From Vision to Reality: How 9ja Food Fiesta Successfully Launched Its Abuja Empowerment Programme

Following the clear definition of our mission and structure, 9ja Food Fiesta took deliberate and strategic steps to ensure a successful rollout of its empowerment programmes, beginning with Abuja as the pilot location.

Engagement with Government Institutions and Partners
The process commenced with the drafting and formal submission of official letters to relevant government establishments, agencies, and institutions. These letters introduced 9ja Food Fiesta, clearly outlined our objectives, and sought collaboration, endorsements, and institutional support for our training and empowerment initiatives. Parallel to this, we reached out to private-sector organizations, development partners, media houses, and industry professionals, particularly within the culinary space, to explore partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.

This stage required persistence and professionalism. Follow-up visits, phone calls, and scheduled meetings were conducted to ensure our proposals were properly reviewed and understood. Through consistent engagement and transparent communication, we built trust, secured partnerships, and strengthened our credibility. These efforts laid a solid foundation for the Abuja programme and created momentum leading up to our official launch.

Registration and Screening of Beneficiaries
Once partnerships were in place, we opened registration to interested youths, including persons with disabilities. The response was overwhelming, reflecting the urgent need for skill acquisition and empowerment. To ensure fairness, quality, and impact, a structured screening process was implemented. Registered candidates were carefully assessed based on eligibility criteria, interest, commitment level, and alignment with the chosen training areas. This screening helped us select participants who were genuinely motivated and positioned to benefit fully from the programme.

The Abuja Launch Event
All preparations culminated in the official launch of 9ja Food Fiesta in Abuja, which took place at Sandralia Hotel, Abuja, on Saturday, 31st August, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone in our journey and was a resounding success. It brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of partner organizations, culinary professionals, government-related bodies, and members of the press.

The launch received strong media coverage, with various media houses in attendance, helping to amplify our message and extend our reach. Our culinary partners also played a prominent role, showcasing their support and commitment to the vision of empowering youths through practical skills. The atmosphere was one of hope, collaboration, and shared purpose, reinforcing the belief that collective action can drive sustainable change.

The successful Abuja launch not only validated the hard work invested in planning and partnerships but also set the tone for subsequent programmes in other states. It stands as a proud reminder of what can be achieved through vision, persistence, and collaboration.