Blog

As ACT Foundation celebrates its 8th anniversary, learn about our story through the lenses of some members of the team.

Abiodun Owo

Three years ago, I joined ACT Foundation with a heart full of excitement and a lot of curiosity. I was not just looking for a role to fill. I was looking for a mission I could be proud of, and ACT Foundation had that in abundance: building sustainable societies by engaging initiatives that unleash potential and empower beneficiaries. I thought to myself, “Well, this sounds like serious work.” Spoiler alert: it has been serious ‘werk’… but also seriously rewarding.

I will never forget my final interview with our CEO, Ms Osayi Alile. I asked what she would like me to achieve in my first 30 days. Her response? “Produce a podcast series for the organization.” A podcast? In 30 days? I said to myself, Who send me? (chuckles) But with the incredible support of my colleagues, we pulled it off. ACTPod debuted in April 2022 and today, 35 episodes later, we are still amplifying the voices of Africans doing remarkable things in Africa, for Africa. And oh I can’t forget the big hug I got from my CEO after our very first recording.

Also, I joined at a time when the team was juggling multiple projects: onboarding 26 grantees for the 2022 grant cycle, organizing our signature conference Breakfast Dialogue and celebrating ACT’s 5th Anniversary, and, of course, producing that podcast. Each project stretched me, tested my limits, and reinforced the importance of collaboration, excellence and resilience.

Some of my proudest moments have been seeing our work translate into real impact. From reaching underserved mothers with maternal care to promoting sustainable waste management, and sustainable food production to witnessing young men and women transform their lives through entrepreneurial skills gained through our programming. These remind me daily why ACT’s mission matters.

Beyond the projects, these three years have been about professional and personal growth. I have sharpened my leadership and stakeholder management skills, but the biggest lesson has been this: being great at what I do is not just something I do for the organization I work for. It is a gift I give to myself. And ACT has made it easier with a supportive culture, from flexible work policies to a genuine concern for staff welfare. From TGIF to random acts of kindness. Imagine you get to your table to find a chilled bottle of soft drink, or a note about how much you’re admired by your colleague. I can’t forget secret Santa during the Christmas season and of course the awards I’ve received over the years (winks) From “Rookie of the Year,” to “APIE” (displayed on screen, Our values in action: Accountability, Partnership, Impact-driven, and Excellence), to the “CEO Award of the Year”, each recognition was a humbling reminder that the hard work was worth it.

Now, every great story has its heroes, and I cannot write mine without mentioning two phenomenal women. Ms. Ndifreke Okwuegbunam and Ms Osayi Alile. ND had this admirable ability. As my supervisor then, I would go to her with one idea, and somehow leave her office with three better ones, and usually homework too (smiles). ND looked out for me and obviously wanted me to succeed. And Ms. Osayi Alile, whom I fondly call the best CEO everrrrr. She has been a point of reference for me when talking about the ideal leader. She cheers me on every now and then and has taught me to never let success breed complacency. Her open-door leadership style is something I truly admire.

Of course, my story would not be complete without my ACT family, colleagues who have trusted, supported, and collaborated with me every step of the way. And a very special shoutout to my real MVPs: Temitope and Tishe, my ‘immediate family’ who never fail to show up.

Looking ahead, I am excited to keep contributing, keep learning, and keep building solutions that create lasting impact. If the last three years are anything to go by, the journey ahead promises to be even more inspiring and I am here for it.

Afebuameh Buoro

ACTivated Since 2018!!!

In 2018, I walked into ACT not quite sure what I would find. I came with curiosity, but what I discovered was far more, a spark. A place that believes in people, nurtures potential, and pushes you to be your very best.

ACT became a space where growth was not just encouraged but expected. I learned to step outside my comfort zone, to take on challenges that once felt too big, and to find purpose in work that truly impacts lives. Here, mistakes turned into lessons, and lessons into strength.

But beyond the work, I found people. Teammates who became friends, mentors who believed in me, and a network that continues to open doors and build bridges. The connections I have made here remind me that success is never a solo journey. It is built on shoulders, on laughter, on shared struggles, and on victories celebrated together.

But beyond the work, I found people. Teammates who became friends, mentors who believed in me, and a network that continues to open doors and build bridges. The connections I have made here remind me that success is never a solo journey. It is built on shoulders, on laughter, on shared struggles, and on victories celebrated together.

Eight years on, the story is still unfolding. I am grateful for the growth, for the friendships, for the purpose, and for the network that continues to shape me. And I am proud to be part of this movement that is bigger than any one of us.

Happy 8th Anniversary, ACT! #HumansofACT

Joy Deekor

Getting a new job is a feeling like no other. The moment you receive that offer letter, your heart swells with pride ahh finally, your effort has paid off. You imagine the opportunities ahead, the doors this role might open. But then, the questions creep in. Will I fit in? Can I meet expectations? Will I really thrive here?

Hello, my name is Deekor Joy, and this is my ACT Foundation story. It has only been a month since I joined, yet I already feel like I have stepped into a story much bigger than myself. From the very first day, I realized ACT Foundation isn’t just about projects or numbers of impact, it’s about people. Purpose driven people who make work meaningful, exciting, and deeply human.

One of my first assignments was to create content for TGIF. Approaching the team was so easy, initially I thought I was going to go back to Ms. Omoye and say, “sorry I couldn’t do it”. But to my greatest surprise I barely had to say much before everyone understood the assignment and delivered excellently. In that moment, I saw what true teamwork looks like, effortless collaboration, everyone giving their best, and making even a simple task feel inspiring.

And then came TGIF planning. A day before it, I noticed the genuine excitement on everyone’s faces especially when the food menu was sent around for us to make our choices. That joy was so contagious. Before long, we were bonding, laughing, I even got to join my choice of food together to create a buffet with Precious being our captain, Mary, Chinasa and Chidera. It wasn’t just about food, it was about connection, sharing, and the spirit of family that makes this Foundation so unique.

Another thing that struck me the most on that day of TGIF was our CEO, Ms. Osayi Alile, who was the most cheerful person in the room that day. It is rare to find CEOs who know their employees by name, let alone sit and interact with them so warmly. Her presence didn’t just make the atmosphere lighter, it reminded me of the kind of leadership that inspires, not from above, but from within the team. That moment showed me why ACT Foundation feels like a family.

I’ve also come to love the openness of my colleagues. From Ms. Afe lighting up the office with her energy, to Mr. Ugo and Ms. Omoye playfully tackling each other, what about Mr. Ag dropping his hilarious punchlines lol, there’s never a dull moment. And there’s kindness too, Ms. Bibi, who never hesitated to help me get to the nearest bus stop on my first day and made sure I was comfortable. These moments have shown me that culture, connection, and compassion are just as powerful as hard work in building a great team.

In just a few weeks, I’ve learned that communication is not just about information it’s about amplifying voices, inspiring hope, and connecting communities. As Ms. Omoye often reminds me “Take ownership of your role”. Every day here is a classroom sometimes stretching, but always rewarding. And though I am only one month in, I know this is just the beginning of a journey of growth, purpose, and impact. I am proud to say this is more than a role. It is a calling.

Happy 8th Anniversary to ACT Foundation!! here to many more years of impact and transformation.