FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH
- CRUDAN- (CHRISTIAN RURAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA)
- UTC NIGERIA PLC
- VIJU INDUSTRIES NIGERIA LTD
- DAVESTAR HOSPITAL
- DEBO FARMS LIMITED
- NUTRITION SOCIETY
- KNIGHT FOODS & BEVERAGES NIG LTD
- EXCELLENT LIFE MOTIVATION
- TASTY TIME NIG LTD
- FAITH BASE ORGANISATIONS
- STATE GOVERNMENT (LAGOS STATE)
- LOCAL GOVT (ALIMOSHO L.G.A)
- CS-SUNN, LAGOS LOCAL WORKING GROUP
Contact Us
National Secretariat
Jemeel Jokas Mall
Suite 1, 2nd Floor,
24 Akowonjo Road, Egbeda B/Stop.
Tel: +234 (0) 819 047 5612
+234 (0) 818 809 5891
+234 (0) 809 546 7606
info@helwei.org
facebook/myhewelstory.com
www.helwei.org