
Mrs. Funmilayo Nike Philips, a resilient woman and a dedicated mother of four, was once struggling to make ends meet in Abuja, Nigeria. Her journey from a refuse collector earning a meager monthly salary of ₦30,000 (equivalent to £16) to a thriving petty trader exemplifies the transformative power of the Frugal Empowerment Foundation’s Small Business Empowerment (SBE) charity project.
Initial Struggles
Living in the bustling city of Abuja, Mrs. Nike faced significant challenges. The income from her refuse collector job was insufficient to cover her daily transportation costs, let alone provide for her family. With the sudden loss of her husband, she became the sole provider for her four children, a responsibility that was heavily on her shoulders.
A Chance Encounter
Mrs. Nike’s life took a positive turn when she met Mr. Frugal, the Founder of Frugal Empowerment Foundation. Recognizing her dire economic situation, Mr. Frugal saw the potential in Mrs. Nike and decided to offer her support through the foundation’s SBE charity project. This initiative aims to empower up to 1,000 vulnerable women, particularly widows, across Nigeria.
Empowerment and Transformation

With the initial support package of ₦100,000 from the foundation, Mrs. Nike was able to start her own small business selling yams. This financial assistance enabled her to secure a spot in a local market, transforming her from a struggling refuse collector to a confident petty trader.
Through her hard work and determination, Mrs. Nike has managed to create a stable source of income. Her yam trading business not only supports her daily needs but also provides for her children’s education and well-being. The empowerment she received from the foundation has given her a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future.
The Future Ahead
Mrs. Nike’s journey is far from over. With the initial success of her yam trading business, she has set her sights on expanding further. Her dream is to rent a larger store where she can buy stock in bulk and supply other local traders. She believes that this expansion will significantly increase her income and improve her family’s standard of living.
With continued support from the Frugal Empowerment Foundation and other charitable initiatives, Mrs. Nike is optimistic about her future. She hopes to create a thriving business that not only supports her family but also empowers other women in her community.
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