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Dpat Multipurpose Cooperative Union’sNew Savings, Thrifts and Loan Office Opens in Dukpa

September 15, 2025By Content Team0 comment

It was another landmark achievement on Saturday, 14th June, 2025 for DPat Foundation (NGO) as its Cooperative Union arm inaugurated its first savings, thrifts and loan centre in Dukpa village of Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Although, the event started slightly behind schedule due to the early morning rain, the turn out from the host community was impressive. Dukpa which happens to be one of the hubs of activities of DPat Foundation is an ideal choice of place to kick-start what is envisioned to be replicated in other remote communities. Serving as a pilot project, the centre will cater to the needs of nano entrepreneurs who need urgent soft loads to enhance and expand their existing businesses.

Speaking at the event, the national president and founder of DPat Foundation, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey gave a brief history of DPat Foundation and how it all started. According to her, she was heartbroken over the plights of young ladies in the FCT in the mid and late 1980s who had neither jobs nor skills but operated as commercial sex workers. As a fashion designer she began by training them in fashion designing and then later, skill acquisition training in other trades followed. This continued and gave birth to DPat Foundation. Since inception, the foundation has empowered thousands of girls, women and youths, she said.

The establishment of the savings, thrifts and loan centre becomes necessary because, seeing the impacts of the NGO, especially, the grants and the free farm inputs from the AEA and FCT-FADAMA CARE programmes respectively, more women and farmers have not only indicated interest in the foundation’s Cooperative union, but also a place where they can get

urgent fund for their small businesses. Dukpa, being one of the communities whose members benefitted the most from the FADAMA CARE programme has more other members who indicated their needs to fund their small businesses and farms. At the end of her speech, participants at the event asked several questions bothering on mode of operation of the outfit, criteria and eligibility for accessing the loan as well as amount that can be assessed, repayment plans etc., The questions and doubts expressed by the participants were duly cleared by the president, Elder Mrs. Ardey.

The national president, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, also used the avenue to present a letter of appointment to the Nassarawa State Chapter of the foundation, Mrs. Deborah Nikre. She hinted that Nassarawa State Chapter which was inaugurated barely four months ago (precisely, on the 27th of February) has experienced considerable growth and progress under the watch of Mrs. Nikre.The president commended the new state chapter coordinator for her commitment to the work within the last four months. In her acceptance speech, the Nassarawa State Coordinator appreciated the president for her confidence in her and hinted that for almost within one year of hearing about DPat Foundation and its numerous impacts, she worked tirelessly to make sure such works and impacts are replicated in Nassarawa State. And so without even meeting Elder Pateince Ardey face to face, she was already rallying women in her community and orienting them about the foundation. By the time she and Elder Mrs. Ardey got to see face to face, the Nassarawa State group was up and standing with several women registered. She said they are set to maximize the DPat platform and make its presence more felt in that state as it is in the FCT, if not more. She challenged and urged everyone on the platform to do their best in contributing to the growth and progress of the foundation. The programme climaxed at the cutting of the ribbon carried out by the ECWA Reverend Pastor Sale Able who prayed earnestly that the outfit will positively impact and enhance the Dukpa community’s economic life.

The Zarki of Dukpa, representing the traditional chief of Dukpa, and one other community member from Ibwa 2, a neighbouring community, gave the votes of thanks. They both appreciated the self-less efforts of Elder Mrs. Ardey and the DPat Foundation team and prayed that the thrifts, savings and loan centre will prosper and achieve its objectives. The event was brought to a close with prayers.

Photos from the event

Agro-ecology Training on Sack Farming/Home Garden and Financial Literacy for Women, Youths and People with Special Needs

September 12, 2025By Content Team0 comment

A Programme Organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)

The programme which took place in Minna, Niger State on the 28th May 2025 was well attended by women and youths from different parts of the country. As usual, Dpat Foundation was also on ground, represented by one of our ownc, Patience Oiza Fache, who represented the Dpat Foundation, Dpat Cooperative Union. The training workshop was focused on agro-ecology practices through sack farming/home gardening and financial literacy.

The event was specifically designed to empower women from various Cooperative groups , youth, and women with special needs with practical agricultural skills and essential knowledge of financial management. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to promote food security, economic self-reliance, and inclusive development communities.

Objectives of the Training

The core objectives of the training were:
To introduce participants to sustainable farming techniques using limited space (sack farming/home gardening).
To enhance knowledge of agro-ecological principlesthat promote environmental sustainability.
To empower vulnerable groups, including women, youths, and persons with disabilities, with skills that improve livelihood and food security.

