By Adebowale Johnson
The Hill City Foundation (HCF) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in Lagos. This significant milestone was not just a commemoration but a reflection of two decades dedicated to empowering African youth through education, entrepreneurship and mentorship.
Founded on March 13, 2004, by Engr. Obi Imemba and a team of visionary leaders, HCF emerged from a pressing need to address the educational and developmental challenges faced by young Nigerians. Many youths were grappling with limited access to educational resources and guidance, creating a void that HCF sought to fill.
The venue buzzed with excitement as guests, partners and beneficiaries came together to honor the foundation’s journey. Imemba, delivering the keynote address, underscored the critical need to address economic inequality in Nigeria, noting the pervasive sense of “complete hopelessness and helplessness” among the youth due to ongoing socio-economic issues.
“Our mission is to shift the narrative with a comprehensive, people-focused model of impact. We aim to deliver a transformational, institutionalized approach that fosters hope and opportunities for the youth,” he said.
The event was rich with engaging activities, including the induction of new members into HCF’s fellowship and mentorship cadre. This initiative underscores HCF’s dedication to nurturing talent by offering crucial guidance and support. A standout moment was the panel discussion, “Beyond Impact: Harnessing & Deploying the Energy of African Youths for Wealth Creation,” featuring entrepreneurs such as Samuel Jegede, Funto Ibuoye, Karen Ubani-Alli, Dare Harold and Damilade Taiye. They shared their experiences and strategies for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.
Another highlight was the presentation of the HCF Educational Support Programme Award, benefiting over 300 students. This award is a cornerstone of HCF’s mission, providing scholarships and educational assistance to underprivileged students, helping them pursue higher education and realize their aspirations.
Since its inception, HCF has awarded more than 2,500 university scholarships across Nigeria and Uganda, impacting students in over 170 universities. With plans to expand its reach to 10 African countries by its 25th anniversary, the foundation is poised to enhance its impact significantly.
Reflecting on the foundation’s origins, Imemba said: “Hill City Foundation emerged from the challenges faced by youth lacking direction after school. Our aim is to discover, develop, and deploy young people to find their paths through education, economic empowerment and mentorship.”
HCF’s strategy is encapsulated in its ‘Four Axis of Impact’: the Educational Support Programme (ESP), the Mentorship Programme, the Self-Discovery & Personal Development Programme (SDPDP), and the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP). These initiatives are designed to nurture young talent and maximize their potential. The foundation’s core values—Humanitarianism, Collaborative Effort, Faithful Stewardship, and the principles of Discover, Develop, and Deploy—guide its mission and foster a supportive environment for divine guidance.
As the celebration concluded, attendees expressed their admiration and support. Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, special assistant to the governor of Abia State on vulnerable groups and poverty alleviation, praised the HCF team for their positive impact, particularly in Abia State, and commended Imemba as a beacon of hope for Nigerian youths and vulnerable groups.
The anniversary celebration culminated with Imemba and his dedicated team cutting the anniversary cake, symbolizing a renewed commitment to transforming lives and communities across Africa. With a forward-looking vision, Hill City Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to harness the energy of African youth, driving wealth creation and sustainable development.
Imemba concluded: “Our goal is to provide social support without relying on government resources. We are dedicated to empowering young people to become leaders and change-makers, shaping Africa’s future in the years ahead.”