Plateau State, once celebrated for its serene climate and diverse cultures, has been plagued by persistent conflicts since the early 2000s. Tensions over land, politics, and religion have repeatedly escalated into violent clashes, driving thousands from their homes and forcing families into makeshift camps as internally displaced persons (IDPs). These displaced families live in dire conditions, often lacking sufficient food, healthcare, and a sense of safety, with the trauma of conflict leaving deep psychological scars.
It was in this fraught environment that Prayer Nwagboso, originally from Abia State, was raised. Her family stayed in Jos amid the conflicts, despite their modest means, distributing relief items to displaced families. Inspired by her parents’ generosity, Prayer developed a strong sense of social responsibility from an early age.
A pivotal moment for Prayer was her father’s decision to stock up on supplies during one of the many violent outbreaks. As the crisis unfolded, their home became a haven for fleeing neighbors. Another profound memory shaped her purpose: watching public-school children in tattered uniforms who could not afford their school fees. This image haunted her, planting a seed of empathy for those without basic comfort.
These early experiences led Prayer to volunteer in orphanages and prisons, gaining firsthand knowledge of the needs of vulnerable communities. Her path became clear—to uplift those most in need. She sought higher education to help realize this goal but encountered challenges gaining admission to the University of Jos due to regional restrictions. Undeterred, she attended Covenant University, where she excelled in leadership roles.
At Covenant, Prayer’s leadership journey began as a member of the Student Council. By her third year, she had become the Female Welfare Officer, launching initiatives to support students in financial difficulty. In her final year, she achieved the highest leadership role for a female student, serving as Vice President.
After graduation, Prayer initially planned to leave Jos, envisioning a future in Lagos or Abuja, or even abroad. But her work during a Covenant community project, collecting books for underprivileged children across Nigeria, ignited a sense of purpose. She felt called to serve the IDP camps in Jos, where children languished in dusty streets with little to do and less hope.
Prayer returned to Jos, setting aside her aspirations for a high-powered career to focus on the children of her community. Together with other Covenant graduates, she began teaching, starting with ten children; soon, over 200 students joined. This effort evolved into the Naza Agape Foundation (NAF), officially launched in 2018. Registered in 2019, NAF focuses on education and welfare support for children in conflict zones, with operations expanding to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, and even Pakistan and Ghana.
Through bimonthly educational sessions, NAF provides children with classes in math, English, and vocational skills, aiming to mitigate the academic disruptions caused by displacement. Beyond academics, NAF supports the children’s self-esteem through affirmations and motivational workshops.
Despite the impact, funding remains a major challenge. The foundation relies on donations and small grants, with friends, family, and Covenant University alumni providing key support. “Every dollar matters. But what we need most are sustainable funds to expand our reach,” Prayer says.
Prayer’s work comes with personal sacrifices. She has faced deep losses and witnessed the tragic toll of the crisis on the children and families she serves. “Each time I get news of another tragedy, it tears me apart,” she says.
As a young woman leading an NGO, she has encountered doubts about her age and gender, along with the logistical challenges of operating in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden regions. When she introduces herself as the founder of the Naza Agape Foundation, many initially question her ability to make a significant impact.
Yet through resilience and mentorship, she has managed to build a supportive network that propels her mission. “I believe that true impact requires us to live with the people, to share in their pain. Our leaders would understand the challenges better if they lived as we do.”
Gender-related challenges have also been part of her experience. As a woman leading an NGO, Prayer has faced doubts and resistance from some men who question her authority. She recalls a particularly difficult encounter with a male volunteer who was dismissive of her leadership.
NAF’s work has not gone unnoticed. When the BBC came to document her work, Prayer wondered how they had discovered her work. The foundation has received numerous accolades, including the Nigerian Volunteers Award, Plateau Social Media Award, and Union Bank’s “Enabling NGOs for Success” acknowledgement. Internationally, NAF was recognized by the Republic of Women with the Beauty with Brain Global Award, the Global Change Maker Award in 2021, and the Nigeria Magazine International Women’s Day Award for Social Impact in 2023.
Prayer’s happiest moments are the success stories—children who advance academically or a young man now studying medicine who once faced school fees as an insurmountable barrier. Her vision is to establish tuition-free schools across Africa, especially for orphans and children affected by crises, leaving a legacy of educational empowerment.
Beyond her work with Nas Agape, Prayer also holds leadership roles in several other initiatives. She is the Regional Director and State Chair for G100 Missions Nigeria, where she advocates for policies that promote environmental sustainability and gender equality. Prayer is also the co-founder of Rent Better House, an initiative to make rental properties more accessible in Nigeria. She serves on various boards, including the Elegant Foundation, where she continues to champion social causes.
With over 18,000 lives impacted and 500 volunteers across the globe, Prayer Nwagboso is not only reshaping the lives of displaced children but offering hope and resilience in a community deeply scarred by conflict. Her work shows that one person’s commitment can indeed ignite transformation across communities.
Plateau State has experienced ongoing conflicts since the early 2000s, resulting in severe hardships for its displaced communities, including a lack of basic necessities and deep psychological impacts. Raised in this environment, Prayer Nwagboso, influenced by her parents' dedication to helping others, developed a strong sense of social responsibility. Inspired by witnessing firsthand the needs of vulnerable communities, she pursued higher education and became a student leader at Covenant University. Returning to Jos after graduation, a newfound sense of purpose prompted her to forgo a high-powered career to focus on helping children affected by conflict.
She founded the Naza Agape Foundation (NAF) in 2018, which now provides educational and welfare support for displaced children across Nigeria and even abroad. Despite challenges in funding and skepticism about her capabilities as a young female leader, Prayer has expanded NAF and received notable awards for her contributions, including several international honors. Her work continues to significantly impact her community by offering educational opportunities and hope to displaced children, as well as advocating for gender equality and environmental sustainability through various leadership initiatives. Prayer aims to expand her efforts across Africa, demonstrating that individual commitment can lead to transformative change.
