Giving vulnerable kids a chance to a better future

For many vulnerable children in Nigeria, the struggle is not just about hunger but also about survival, education, and hope for a better future.

According to a UNICEF report, around 11 million children—one in every three under the age of five—are experiencing severe child food poverty in Nigeria. This makes them up to 50% more likely to suffer from wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition.

Taking a step beyond the kitchen, Pinnah Foods, the parent company of The Ice Cream Factory and Yin Yang Express has partnered with The Destiny Trust Children Foundation to provide shelter, education, and essential resources for children in need. This initiative is aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition that threatens their future.

The partnership, formalized at a signing ceremony at Pinnah Foods’ headquarters in Lagos, represents more than just financial aid. It is also a commitment to long-term social impact.

“This isn’t just a CSR initiative, it’s a heartfelt commitment,” said Shade Ogunleye, Managing Director of Pinnah Foods. “At Pinnah Foods, we believe success isn’t just about business growth, but about the impact we create. We are excited to work with The Destiny Trust to ensure that every child has access to education, safety, and the opportunities they deserve.”

Read also: How the MannyVille Series is driving digital equity, access in Africa

As part of the initiative, Pinnah Foods will fully fund the rent and maintenance of a 30-bed Residential Learning Centre, providing a safe space for children under The Destiny Trust’s care.

Additionally, the company will sponsor school supplies for 100 children through the foundation’s School Enrollment and Back-to-School Initiative.

Athina Jeje, CEO of The Destiny Trust, emphasised the importance of partnerships in tackling Nigeria’s growing child welfare crisis. “Children should be in school, safe, and free to dream. But the reality is, millions of children across Nigeria are struggling without basic necessities. The government alone cannot solve this crisis. It takes partnerships like this—businesses stepping up to invest in the next generation—to truly make a difference.”

But this partnership goes beyond donations. Pinnah Foods is actively involving its employees, encouraging them to volunteer and build meaningful connections with the children they are striving to uplift.

Through this initiative, Pinnah Foods is not just feeding children but is giving them the chance to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.

In closing out the ceremony, Foluso Ogunleye, CEO Pinnah Foods Limited said;

“This partnership represents more than just a collaboration; it is a commitment. A commitment to ensuring that more children have access to education, nourishment, and the support they need to thrive. At Pinnah Foods Ltd, we believe that success is measured not just by business performance but by the positive change we bring to people’s lives.”

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a long-term partnership. For Pinnah Foods, this initiative is a reflection of its belief that businesses should be forces for good, shaping not just economies but lives.