The training recorded active participation from various geopolitical zones In Nigeria. Women, youths and women with special needs where present. Efforts were made to ensure inclusivity, with accessibility considerations such as sign language interpretation and simplified materials for visually impaired participants.

Training Modules and Activities
Participants were introduced to the various princinples, practice and techniques involved in sack farming as parts of the training modules. This include:
· The principles of agro-ecology: soil health, biodiversity and organic inputs.
· Sustainable vegetable farming
· Practical sessions on sack farming: how to set up a sack garden, select appropriate crops (e.g., leafy greens, tomatoes, yam), and manage pests naturally.
· Sustainable yam production and food security.
· Home garden planning: using household waste for composting, and organic fertilizer.
· Soil health and management.

Outcomes and Impact
· Skills Acquired: Participants demonstrated clear understanding of sack farming and financial planning.
· Motivation Boosted: Many women and youth expressed renewed confidence in their ability to start home-based farming businesses.

· Participants were divided into small groups, according to their states and regions, and each participant received a starter kit (sack, vegetable seedlings, tomato seeds, rope , and yam seeds) with a spade.

The agro-ecology training on sack farming/home gardening and financial literacy has proven to be a practical, and impactful initiative. Its ability to empower and equip women, youths and people with special needs with the tools and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to food security and local economic growth was clearly demonstrated among the participants during the training.

A REPORT ON THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE FARMERS LOAN SENSITIZATION SEMINAR

September 9, 2025By Content Team0 comment

THEME: “Unlocking Opportunities for Agricultural Growth.”

The DPat Co-operative Union oversees numerous co-operative groups spreading across several rural and urban communities in the FCT, especially in Gwagwalada Area council. Through this platform, DPat Foundation has consistently helped to link rural women, youths and farmers to access financial facilities from government agencies and relevant institutions. It was on such ground and in furtherance of its objective of empowering the grassroots that the Foundation recently organized a seminar to sensitize rural farmers on the Bank of Agriculture’s farmer’s loan application process and benefits.

The seminar on the sensitization of farmers on the farmer’s loan application process and benefits, which was organized in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), took place in Gwagwalada on the 10^th of April, 2025. The event was attended by several guests and dignitaries from the Bank of Agriculture itself, the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), to mention a few. Farmers who have indicated interest and applied for the loan were present in their numbers. About twenty groups from several rural and suburb communities such as Dobi, Dukpa, Ibwa 2, Anagada, Quarters Ward, Gwagwalada, to mention a few, were present at the event.

In her welcome address, the president and founder of DPat Foundation thanked the officials of the Bank of Agriculture for their continuous confidence in DPat Foundation and for their supports and partnership over the years. She explained the core purpose of the BOA farmer’s loan programme and earnestly appealed to the farmers to judiciously use the money for the purpose for which it will be given. She reminded them that this is a loan which must be paid back and not a grant. She said that even if one member of a group defaults in repaying the loan when repayment is due, it will hinder the rest of the group members from obtaining further loan from the bank.

Mrs. Ardey went memory lane to intimate guests and participants at the events that DPat Foundation has recorded many milestones over the years in its quest helping and empowering and linking the populace at the grassroots levels with relevant government agencies for empowerment in the form of soft loans or grants. According to her, many individuals through the DPat Foundation’s platform and cooperative union have benefited from such loans and grants in the past and even in recent times.

Speaking on the process and the benefits of accessing the farmer’s loan, one of the BOA officials present, Mr. Isaiah Ohaba, spoke intensively on the purpose of the loan, emphasizing that the farmer’s loan is meant to assist farmers to maximize outputs thereby contributing to food security, household and national economy. Mr. Ohaba gave a brief overview of the purpose and mission of the Bank of Agriculture. He said that the bank which was established more than fifty years ago, and which is the largest agricultural financial institution in Nigeria, has helped empowered farmers at various levels and consequently contributed to food security and national economic growth enormously in the past five decades.

He urged the farmers not to use the loan to acquire more wives or to build house but to strictly use it for agricultural purpose while assuring them that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that the loan is made available to them timely enough to use as the raining season has almost arrived.

