In Nigeria, significant challenges persist in health, education, and empowerment. The maternal mortality ratio stands at 814 per 100,000 live births, among the highest globally, accounting for 20% of worldwide maternal deaths. Additionally, only 36% of children aged three to five attend early childhood education programs, leaving many without foundational learning opportunities. Women and youth continue to face barriers to opportunities, exacerbating socio-economic disparities. However, Layal Jade Tinubu is addressing these systemic challenges through the Noella Foundation, where she is making a profound impact.
At Noella Foundation, her efforts focus on tackling health disparities, revolutionising early education, and empowering women, children, and youth across Nigeria. Since its founding, the Noella Foundation has consistently championed initiatives that bring about tangible change, creating pathways for growth, development, and opportunity.
The Vision Behind Noella Foundation
When Layal Jade Tinubu founded the Noella Foundation in 2018, she identified specific problems in the country and wanted to contribute to the solution. She felt a deep sense of responsibility and believed that if she could collaborate with others who were interested in helping vulnerable and marginalised groups, Nigerian society would benefit immensely. In this light, the foundation supports education, creates employability opportunities, combats hunger, and addresses critical healthcare issues.
The foundation has a laser focus on health issues that mainly affect women and children, such as maternal mortality and sickle cell anaemia. They have launched programs aimed at ensuring safe pregnancies and deliveries for marginalised women.
Another standout initiative was the 2023 Sickle Cell Round Table. Jade brought in experts, key players, policymakers, and advocates to deliberate on actionable solutions for people with sickle cell disease. They also raised awareness about early diagnosis and gave funds to organisations like Crimson Bow Foundation by Timileyin Edwin and others, who are solely committed to this fight.
Noella organises vocational training mentorship programs and provides access to resources. Beneficiaries gain new skills to start and scale their businesses and careers to support their family and impact society.
“At Noella Foundation, we recognise vocational skills’ vital role in driving societal growth and development. This inspired us to host a transformative Vocational Skill Training session, where over 100 participants came together to expand their expertise in event planning, makeup artistry, and hairstyling.” – Jade Tinubu wrote on Instagram.
The Noella Foundation also hosts an annual Life After School summit to provide university students across Lagos State with the tools and insights to become standout candidates in today’s workforce. They have also supported the Back to School initiative organised by the Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation, which covered school fees for 400 children of widows in primary and secondary schools.
Lastly, the social entrepreneur is also the Founder and CEO of Tots Toys, an educational toyshop and learning hub dedicated to fostering children’s development through play. The space hosts book readings, interactive sessions, and activities designed to inspire young minds to love reading. Through these initiatives, she continues touching lives and creating systems that empower Nigerian communities underserved people.
