The discussions that have defined Imperfectly Awesome Conversations (IAC) for years took physical form yesterday at Yaba GRA, as its founder, Dr Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, officially inaugurated the Awesome Empowerment Foundation, launching the 2026 Fortitude Empowerment Scheme with 70 beneficiaries drawn from across Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, Dr Tola said the Foundation was born directly out of questions repeatedly raised during IAC sessions, where partners and sponsors consistently asked how they could “pay it forward” and support individuals striving to overcome imperfection to build sustainable livelihoods. She said the Foundation was designed for three categories of people: existing entrepreneurs seeking to sharpen their skills, aspiring entrepreneurs without access to training facilities, and persons living with disabilities.
Of the 70 beneficiaries enrolled, Dr Tola disclosed that 60 are undergoing culinary training sponsored by Kerrygold Milk, while the rest are receiving fashion and basic sewing instruction sponsored by HBM Nigeria. She added that beneficiaries would receive startup kits after completing the programme, alongside sustained follow-up support to help them set up their businesses and access advancement courses when needed.
In an opening address read on her behalf by Mr Olufemi Dada, Head of Planning & Design, Lagos State Resilience Office, Dr Tola, formally declared the Fortitude Empowerment Scheme open. She described the initiative as part of a broader, enduring partnership built to create financial security for beneficiaries beyond mere policy pronouncements. She charged participants to commit fully to every training session, build genuine relationships beyond mere skill acquisition, and to view their eventual certificates as a foundation rather than a finish line.
“To our selected beneficiaries, go out and conquer, authentically and unapologetically,” the speech read.
Dr Tola confirmed that individuals interested in personally sponsoring a beneficiary into the programme were welcome to reach out to the Foundation, noting that several attendees had already expressed interest in doing so on the day of the launch.