Mrs. Amina also, an official of the Bank of Agriculture, threw more light on the scheme. Speaking partly in Hausa language in order to make the message clearer and more understandable to the local farmers, she pointed out the differences between grants and loans. According to her, unlike grants that are not to be paid back, the farmer’s loan is a loan and it must be repaid back with interest. She therefore earnestly urged the farmers to ensure that they use the money strictly for the purpose for which it will be given, which is farming. The quests and speakers also welcomed questions, observations and contributions from the audience whose doubts and reservations were thoroughly addressed.

Mr. Bala Tsokwa from Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), in his speech as a representative of the agency at the event, gave interesting information about the activities of the Abuja Enterprise Agency. According to him, the agency is there to attend to the needs of MSMEs, business people and farmers at an advisory level. He revealed that the agency has carried out several community development projects and as well has continued to work in partnership with other relevant government agencies to help small businesses. He encouraged the audience to take advantage of the services of the agency that are designed to help them in their business endeavours. Abuja Enterprise Agency is a major and longstanding partner of DPat Foundation whose supportive roles have brought major benefits to members of the DPat Cooperative Union in such areas as technical supports and grants.

The guests were later conducted round the exhibition stands of the farmers. The farmer further received advises on how to improve on their businesses at personal levels from the guests who visited their stands one after the other.

See photos of exhibitions by the farmers below:

See photos of some of the various cooperative groups that were in attendance below:

DPAT FOUNDATION INAUGURATES NASSARAWA STATE CHAPTER

September 4, 2025By Content Team0 comment

In furtherance of the quest to reach more grassroots women, youths and farmers, Dpat Foundation has inaugurated a state chapter in Nassarawa State, one of the North Central states of Nigeria. With its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory where the national foundation’s national headquarter is located, Nassarawa State is an ideal place to extend our growing tentacles in our quest to reach more grassroots.

The inauguration which took place in Akwanga, a major town in Nassarawa State, on the 27th of February, 2025, drew the attention of many women from within the area. The Nassarawa State Chapter Coordinator, Deborah Nikre, who welcomed the National President, Elder Mrs. Ardey also thanked her for coming and for her tireless efforts to empower grassroots women.

Speaking to the women, the National President, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, emphasized the need for women to be part of a platform like Dpat Foundation and Dpat Cooperative Union which have over the years helped a lot of women to access grants and soft loans for their small businesses. She particularly placed emphasis on the importance and the advantages of being an active member of the cooperative. According to her, cooperatives are there to empower members who are in financial needs. Before or even without looking up to other financial other outfits or government agencies for helps, cooperatives are meant to have their own pool of resources from which they can come to the rescue of members who are in need. However, such members must be financially committed.

She further encouraged the women to be committed and also invite other women to be part of the foundation and its cooperative union. The event went on amidst enthusiasm and was concluded with anticipations by members and intending members who were in attendance.

THE WORLD BANK DELEGATE’S VISIT

June 19, 2025By Content Team0 comment

On the 3rd of February, 2025, Dpat Foundation hosted a delegate from the World Bank in Dukpa village, one of the commuities of Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT. The delegate’s visit was part of the assessment and evaluation of the World Bank-backed FADAMA-Care programme and the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) grants from which Dpat Cooperative members have benefitted. Officials of FADAMA-Care and AEA were also on ground as the World Bank delegate’s interacted with the beneficiaries of both the FADAMA-Care programme and AEA grants to ascertain if the materials and funds truly got to them.

Over 200 farmers and entrepreneurs under DPat Cooperative Union had benefitted from the World Bank sponsored programe during the second and third quarters of 2024. While FADAMA gave the farmers free farm inputs such as fertilizer, chemicals, sprayers, seeds, day-old chicks, poultry feeds, fish feed, grinding machines etc., AEA on its part gave out financial grants o the entrepreneurs. The delegates and officials were highly impressed by the turn out of the members of the community, which was an evidence of the positive impacts of the programme.

Members of the World Bank delegate and officials of FADAMA Care and AEA later met with the farmers and the community leaders and encouraged by the fact that the materials and grants given to them were judiciously utilized towards food security and job creation.

The community members and leaders appreciated the World Bank, AEA, FCT-FADAMA for the grants and free materials received. They also thanked Dpat Foundation for making sure they got to benefit from the programmes.

HELPING RURAL FARMERS ACCESS THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE SAVINGS AND CREDIT FACILITIES

February 20, 2025By Content Team0 comment

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) is Nigeria’s largest and foremost agricultural financial institution. Established in 1972 and becoming fully operational in 1973, BOA has the mandate to provide agricultural credit facilities and other micro credit facilities to support agricultural value chain in Nigeria, especially among rural farmers. Since inception, the institution has recorded numerous landmarks in this direction through the provision of saving facilities to farmers at individual as well as at corporate (i.e., cooperative and group) levels. Another major way is by providing credit facilities to farmers, women, youths etc., through cooperatives and groups.

LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP TO EMPOWER PEOPLE

BOA’s major strong point is an ability to reach the people through strategic partnership with reputable organizations in both the public and the private sectors. Over the years, DPat Foundation (NGO) has proven to be one of the reputable organization enjoying such strategic partnership with BOA. Several rural farmers in the past have been reached and given access to agricultural credit facilities by BOA through DPat’s Cooperatives Union as a result of DPat Foundation’s credibility as a long standing partner.

BRIDGING COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS CREATION GAPS

Over the years DPat Foundation has bridged the gaps between rural dwellers and government agencies and financial institutions like the Bank of Agriculture. Majority of the rural farmers are unaware of the existence, goals and activities of government institutions like the BOA. Through the consistent efforts of DPat Foundation however, several rural farmers in many parts of the FCT have gained such awareness and subsequently benefited from such programmes.

It was in keeping with this continuous efforts that DPat Foundation once again ensured that members of its various cooperatives who are yet to open account with the BOA, especially the new member, get to open individual savings accounts with the bank. This will help them meet up with the criteria for accessing agricultural credit facilities. Officials and staff of the bank were on ground to help open individual savings accounts for the cooperative members. The account opening exercise took place at DPat Foundation’s secretariat premises and also at various other community locations in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT in the month of February, 2025.

See more photos below.

KEEPING AN UP-CLOSE WATCH

February 18, 2025By Content Team0 comment

Dpat Foundation’s up-close watch over the children being sponsored under its Project60 Scholarship Programme, is akin to that of a mother-hen who jealously guards her chicks from birds of prey and other dangers. Besides being put through school by the foundation; the progress the children are making, the challenges that they are likely to face or are facing at any point as well as the problems that the schools they are attending could be grappling with etc., are considered by DPat Foundation as important factors that can affect the children positively or negatively. Thus the foundation takes it upon itself to play the parental role by ensuring that it is kept abreast of the academic, psychological and social welfare of these children. A major way this parental role is being carried out is through active participation in the schools’ PTA meetings and other relevant activities.

The first PTA meeting of Ibwa 2 Secondary School was held in January this year (2025) at the school’s premises with several parents/guardians of other students at the school in attendance. And as usual, DPat Foundation was present at the meeting for the children under its scholarship scheme. This first meeting of the year was basically to continue to re-orient and encourage parents and guardians at the rural communities to take the education of their children and wards seriously. Speaking during the meeting, the principal called out to the parents and guardians to put all hands on deck and contribute their own quotas towards the infrastructural and other developmental needs, growth and progress of the school as he laments the lack of adequate basic facilities like desks, chairs and other important items that are urgently needed by the school.

Some of the parents and guardians present at the meeting also spoke and made contributions on the matter. Representatives of Dpat Foundation, Mrs. Grace Daniel and Miss. Patience Fache also spoke on behalf of Dpat Foundation. Speaking on behalf of the president/founder of DPat Foundation, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, Mrs. Daniel reiterated the foundation’s resolves to see that everything possible that lies within the foundation’s capacity will be done to contribute towards the progress of the school and the children under its scholarship scheme. She said that educating the children today may seem stressful but the rewards ahead will be great gains to the children themselves, their families, the society and the nation at large.

Below are some photos from the meeting.

2024 IN RETROSPECT WITH GRATITUDE

December 26, 2024By Content Team0 comment

2024, as a year in review, has been an exciting year for DPat Foundation in spite of the prevailing adverse socioeconomic situation in the land. Members and beneficiaries of the foundation, without a doubt, have many reasons to look back at the year with gratitude in their hearts. The tireless labours of the founder/president, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey and her team towards helping to empower grassroots communities especially rural farmers and women, have yielded considerable results on many fronts. As the year draws to a close, we want to take the time to count our blessings while expressing our most profound appreciations, first and foremost, to God who has always been our all-round help. We extend our appreciations also to our great team of volunteers, our partners in both the public sector and the private sector.

We will not take for granted the many milestones that have been achieved in this forgoing year. A few important ones are worth mentioning. They are highlighted below

Symposium on Nano Enterprises.

