Meet Our Founder - Kingdom Lighters | Empowering Children Through Education in Nigeria

Our Founder Story

At the heart of Kingdom Lighters Humanitarian Foundation is Gabriella Osumawei, a humanitarian and development professional with over 15 years of experience.

The vision for Kingdom Lighters didn’t start as a plan; it started from her childhood. Growing up with her grandmother in Ibadan, Nigeria, Gabriella attended a small holiday life skills program organized by Educare Trust. It wasn’t anything elaborate, but it was a space where children could express themselves, discover their talents, and just be seen. That experience stayed with her.

But alongside these moments, Gabriella also experienced seasons in her childhood that affected her confidence and self-esteem. She became withdrawn, often retreating into her shell, and for years struggled to find her voice and fully express herself. Those experiences shaped her deeply.

Over time, she began to realise that many children especially those from underserved communities face similar struggles. Not just a lack of opportunities, but a lack of confidence, guidance, and a safe space to grow into who they are. What started as a quiet thought slowly became a burden. Years later, that burden became clearer through a strong conviction, an assignment to “feed the children.” And she understood that this was not just about physical food, but about giving children what they truly need: values, guidance, identity, and a sense of purpose. That is how Kingdom Lighters was born.

Through KLHF, Gabriella is creating intentional spaces where children can grow, build confidence, learn essential life skills, and become grounded in strong values so they can step into their lives with clarity and purpose.
She holds a degree in Physiology from the University of Calabar and an MBA from Nexford University. She is a certified PRINCE2 Project Manager and has completed professional certifications, including courses from the University of Washington.
Her professional experience spans the humanitarian, development, and sustainability space, where she focuses on building systems, programs, and structures that drive sustainable transformation and long-term impact.

Your Support