The Back to School 2026 initiative by the Azemobor Gregory Foundation, the CSR arm of Bethelmendels Group, reached children and families across Lagos State, Irrua in Edo State, and Ugbolu in Delta State. Through this initiative, Bethelmendels Group continued its commitment to social responsibility by supporting children from widowed and indigent families with educational grants and essential school materials to help them prepare for the new academic session.
For many families, preparing a child for a new school year involves more than paying school fees. The cost of uniforms, books, bags, shoes, and other learning essentials can place considerable pressure on households already facing financial challenges. The Back to School initiative addresses some of these needs by helping children access the resources they need to continue their education.
Beyond Business: Investing in the Future
At Bethelmendels Group, business growth goes hand in hand with a commitment to the communities around us. Through the Azemobor Gregory Foundation, the Group puts this commitment into action by supporting education and extending assistance to vulnerable populations.
The Back to School 2026 initiative reflects this approach. Rather than viewing corporate social responsibility as an occasional activity, Bethelmendels Group continues to invest in initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for children and families.
Under this programme, each beneficiary received a ₦100,000 educational grant, alongside a school bag, shoes, and essential school materials. This support was designed to ease some of the financial burden on parents and guardians while giving children a stronger start to the academic year.
Lagos: Starting the Journey
agos marked the first phase of the Back to School 2026 initiative. The event brought together children, parents, and members of the team for a day focused on education and support.
During the programme, beneficiaries received their educational grants and school materials. These items helped families meet some of the costs of returning to school.
Beyond the presentations, the event created room for meaningful interactions between the children, their parents, and the team. The moments shared that day showed why this work matters.
For the children, the support meant having essential items for the new school year. For their families, it offered some relief as they prepared for the months ahead.
The Lagos event set the pace for the next phases. From there, the initiative continued to reach more children in Edo and Delta States.
Scholarship Presentation to the Beneficiaries in Lagos.
ACC, Irrua, Edo State: Extending Educational Support
The second phase took the Back to School 2026 initiative to Irrua, Edo State. There, the programme continued to support children from widowed and indigent families.
Starting a new school year can be difficult when families struggle to meet basic education costs. As a result, access to school supplies and financial support can make a real difference.
Each beneficiary received a ₦100,000 educational grant, a school bag, shoes, and essential school materials. This support helped families prepare for the new academic session.
The Irrua visit also carried a personal connection for the founder, Dr. Azemobor Gregory. ACC, where he completed his secondary school education, made the occasion especially meaningful. Returning to a place connected to his educational journey brought the programme’s message closer to home: education can open doors, and every child deserves the opportunity to build a better future.
Beyond the scholarship presentations, the visit served as a reminder of the lasting value of education and the importance of supporting the next generation. Every child deserves the chance to learn and develop, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Through AGF, Bethelmendels Group continued to turn its commitment to social responsibility into practical action. The aim remained clear: to help children access the support they need to pursue their education.
School Material Presentation to the Beneficiaries in Irrua, Edo State.
School Material Presentation to the Beneficiaries in Irrua, Edo State.
Ugbolu, Delta State: Giving Back to the Community
Ugbolu holds a special place in this initiative. Bethelmendels Group has a factory in the community, making it an important part of the Group’s local presence.
For this reason, the Back to School 2026 programme was also an opportunity to support families in the area. It showed how a business can contribute to the well-being of the people in the communities where it operates.
The initiative provided educational grants and school essentials to help children prepare for the new academic session. In doing so, it supported families while reinforcing the value of investing in the next generation.
Beyond its business activities, Bethelmendels Group recognises the importance of giving back. Supporting children and families is one way to build stronger relationships with local communities.
The Ugbolu phase continued the work started in Lagos and Irrua. Together, the three locations reflected one shared commitment to education and social impact.
One Initiative, Three Locations, One Purpose
Across Lagos, Irrua, and Ugbolu, the Back to School 2026 initiative focused on a common goal: helping children access the resources they need for their education.
The programme provided educational grants and school materials to support children from widowed and indigent families. In turn, this assistance helped ease some of the pressure on parents and guardians.
However, the impact of educational support goes beyond the items distributed. It can help children feel better prepared for school and allow families to focus more on their children’s learning.
The initiative also shows how businesses can contribute to social development. When companies invest in people, they help create opportunities that extend beyond the workplace.
A Shared Commitment to Education and Social Impact
Across Lagos, Irrua, and Ugbolu, the Back to School 2026 initiative was guided by one central principle: a child’s circumstances should not determine the opportunities available to them.
By providing educational grants and school essentials, the programme helped ease some of the pressures families face at the start of a new academic session. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration between businesses and organisations working to improve lives in their communities.
As the CSR arm of Bethelmendels Group, the Azemobor Gregory Foundation serves as the vehicle through which the Group implements these social impact initiatives. The Foundation’s work reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, expanding educational opportunities, and helping create a better future.
The programme also aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission of creating a world where no one lives in lack.
Bethelmendels Group: Corporate Responsibility Beyond Profit
Bethelmendels Group is the sole official sponsor of the Azemobor Gregory Foundation and fully funds the Foundation’s initiatives. This partnership demonstrates how a business can extend its impact beyond its core operations by investing in people and communities.
The Back to School 2026 initiative is one expression of that commitment. By supporting children and families across three locations, the Group continues to demonstrate that success is not measured by business achievements alone, but also by the positive difference a business can make in people’s lives.
As the Foundation continues its work, the focus remains on practical support, meaningful community engagement, and opportunities that help individuals and families move towards a better future.
Back to School 2026 was more than a school support programme. It was a commitment to opportunity, a demonstration of responsibility, and a reminder that meaningful impact begins when we put people at the heart of what we do.
Implemented by the Azemobor Gregory Foundation. Fully funded by Bethelmendels Group, its sole official sponsor.
Creating a World Where No One Lives in Lack
The Back to School 2026 initiative reflects the mission of the Azemobor Gregory Foundation: creating a world where no one lives in lack.
Through the support of Bethelmendels Group, AGF continues to implement initiatives that respond to the needs of vulnerable communities. Education remains an important part of this work because every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future.
From Lagos to Irrua and Ugbolu, the programme carried the same message. When children receive the right support, they have a stronger foundation for the future.
Back to School 2026 was more than a school support programme. It was a practical expression of corporate social responsibility and a reminder that meaningful impact begins when people come first.
Fully funded by Bethelmendels Group, the sole official sponsor. Implemented by the Azemobor Gregory Foundation.