The Bennie Griffins Foundation, also known as The Bennie Griffins Sisters, has empowered no fewer than 152 vulnerable women through its empowerment programme titled “Her Rise Nigeria Women, Wealth and Power Seminar.” The beneficiaries included widows, elderly women, young women, and single mothers.
Empowerment Programme Details
The event took place at St. Lawrence Catholic Church Hall, Isheri-Olofin, Lagos, and focused on entrepreneurship and financial literacy aimed at improving the economic wellbeing of participants. The Convener, Pastor Bennie Griffins, reiterated the foundation's commitment to empowering women and extending support to young men through skill acquisition programmes such as cinematography.
Free School for Homeless Children
Griffins announced that the foundation recently completed a free primary school in the community, which will accommodate children from homeless families. The school has a capacity for 100 pupils and is scheduled to open in September. It offers free tuition, stationery, and meals.
Griffins, who resides abroad, explained that the outreach began in November 2010, driven by her passion for humanitarian service and Christian values. She called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support community development projects, stating, “We cannot leave everything for the government. We need to contribute and help build the country.”
Monthly Support and Vocational Training
The foundation provides monthly food and financial support to over 100 families and intervenes in cases of domestic violence, family disputes, and social crises. Over the years, it has trained women in tailoring, soap making, catering, and other vocational skills, offering start-up support like sewing machines and business funds.
Griffins revealed plans for a business pitch programme in September, where beneficiaries will present ideas to professionals and financial institutions for potential support. The current seminar serves as a preparatory platform for financial management and entrepreneurial knowledge.
Community and Church Support
Fr. Patrick Oshuntoyinbo, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, commended Griffins' efforts, noting that the blessed are expected to be channels of blessing to others. Beneficiary Mrs. Victoria Jishigutu, 71, expressed gratitude, saying, “The Lord has used this foundation to bless my family greatly with money, food, clothes, and many other things over the years.”
