Femi Balogun Empowers Over 45 Lagosians with Business Tools Through 7-7 Project

In a remarkable gesture of community-driven impact, Femi Balogun, Founder and Managing Director of Kerojet Services Limited, marked his birthday by launching a large-scale empowerment drive under his ongoing 7-7 Project, a legacy initiative aimed at transforming lives through entrepreneurship.

Held in Lagos’ Ipaja community, the event saw more than 45 individuals receive critical business tools, including tailoring machines, barbing kits, hair dryers, and point-of-sale (POS) devices, all tailored to help them launch or scale their small businesses.

Now in its latest edition, the 7-7 Project reflects Balogun’s enduring commitment to social responsibility and creating sustainable livelihoods. His vision goes beyond charity: it’s about equipping people to stand on their own.

Among the beneficiaries was Adetunji Olabisi, who received a POS machine. He shared, “This isn’t just a tool, it’s my ticket to financial independence. Femi Balogun’s generosity has opened doors I thought were closed forever.”

Also empowered was Oyindamola Tinuola, a fashion designer, who received upgraded tailoring tools: “With this support, I can finally take my business to the next level and provide for my family. It’s more than empowerment—it’s a lifeline.”

The initiative was lauded by community and faith leaders, including Tajudeen Olasupo, National Youth Amir of NASFAT, who said, “Femi Balogun’s commitment goes beyond charity. He’s planting seeds for lasting growth in our community, making sure no one is left behind.”

Speaking at the event, Balogun emphasised that true impact lies in continuity. “This is not just a one-time event. I envision this project continuing long after I’m gone. Those of us who have been fortunate must uplift those facing hardship, particularly when jobs are scarce”, he said.

In addition to the equipment distribution, the event also marked the opening of a new ICT centre, further extending the project’s reach in building digital and vocational capacity in the community.

From tools to training, the 7-7 Project is steadily becoming a model for people-first philanthropy, driven by purpose rather than publicity.

Balogun’s philanthropic journey began in earnest with the launch of The Pillars Dream Living Foundation during his 40th birthday, an organisation dedicated to community development through empowerment programs, educational support, and infrastructure projects. The foundation has since transformed lives across multiple states, including Kano and Lagos, through initiatives such as borehole installations, school fee sponsorships, and small business support.

In 2024 alone, Balogun’s foundation empowered 25 families with grinding machines, and this year’s efforts have significantly expanded in scale and scope.

A laudable moment of the celebration was the foundation-laying ceremony for a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre at NASFAT Ipaja. Balogun pledged full funding for constructing a dedicated facility to revitalize the community’s ICT resources, reviving a vision he first championed as chairman of the National Youth Day Committee for the community.

Acknowledging the careful selection process, Balogun explained that a committee ensured beneficiaries were chosen based on need, without bias toward religion or ethnicity. “Our empowerment transcends all divides. Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith have all benefited equally,” he noted.

Reflecting on his philanthropic impact over the years, Balogun shared that the number of people helped is too many to count, highlighting initiatives like feeding hundreds during Ramadan as part of his ongoing commitment to social good.

More than a birthday celebration, Femi Balogun’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of how individual acts of kindness and strategic philanthropy can bring lasting hope and opportunity to communities facing economic hardship.