Amid Nigeria’s largest resource crisis, Victoria Olohigocho Omachi, a third-year university student, saw the devastation wrought by the farmers-herders conflict in Benue State. Communities lay in ruins, families were displaced, and countless women and children grieved the violent loss of their brothers and fathers. Refusing to stand idly by, Victoria initiated a small act of kindness that would grow into something extraordinary. What began as a simple collection of foodstuff, old clothing, and donated books evolved into Project Beautiful Benue – a movement of ten dedicated student volunteers teaching basic literacy skills in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and empowering women and girls through hands-on workshops and small business training.

In August 2017, Victoria and her team made their first bold stand, calling on Nigerian lawmakers to reject the proposed National Open Grazing Bill, which they believed would deepen the crisis and force even more children out of school. Their peaceful demonstration resonated. Although their voices were young, they were powerful. The movement played a role in influencing the Benue State House of Assembly to pass the Anti-Open Grazing Bill, a significant step towards restoring stability in the region.
This victory fueled the expansion of their efforts. Project Beautiful Benue introduced weekly mobile learning pods across IDP camps, ensuring displaced children had access to learning opportunities. The initiative’s impact reached beyond the camps, bringing educational support to local schools and empowering young people, particularly women, to thrive. What started as an impassioned response to tragedy has become a lifeline of hope and opportunity.

Today, the movement lives on as the Olohi Initiative. Victoria’s unwavering commitment to education, gender equality, and economic inclusion is reflected in her remarkable journey. In 2015, she placed in the top 10 of Nigeria’s Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant. She received the Benue State University’s Gender Advocate Prize in 2016 and the Woman on Fire (WOF) Impact Award in 2017 for her advocacy and contributions to education and gender equality.

With a Master’s degree in Education Policy Analysis from Harvard University and a wealth of experience spanning public and private sectors, Victoria currently works as a Learning and Development Coordinator in Massachusetts. Her expertise encompasses education policy analysis, teacher training, foundational learning, refugee education and human capital management. She remains steadfast in her belief that education has the power to transform lives.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Victoria serves on the board of the Scribble House Foundation, championing literacy in Nigeria. She is also the co-founder of Kunfirm, a startup driving economic inclusion for small businesses, informal sector workers, and marginalized communities.

Olohi Initiative is a testament to the belief that courage and compassion can spark lasting change even in the darkest times. The organisation stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring every child in Nigeria has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.