On the on 7^th of March, 2024, DPAT FOUNDATION hosted numerous guests and dignitaries from various walks of life to the maiden edition of its annual symposium on nano enterprises with the theme: “WHY DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT NANO ENTREPRENEURS?” The event which took place in Gwagwalada , was well attended by various stake-holders from both the public and the private sectors. In attendance were guests and dignitaries from several government agencies such as National Directorate of Employment (NDE), ably represented by its FCT Coordinator, Mr. Chimereze Noble, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Agriculture Development Project (ADP), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT, FADAMACares, Nigeria Police Force, Gwagwalada division, as well as various private sector organizations, trade associations, Women Group and several other dignitaries.

FCT FADAMA CARES PROGRAMME: DPat Foundation’s Role in Bridging the Gaps between the Government and Rural Community Farmers.

The FCT FADAMA CARES programme of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (FCTA) was initiated to stem the negative tides of the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme was designed and initiated by the federal government to restore the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable rural farmers. The programme became necessary in the wake of the Covid pandemic whose adverse effects transverse all sectors of our national economy and the socioeconomic life of most people worldwide. The adverse effects was even felt by the poor rural farmers more.

The Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme is part of some of the key initiatives in the Government’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to respond to the current economic crisis in Nigeria. It is in the furtherance of this objective that the FCT FADAMA CARES Programme was put in motion.

The programme which was designed to restore the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable rural farmers was to provide free farm and agricultural inputs for farmers so as to help them recover from the losses incurred as the result of the COVID lockdown. The farm and agricultural inputs includes:

Fertilizers, chemicals and seeds for crop farmers
Knapsack sprayers with complete personal protection equipment (PPE) Kits
Fish feed and fingerlings for fish farmers
Bird feeds and Day-Olds for poultry farmers
Male and female goats for livestock farmers
Grinding machine in complete set each for women (especially, widows)

Bridging the Gaps between the Government and Rural Community Farmers

You will agree that when programmes and incentives such as this are carried out, a lot of rural communities and grassroots people are often not carried along as a result of challenges of communication gaps. This where DPat Foundation, known for its active roles in community and grassroots works, comes in. Aware that many communities within the FCT were unaware of the FADAMA Cares Programme, the President/Founder, DPat Foundation, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey put her team together to reach out to the communities with this news.The foundation ensured that grassroots farmers and rural women were informed of this and their data were captured on behalf of FADAMA, according to the needs of each the farmer and women. After series of screening by FCT FADAMA, the farmers were called in batches and given the agricultural and farm input to their delight and amazement. Many of the farmers expressed pleasant surprises, because, according to them, they never believed the programme was going to be as transparent, targeted and on point as it turned out to be.

Pre-Disbursement Capacity Building Training for the Beneficiaries

Capacity building training was also agonized by FCT FADAMA for the beneficiaries. The training which took place at the DPat Foundation Secretariat in Gwagwalad FCT, focused on:

Group dynamics: covering the process of forming, managing/running cooperatives as well as the process of electing leaders/executives.

Book keeping for farmers: covering the art of business and financial record keeping.

Monitoring and evaluation: this focused on how groups can monitor the performance of members, especially in the areas of loan repayment.

Community based procurement: focused on how groups can do business as a body by procuring items at cheaper rates and reselling them to members at affordable prices.

Environmental and social safeguards: covering how rural communities can take care of their environment.

Nutrition and hygiene: covering the act of personal hygiene and family nutrition.

Questions and answer sections/Evaluations: there were also questions from the trainees which were satisfactorily answered by the facilitators. Questions were also thrown to the trainees by the facilitators to evaluate their level of comprehension and gains from the training.

The FCT FADAMA facilitators took their time to break down the contents of the training to the level that the rural farmers can understand by using both English and Hausa languages which was understood by most of the participants.

Skills Empowerment Classes

2024, like other years in the past, witnessed a growing attention on entrepreneurial skill training classes for women and girls. The outstanding results produced in this year’s classes underscored the resolves of the foundation to empower women and youths economically. In the month of August, during the summer holidays, several girls of secondary school age were engaged at DPAT FOUNDATION secretariat in Gwagwalada participating in fashion designing and tailoring as well as catering and other skill training classes. Likewise in the months of October through December several women and youths were trained in fashion designing, tailoring, catering and cake making. The participants show a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the classes.

