Our journey
Small beginnings, lasting commitment.
The milestones that have shaped Paaneah Foundation, and the young people at the heart of each one.
Timeline
2016 to today
Every milestone below is a step toward a simple goal: that no young person in our community is left to navigate adolescence alone.
- December 2016
The Foundation is born
Paaneah Foundation is established in Ota, Ogun State, as a youth-development organisation focused on young adolescents, with Prof. Adesegun Fatusi as Chief Executive Officer.
- Summer 2017
First summer skills training
Young people in Ota take part in our first holiday programme in culinary, barbing, fashion and basic computer skills.
- March 2018
World TB Day campaign
With the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), we lead a week-long awareness drive under the theme “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free World.” It reaches students, traders, drivers and families, with free TB/HIV screening alongside the local government TB team.
- August 2018
Vocational training for adolescents
The skills programme returns, deepening our commitment to practical, employable skills for adolescents in Ota.
- 2021–2022
Global partnerships
Our CEO is named a Guttmacher Institute Bixby International Leadership Fellow, focused on building equitable international partnerships.
- August 2022
Summer ICT Skill Acquisition Programme
From 8 to 19 August, a full hall of young people learn digital skills at our secretariat, with outstanding learners receiving Awards of Excellence.
- August 2023
Summer Skill Acquisition Programme
A free, two-week empowerment programme opens on 7 August. Participants train in baking, tailoring and ICT, are introduced to STEM, and learn how to lead productive, active lives.
- March 2024
Featured in Daily Independent
Programme Manager Oluwasola Elisha describes our free JAMB tutorial centre and mini library, our character development programme, and our work with in-school, in-between and out-of-school adolescents. Read the article.
- 2024
Growing our community online
We share programme moments and youth stories with a growing audience on Instagram and YouTube.
- 2025
A first for Africa
Prof. Fatusi becomes the first African to receive the IAAH Founders Award, presented at the 13th World Congress on Adolescent Health.
Looking ahead
The next chapter
We want to reach more young people, offer more skills and follow participants' progress long after their programme ends.
- Expand the Summer Skills Academy to more learners and trades
- Introduce year-round mentorship for programme graduates
- Bring youth-friendly health education into more schools
- Track outcomes and publish what we learn
Help write the next milestone.
Your support helps young people in Ota and beyond learn practical skills, stay healthy and grow into confident adults.