Success Story: CHEDI NGO Making a Difference in Nigeria

Founded in 2012 and legally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), CHEDI (Community Health, Education, and Development Initiative) has emerged as a beacon of hope and health for countless individuals in Nigeria. Established to address the glaring gaps in preventive healthcare information, CHEDI has focused on combating communicable diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and malnutrition.

Over the past decade, CHEDI has dedicated its efforts to improving family health, particularly maternal, newborn, and child health, and nutrition for children under five. The organization’s commitment to family planning and supporting vulnerable citizens has been unwavering, with a particular emphasis on maternal and youth health. Through its extensive advocacy and sensitization campaigns, CHEDI has significantly increased awareness and access to healthcare services across Nigeria.

Transformative Impact on Maternal and Newborn Health One of CHEDI's standout achievements is its work in maternal and newborn health. In regions where access to healthcare is limited, CHEDI has implemented comprehensive programs that provide expectant mothers with essential prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal support. These initiatives have not only reduced maternal and infant mortality rates but have also empowered women with knowledge and resources to take control of their health.

Youth Empowerment and Education Recognizing the crucial role of youth in shaping the future, CHEDI has invested heavily in youth empowerment and education. Through skill acquisition programs, young people have been equipped with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, CHEDI’s advocacy campaigns have educated thousands of youths about the importance of preventive healthcare, significantly reducing the incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases among this demographic.

Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships CHEDI’s success is also attributed to its collaborative approach. By partnering with other NGOs and organizations with similar objectives, CHEDI has amplified its impact. These partnerships have enabled the organization to extend its reach and resources, ensuring that more communities benefit from its programs. Joint efforts in capacity building and awareness creation have fostered a stronger, more informed citizenry capable of making healthier choices.

Real-Life Success Stories

One heartwarming success story involves Amina, a young mother from a rural community in Nigeria. When Amina became pregnant, she had limited access to healthcare and was unaware of the importance of prenatal care. Through CHEDI's outreach program, she received regular health check-ups, nutritional advice, and support throughout her pregnancy. As a result, Amina safely delivered a healthy baby and continues to receive postnatal care, ensuring her child's healthy development.

Another inspiring story is that of David, a teenager who participated in CHEDI's skill acquisition program. Before joining the program, David struggled to find stable employment. Today, he runs a successful small business, providing for his family and contributing to his community’s economy. David also volunteers with CHEDI, sharing his knowledge and experiences with other youths.

I'm one of the benefactors of the CHEDI empowerment program that was sponsored by World Bank.


Over the past year, the sewing machine I received from CHEDI empowerment program sponsored by World Bank has significantly transformed my personal and economic situation. Below are the impact in key areas:


-Economic Empowerment: The sewing machine has become a reliable source of income for me. With it, I have been able to establish a small tailoring business, providing services such as garment repairs, alterations, and custom clothing designs. This has not only helped me generate steady income but also enabled me to contribute to my household's financial needs and basic academic needs.


-Skill Development: The provision of the sewing machine motivated me to enhance my tailoring skills. I invested time in learning new techniques and designs, which has improved the quality of my work and attracted more customers. This personal development has increased my confidence and marketability as a tailor and helped me gain more clients.


-Community Contribution: Through my tailoring business, I have been able to serve my community by offering affordable and convenient clothing solutions. Additionally, I have mentored a few young individuals interested in tailoring, passing on the skills and knowledge I have acquired over time.


-Independence and Stability: This empowerment scheme has given me a sense of independence. I now rely less on external support to meet my basic needs as I round up my academic pursuit and feel more capable of handling basic unforeseen expenses. This stability has significantly improved my overall quality of life.


Finally, the sewing machine provided to me by World Bank through CHEDI has been a life-changing tool. It has not only improved my economic status but also empowered me to grow personally and professionally. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to leverage it for greater achievements.


My unreserved gratitude goes to the management and staff of CHEDI, the Executive Director and Program Manager who were honest and kind enough to keep their promises to support each and every one of us with startup kits. Most programs only say what they can't do.


Thank you Mrs. Solina, may God bless you, your management staff and the organization at large.


Thank you World Bank, thank you CHEDI for this upliftment.


Yours truly,

Benedict Ochuole Endurance.



I was a beneficiary of the Citizens' Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI) empowerment programme in 2022.


The empowerment has been of immense benefit to my family because it added an extra source of income to my household. It also enabled me to be a bit independent financially as a woman because I no longer depend solely on my husband to carry out financial responsibilities in our family.


With CHEDI's empowerment programme, I have been able to save money in order to expand my growing business.


THANK YOU CHIEF (MRS.) AKUNNA ENYIOHA.
THANK YOU CHEDI.

Mrs. Blessing Nwaorgu.



I sincerely appreciate your program and the impact it has had on my business. On May 16th, 2023, I received support that greatly benefited my small barbering salon in Keffi, Nasarawa State.


Through this program, I have been able to train many young boys, who have now become professional barbers and are successfully working on their own. This has not only benefited them but also uplifted the community by creating opportunities.


However, I face some challenges in my business:

  • Lack of electricity: Running a barbering salon heavily depends on reliable power supply, and the frequent outages have been a major hurdle.

Despite these challenges, I have good news to share. I am now able to fund my education at Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State, with the income from my barbering salon. This program has truly transformed my life and enabled me to pursue my academic dreams.


Thank you, ma, for your support and generosity. May God protect and bless you abundantly for the help you have extended to me and others. I am forever grateful!

Yunisa Nuhu