Abuja: The Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF) has provided comprehensive training for humanitarian workers and recipients of the Nigerian Volunteers Award, focusing on leadership, grant management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), financial management, and emergency response. This initiative was part of the activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Nigerian Volunteers Award on Aug. 20, as announced by RHF’s Founder, Dr Chinenye Onuorah.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training aimed to equip change-makers with practical skills for sustainable impact. Participants learned about brand strategy, the use of AI tools for proposal writing, money management, workplace safety, emergency response, and strategic impact measurement. Dr Onuorah emphasized the necessity for humanitarian workers to possess critical skills that enhance service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
Dr Onuorah stated, “Part of our objectives at RHF is leadership training and empowerment, which help to build the capacity of individuals to impact their organizations. Leadership requires empathy and strategy, while measurable results can only be achieved when humanitarian interventions are guided by clear plans and objectives.” She also discussed the significance of brand identity and strategy in shaping an organization’s image, urging participants to leverage the training to enhance their organizations and personal profiles.
Established 16 years ago, RHF has impacted communities across 20 states through health, education, and technology-focused interventions. Health initiatives have included vaccination tracking, health sensitization, and free medical screenings for diseases such as HIV, diabetes, malaria, and typhoid. In education, RHF has provided scholarships, mentorship, and skills development opportunities for students, engaging children in graphic design, animation, and other technology-related programs.
Mrs Oghene Ogunlusi, a communication expert, stressed the importance of strategic and empathetic leadership in the humanitarian sector. She identified the three pillars of effective leadership as the head (strategy), the heart (empathy and passion), and the hands (execution), noting that leadership impact is limited without combining these elements. Ogunlusi highlighted the need for leaders to develop practical strategies that address the needs of those they serve and advised careful evaluation of resources, stakeholders, and external factors for informed decision-making.
Mr Adebayo Shodunke, a Project Manager at Business Sweden in Lagos, educated participants on the ethical use of AI in project implementation and proposal development. He emphasized that AI could improve efficiency and productivity but must be used responsibly to prevent misinformation and regulatory breaches. Shodunke warned against sharing beneficiaries’ personal information through AI platforms without consent and stressed compliance with Nigeria’s data protection regulations.
Participants praised the organizers for the insightful program, which offered practical strategies to enhance their work and drive meaningful societal change. The training also included sessions on safety and emergency response, as well as fire drills.