Other landmark events of 2024 in pictures

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

December 25, 2024By Content Team0 comment

DPAT FOUNDATION, as a non-governmental organization, was founded to empower women and youths to be self-reliant and be economically productive members of the society. Since its inception DPat Foundation has remained on course in the discharge of its duties in this regards as a conscientious not-for-profit organization. It has, as an organization, through the resilient and unflinching commitment of its founder and president, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, consistently reached out to empower rural women as well as women in the urban and suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja through trade and entrepreneurial skills training.

Special focus has also being on the girl-child with the belief that when a girl is empowered with entrepreneurial skills in her formative years she will be more economically productive in her journey through early womanhood. She will not only be economically self-sustained but also be an asset to her family and the society. Many such young women who passed through DPAT SKILL ACQUISITIONS PROGRAMMES are today self-employed and are in turn employing and empowering others. Many young men have also been empowered with relevant and employable trade skills that have enabled them to be economically productive.

A major feat that DPAT FOUNDATION is known for is its knacks for organizing and linking the beneficiaries of its skills empowerment trainings with government and relevant agencies for financing facilities. Over times, many have been given grants, soft loans, equipment and inputs by relevant government agencies for either the take-off of their businesses in the areas of their newly acquired trade skills or for the expansion of existing businesses.

Another very prominent platform through which DPat Foundation has helped to empower the people it trains as well as others who wish to benefit is its co-operative platforms. There are presently a union of co-operatives under the foundation which is the umbrella of all the numerous co-operatives that have been formed by the beneficiaries of the foundation. Many of such groups are based in various remote rural areas in the FCT while others are within the suburbs of the FCT.

SKILL ACQUISITION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL EMPOWERMENT CLASSES

A major achievement or what can be seen as a Flagship Programme at DPat Foundation is its skills acquisition training classes which are mostly free of charge. DPat Foundation boasts of being one of the few non-profit organizations with the most efficient and result-oriented skill empowerment platforms in the entire FCT. Several hundreds of girls, women, youths and grown men have been trained in various trade skills such as:

Fashion designing and tailoring
Beads and hat making
Bag and shoe making
Catering and cake making
Event planning
Paint making
Soap and detergent making
Organic farming
Poultry
Fishery etc.

Beneficiaries were taught how to start their businesses immediately with or without adequate capital. For example, in the fashion and tailoring class, the trainees were trained to design and sew dresses just with the use of measuring tapes, scissors, threads and needles, without the use of sewing machine at the foundational stage. And they have come up with beautiful and quality hand-made dresses that are ready for the market and for personal use at this stage of their classes. By the time they start using sowing machine, they had already mastered the art.

The Head Instructor, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, revealed that the trainees were taught to start producing cloths and dresses that they can sell and earn income from immediately, such as skirts, tops, gowns, underwear and boxers. Same goes for cake making and other classes. Trainees were taught on the go how they can immediately begin to market their skills and start earning incomes immediately.

What is so remarkable about this is that these classes are mostly free of charge.

EXHIBITIONS

Many mini and major exhibitions have been organized by DPAT FOUNDATION for the purpose of show casing the works and newly acquired skills of its beneficiaries. At the end of each training session mini exhibitions were organized to display the results of the trainings. The trainees, of course, usually took advantage the platform to display their crafts which they have learn from the training classes to the delight of guests and observers. Major exhibitions, however, were organized independently or as parts of the organization’s programmes like seminars or symposiums in which beneficiaries, associates and partners came to exhibit their products and businesses. DPAT Foundation has also participated in MSMEs Expos and exhibitions organized by other bodies to showcase works done by its beneficiaries. Example is the annual Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) MSMEs Expo.

SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIUMS

As a yearly tradition, seminars and symposiums have also been organized with dignitaries from various governmental and non-governmental organizations gracing the events. In March, 2024, DPAT FOUNDATION held a one-day seminar for her women on Women’s Day. The seminar aimed at encouraging women to be enterprising, productive and protective of their homes and families.

Similarly, on the 31^st of May, 2024, DPAT FOUNDATION participated in a strategic meeting convened by the Community and Social Intervention Department of the Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Nigerian Women Economic Development (NigWED). The meeting aimed at forming a collaboration between the Ministry of Woman Affairs and Civil Society Organizations to forge a roadmap for safeguarding the rights of women and children. The goal of this event aligns perfectly well with that of DPAT FOUNDATION that has for decades championed the cause and rights of women and children.

