The Training for Transformation (TFT) model, an internationally recognized framework, is working to empower and develop capacity across various levels in Nigerian communities. The model aims to strengthen grassroots change by equipping community workers, youths, and leaders with the tools, knowledge, and capacity to organize meaningful social change.

The TFT model is rooted in participatory development and has gained international recognition for transforming communities by empowering development workers, youth leaders, and civil society actors with practical tools for social engagement and transformation.

As Nigeria faces growing social, political, and economic challenges, the TFT model’s presence in the country comes at a critical and timely moment. The model is expected to make a significant impact in promoting community-led development and fostering positive social change. With its proven track record of transforming communities, the TFT model is poised to be a catalyst for change in Nigeria.

Talent Nyathi Ntombi, a renowned leader and mentor, has dedicated her career to driving positive change through the Training for Transformation (TFT) initiative. As a third-generation director of TFT, Ntombi has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s approach to capacity building and community empowerment.

According to Ntombi, TFT’s model involves training a core group of individuals who can then reach out to their communities and create awareness about important issues. “7,000 would train 12 people, and out of 12 people in an organization, they would reach out to the communities and create more awareness, and then they would engage in actions for change in a broader way than one person could,” she explained.

Ntombi’s experience with TFT has led her to advocate for decentralization, enabling teams and groups to take training to different countries and bring trained individuals together to work collaboratively. She noted that an evaluation showed that taking the training to organizations is more effective than bringing just a few people for training.

As a result, Ntombi’s role evolved to mentoring a team that supports the South African process, while also working with regional teams to provide training and support. She works with teams in different regions, including Asia and Western Papua, where she spent 11 years helping to build a sound and solid team that drives change.

Ntombi’s current work involves coaching country and regional teams, as well as conducting trainings where needed. She is currently working with a team in Nigeria, providing support and guidance to help build capacity and drive positive change. Her dedication to TFT’s mission has made a significant impact, and her work continues to inspire positive transformation globally.

Eseoghene Ajuyah, a facilitator with the Training for Transformation initiative, explained that the program is designed to empower Nigerians to effect change in their communities. According to Ajuyah, the initiative views development as a people-centric process, rather than just focusing on structures. “Development is really not just about structures, but about people,” Ajuyah emphasized.

She noted that the Training for Transformation model aims to build a core group of people with the skills and awareness needed to create positive change in their communities.

Ajuyah stated that the program’s training sessions cover a wide range of topics, starting from individual self-awareness and purpose, to family and community issues, and finally to environmental and resource control concerns.

She highlighted the initiative’s focus on empowering participants to become agents of change, engaging in discussions on issues such as leadership, governance, insecurity, gender, and climate change. She explained that the program has already conducted several training sessions in Nigeria, with close to 100 people trained in the past week alone.

She attributed the initiative’s shift to local training sessions to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for countries to build capacity within their own spaces and address their unique realities. According to Ajuyah, the Training for Transformation initiative aims to create lasting positive change in Nigerian communities by focusing on local issues and empowering citizens to take action.

Mrs. Olutosin Oladosu, Nigeria Team Lead and Facilitator for TFT Nigeria, has made a significant impact in the lives of women and girls through her organization, Star of Hope Transformation Center. After attending a TFT training in Cape Town, South Africa, she returned to Nigeria and built a core team of facilitators, leveraging the skills and tools she acquired to drive change.

Her organization has grown exponentially, establishing Sister’s City in Owo, Ondo State, a 1000-plot facility dedicated to empowering vulnerable and indigent girls and women. The center offers free vocational training in fashion designing, catering, clothes weaving, and hairdressing, among others. A farm and factory are also part of the setup, where food is processed and distributed.

What’s remarkable is that all activities at Sister’s City are completely free, made possible by sponsors who believe in Mrs. Oladosu’s work and are committed to bringing about positive change. According to Mrs. Oladosu, the success of her organization is rooted in the principles and values of TFT, which have shaped her thinking and continue to inspire her to drive meaningful impact.

Others in attendance are Pst. Mrs. Elizabeth Sowho (Facilitator TFT Nigeria), and Pst. Mrs. Rachel Bamise (Facilitator TFT Nigeria).