The Lydia Wilson Foundation (LWF) has launched a transformative economic empowerment programme in Northern Nigeria. Called Bake to Empower, the initiative targets 999 displaced women and children, teaching practical baking skills. The programme aims to generate sustainable income while reducing hunger in conflict-affected regions.
LWF Chairperson, Lydia Balogun-Wilson, emphasized that empowerment provides the most sustainable response to poverty. She noted that humanitarian aid offers temporary relief but often fails to break dependency cycles. “Empowerment equips families with tools to survive independently,” Balogun-Wilson explained.
Northern Nigeria faces severe food insecurity, worsened by conflict, economic pressures, and reduced humanitarian funding. The United Nations World Food Programme projects nearly 35 million Nigerians may experience hunger during 2026. Rural communities in the northeast face the greatest challenges due to displacement and disrupted livelihoods.
Through the Bake to Empower programme, participants receive hands-on baking training suitable for local markets. The foundation provides starter equipment, ingredients, and first-cycle production support for all beneficiaries. Training also covers hygiene, food safety, pricing, and sales, enabling participants to operate micro-businesses.
Balogun-Wilson added, “This initiative allows families to regain independence and secure stable livelihoods.” LWF, registered in the UK, has a strong track record in education, health, agriculture, and empowerment. The programme focuses on widows, displaced persons, and households struggling for stable income and food access. By prioritizing skills and income generation, LWF promotes poverty reduction, gender equity, and sustainable growth.
With donor support, Bake to Empower can provide lasting change, helping vulnerable families thrive without reliance on aid.