Perhaps, one of the major landmark achievements of DPAT FOUNATION in 2024 was its symposium organized on nano enterprises with the theme: “WHY DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT NANO ENTREPRENEURS?” The event which took place in Gwagwalada , Abuja on 7^th of March, 2024, hosted many guests and dignitaries from various walks of life. The event was attended by several government agencies such as National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Agriculture Development Project (ADP), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT, FADAMACares, Nigeria Police Force, Gwagwalada division, as well as various private sector organizations, trade associations, Women Groups and several other guests and dignitaries.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

DPAT FOUNDATION is in active working partnership with various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.. These include the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), the Bank of Agric (BOA), the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Bank of Industry (BOI), FCT Agricultural and Rural Development, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), to mention a few. Over the years DPAT FOUNDATION has hosted representatives of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in the person of its FCT Coordinator, Mr. Chimereze Noble. Mr. Nobel has presented several papers in many of the foundation’s fora. His continuous moral supports have been a boost to the resolves for untiring efforts of the founder and officials of the foundation.

Another major supportive and, perhaps, the most active partner in recent time is the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA). Many members of DPAT Co-operative Union have benefitted from AEA grants in its several batches. Beneficiaries have been able to expand their businesses through the funds gotten from the grants. Beyond these financial benefits for the members, AEA through its officials has consistently honoured and graced seminars and symposiums organized by the foundation. Seminar papers on book keeping and financial management for small businesses have been severally presented by the agency through its representatives at DPAT FOUNDATION’S Seminars and other programmes.

The Bank of Agric. (BOA) has also been a great partner to the organization. Several members of the various co-operatives under DPAT FOUNDATION have been given soft loan for the expansion of their agric. Businesses. Much can also be said of the Bank of Industry (BOI). BOI has remained a solid technical partner to DPAT FOUNDATION. The same goes for the FCT Agric. and Rural Development.

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), which is a nation’s leading industrial skill training agency of the federal republic of Nigeria is also been strong a partner with DPAT Foundation. DPAT FOUNDATION has facilitated entrepreneurial skills classes for students and youths under in partnership with ITF. And speaking of youths and students, students of the University of Abuja’s Institute of Education has also benefitted from DPAT FOUNDATION’S Entrepreneurial skills empowerment classes. Time will not permit to talk about the various youths and students oriented partnership and skill empowerment classes that has taken place, courtesy of the resilient efforts of its founder/president, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey.

PROJECT60

“It takes the whole village to bring up a child,” says an African proverb. But what happens if the whole village is distracted and preoccupied with other issues of life? What happens if the plights of children no longer border the villagers? The plights of children today are getting worst by the day because of the harsh realities of weakening cultural values. Child neglect and its resultant effects, namely, juvenile delinquencies seems to start appearing normal in our society today as many now see this evil as something they can do nothing about.

With the figure on Out-Of-School Children (OOSC) in Nigeria by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimated to be 20 million children and that of the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimated to be over 20 million children, 69 per cent of which is in the northern part of the country, there is a need for urgent action.

Many children who have either lost one or both of their parents or whose parents are not financially capable of sending them to school are left, you my say, to themselves. But in reality, they are left in the hands of unscrupulous individuals who find them ready criminal recruits. Yet most of us can do something to contribute to stem this ugly tides. This is why Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey floated the Project60 in 2023 as an arm and platform DPAT FOUNDATION through which these children can be sent to school and have their future secured.

As a non-governmental organization with a trusted reputation, DPat Foundation has taken the responsibility of providing the PROJECT60 SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME as a platform for sincere and willing members of the public to sponsor less privileged children through school as partners and donors. Through this scholarship scheme the Foundation is currently sponsoring over sixty children from primary through secondary school. The major objective of PROJECT60 is to help reduce the menace of Out Of School Children (or OOSC) within the FCT, beginning from Gwagwalada Area Council.

DPat Co-operative Union

There are a number of co-operative groups under the DPat Co-operative Union. As an organisation that has trained and empowered so many people over the years, the population of people associated with DPat Foundation on individual basis is enormous. DPat Foundation boasts of a great number of people in several rural community who are member of one Dpat Co-operative group or the other. By belonging to theses groups under DPat Co-operative union it has being very easy to monitor everyone. Through each group leaders messages and information are easy to pass across. Members are easy to monitor especially, on how they put grants or loans given to them by financial institutions or government agencies.

The year 2024 ended with so many other co-operative groups been registered and issued certificates by the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development. There have been an influx of new members joining these co-operative groups after witnessing their friends, families members and neighbours benefiting in so many ways this year on the platforms of the DPat Co-operative union. As a result new co-operative groups had to be registered to cater to this new influx. This underscored the positive impacts of the foundation on the grassroots women, farmers and the rural communities generally.

