SAAO, the NGO helping vulnerable Nigerians to reach their full potential despite the odds

When Dr. Favour Martins founded Succeeding Against All Odds (SAAO) Youth and Girl-Child Initiative in 2006, little did she know the impact it would have on the lives of countless individuals. Although it became officially registered and fully operational in 2022, the efforts and dedication of Dr. Martins and her teammates have been changing lives for years.

In this interview with Dr. Martins, Crispng.com tells the story of how SAAO is helping the less privileged to attain their life goals in society.

The mission of SAAO is clear: to help youths, girls, and vulnerable individuals in society reach their full potential despite the challenges they face. The organization focuses on thematic areas such as mental health, menstrual hygiene, self-confidence building, and environmental awareness. Through awareness creation, research, empowerment, and advocacy programs, SAAO aims to create a society free from discrimination and where individuals can thrive.

Dr. Martins explains, “We believe that everyone has the power to succeed, regardless of their social or cultural background. At SAAO, we provide sustainable coaching and empowerment to our target population, especially in areas such as mental health and menstrual hygiene, to help them achieve their goals in life.”

Over the years, SAAO has touched the lives of many through its various initiatives. One of the most significant achievements of the organization is its support for education. Driven by the belief that education is the key to a brighter future, SAAO has paid tuition fees for university and secondary school students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their access to education. 

Additionally, the organization has distributed essential school supplies, such as exercise books, writing pens, rulers, and clothing, to girls in boarding houses.

SAAO’s impact extends beyond the classroom. The organization has successfully organized coaching classes for university students at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. These classes provide invaluable support and mentorship to students in their first and second years, helping them navigate their academic journey successfully. 

Furthermore, SAAO’s “Feed My Students” program ensures that students who are away from home during the festive period feel a sense of belonging by providing them with a warm meal on New Year’s Day. The program has been a resounding success, bringing joy and love to 150 students in 2023 and 200 students in 2024.

The organization also recognizes the importance of providing support to single parents. In 2022, five single parents received wrappers and tokens to help them take care of their children. Dr. Martins explains, “Through our interventions, we aim to empower single parents to not only provide for their families but also contribute to the overall growth and economy of society.”

SAAO’s impact on the youth extends beyond education. The organization has provided coaching and support to over 2,000 university students and 3,000 secondary school students through its various school-to-school programs. 

Additionally, SAAO has offered flexible holiday jobs to university students, alleviating their financial burdens while they pursue their studies. In the last three years, the organization has successfully assisted five students in securing sustainable employment, and they continue to seek further opportunities for those on the waiting list.

While SAAO has accomplished much, challenges remain, primarily in securing funding for its impactful programs. Currently, most of the programs are financed through contributions from SAAO teammates, as well as donations from family and friends.

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Dr. Martins emphasizes the importance of partnerships, stating, “To continue raising global giants, we need partners who share our passion for making a difference. 

We welcome donations to our domicile and naira accounts and invite individuals to connect with us on social media platforms like Facebook.”

With SAAO at the helm, the future looks brighter for the vulnerable in society. Through their relentless dedication to empowering individuals and fostering an inclusive society, SAAO is creating a path for success, one life at a time.

Dr. Martins, founder and CEO of SAAO, concludes, “A day without helping others is a day wasted. Together with our partners, we can transform lives and create a better world for all.”