We’re making a difference in the lives of people across Ogun state and Nigeria at large.

Who We Are

At The Rising Hope Initiative, we are motivated by the belief that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, deserves access to basic human rights like education, healthcare, and social welfare. We are committed to eliminating systemic barriers and empowering individuals and communities through our programs and initiatives. We are motivated by the impact we have witnessed in the lives of people we support, as well as the notion that our efforts may contribute to a more just and equitable world.

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Our Mission

We are a non-profit with a mission to give children, youth, women and families in Ogun state, a chance at healthy, productive lives that allows them to break the cycle of poverty in their lives and communities.

Our Vision Statement

Our vision for every child is that they are protected, cared for and given the opportunity to become all God meant them to be.

Our vision for every woman is that they are empowered and personally fulfilled.

Our vision for the young population of Ogun state is that they lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Our vision for Ogun state is to be a place where families are valued and preserved, and the most vulnerable live in security and safety.

How We Work

We focus on 5 key areas

We are committed to helping children, youth and women create better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
We pursue our mission through an integrated and holistic approach in 5 focus areas:

Health

We’re working to provide healthy foods for children and mothers, educate communities, and safeguard the most vulnerable people from common illnesses.

Education

We’re working to ensure that girls and boys have the education and skills to live productive and fulfilled lives.

Skills Acquisition and Employment

To empower and equip women to become major contributors and drivers of the advancement of their families and communities.

Employment

To promote employment creation and acquisition for the youth in Ogun state.

Youth Development and Sports

Support youth empowerment through sports.

Meet Our Founders

Adekunle Soname

Adekunle Soname, a native of Ogun state, is a Nigerian philanthropist, business magnate, astute entrepreneur, and sports enthusiast. Adekunle is the co-founder and chairman of Bet9ja, the top bookmaker in the Nigerian sports betting sector. A change agent and visionary CEO with a track record of success in multi-sector firm acquisition and turnaround in agriculture, finance, real estate and construction, oil and gas and aviation– Adekunle is a tireless philanthropist and a firm believer in Africa’s prosperity. His business ventures are driven by the desire to improve employment, youth empowerment, and capital deployment across Africa.

During his term as Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, he co-founded The Rising Hope Initiative (TRHI) with his wife, Oluwakemi Soname, to support the government’s efforts to address some of Ogun state’s most challenging inequities. Several years after leaving public office, Adekunle continues to serve as the chairman of the Governing Board of TRHI with a commitment to empowering children, youth, women and vulnerable populations in Ogun state.

As part of efforts towards youth empowerment and development, Adekunle founded Remo Stars Football in 2010 with the goal of scouting and developing homegrown talent from his own hometown of (“Remo” and environs) to redirect the energies of the youth towards football, which has been proven to be a powerful tool for combating crime and related offences. Since 2010, the club has successfully onboarded and coached over 200 players, with over 20 of them progressing to prominent international football teams such as Al Maria in Spain, AIK Start in Norway, St. Pauli FC in Germany, FC Fremad Amager in Denmark, and CF Fierense in Portugal.

In 2020, he also founded Beyond Limits Football Academy, West Africa’s largest football academy, as part of his tireless efforts to discover, develop, and train (local) leading football prospects and prepare them for international opportunities. Adekunle Soname is also the President/Chief Executive Officer of Clube Deportivo Feirense in Portugal. The club successfully transitioned from the second to the first division and has remained at the top for three seasons in a row. From 2010 until 2014, Adekunle Soname was also the Marketing Chairman of the Nigerian National Football League and the Patron of the Nigerian Para-Table Tennis Club.

In memory of his late brother, Adeyemi Soname; Adekunle also co-founded the Soname Cancer Centre in 2020 in Ogun state, Nigeria. A non-profit organization established to promote and develop cancer research and treatment in collaboration with a premier school of medicine in Nigeria, and to provide affordable cancer care to Nigerian citizens within its state-of-the-art facilities.

Oluwakemi Soname

Oluwakemi Soname is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and children. As co-chair of The Rising Hope Initiative, she continues to shape and approve TRHI’s program strategies and the overall goal of improving the lives of women and children in Ogun state.

Amina Bello, Ogun, Nigeria

I am so grateful for the work that The Rising Hope Initiative is doing in our community. They are truly making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children and families, and their commitment to promoting education and healthy food is inspiring.

Yusuf Ali, Ogun, Nigeria

I have been fortunate to work with The Rising Hope Initiative on several projects, and I am always impressed by their dedication and professionalism. They truly understand the needs of our community and are committed to making a positive impact.