In all of this, we can only say, “ALL THE GLORY BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY” as we look forward to more of His empowering grace to do more in the coming years. We will not fail to thank all our government agency partners such as AEA, NDE, BOA, BOI, Ministry of Women Affairs, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FADAMACare and a host of other partners in the public sector. Special thanks also go to the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri as well as the various traditional and community heads within the Gwagwalada Area Council, Kwali Area Council etc. Our profound appreciation also goes to our private sector partners, our volunteers and team as well as heads of the various co-operative groups who made the works easier. Thank you all!

– The President/Founder, Dpat Foundation, Elder Mrs Patience Ardey, JP..

FCT FADAMA CARES PROGRAMME: DPat Foundation’s Role in Bridging the Gaps between the Government and Rural Community Farmers

October 14, 2024By Content Team0 comment

DPat Foundation’s Role in Bridging the Gaps between the Government and Rural Community Farmers

You will agree with me that when programmes and incentives such as this are carried out, a lot of rural communities and grassroots people are often not carried along as a result of challenges of communication gaps. This is where DPat Foundation, known for its active roles in community and grassroots works, comes in. Aware that many communities within the FCT were unaware of the FADAMA Cares Programme, the President/Founder, DPat Foundation, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey put her team together to reach out to the communities with this news.

Thus in 2022, the foundation ensured that grassroots farmers and rural women were informed of this and their data were captured on behalf of FADAMA, according to the needs of each the farmer and women. After series of screening by FCT FADAMA, the farmers were called in batches and given the agricultural and farm input to their delight and amazement. Many of the farmers expressed pleasant surprises, because, according to them, they never believed the programme was going to be as transparent, targeted and on point as it turned out to be.

Below are photos of the beneficiaries posting with their farm inputs.

Pre-Disbursement Capacity Building Training for the Beneficiaries

Capacity building training was also agonized by FCT FADAMA for the beneficiaries. The training which took place at the DPat Foundation Secretariat in Gwagwalad FCT, focused on:

Group dynamics: covering the process of forming, managing/running cooperatives as well as the process of electing leaders/executives.

Book keeping for farmers: covering the art of business and financial record keeping.

Monitoring and evaluation: this focused on how groups can monitor the performance of members, especially in the areas of loan repayment.

Community based procurement: focused on how groups can do business as a body by procuring items at cheaper rates and reselling them to members at affordable prices.

Environmental and social safeguards: covering how rural communities can take care of their environment.

Nutrition and hygiene: covering the act of personal hygiene and family nutrition.

Questions and answer sections/Evaluations: there were also questions from the trainees which were satisfactorily answered by the facilitators. Questions were also thrown to the trainees by the facilitators to evaluate their level of comprehension and gains from the training.
Etc.

Below are pictures from the training.

Dpat Multipurpose Cooperative Union’sNew Savings, Thrifts and Loan Office Opens in Dukpa

Photos from the event

Agro-ecology Training on Sack Farming/Home Garden and Financial Literacy for Women, Youths and People with Special Needs

A Programme Organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS)

A REPORT ON THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE FARMERS LOAN SENSITIZATION SEMINAR

THEME: “Unlocking Opportunities for Agricultural Growth.”

See photos of exhibitions by the farmers below:

See photos of some of the various cooperative groups that were in attendance below:

DPAT FOUNDATION INAUGURATES NASSARAWA STATE CHAPTER

THE WORLD BANK DELEGATE’S VISIT

HELPING RURAL FARMERS ACCESS THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE SAVINGS AND CREDIT FACILITIES

KEEPING AN UP-CLOSE WATCH

2024 IN RETROSPECT WITH GRATITUDE

Other landmark events of 2024 in pictures

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

FCT FADAMA CARES PROGRAMME: DPat Foundation’s Role in Bridging the Gaps between the Government and Rural Community Farmers

DPat Foundation’s Role in Bridging the Gaps between the Government and Rural Community Farmers

Pre-Disbursement Capacity Building Training for the Beneficiaries

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Dpat Multipurpose Cooperative Union’sNew Savings, Thrifts and Loan Office Opens in Dukpa

Agro-ecology Training on Sack Farming/Home Garden and Financial Literacy for Women, Youths and People with Special Needs

A REPORT ON THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE FARMERS LOAN SENSITIZATION SEMINAR

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