Driven by Purpose.
Caring for the
Whole Person.
Founded in 2019, Jela’s Development Initiatives (JDI) was built on the belief that true impact requires addressing the complete human experience—from health to empowerment.
Our Story.
Jela’s Development Initiatives (JDI) was born from a simple belief: that true impact requires addressing the complete human experience—from health to empowerment.
2015 – 2019: The Spark
While working as a broadcast journalist, Angela Omeiza leveraged her platform to mobilise support for boreholes and blood drives, revealing the power of collective action.
2019: Formalization
JDI was officially registered as a structured, impact-driven organisation focused on promoting individual wholeness through practical, community-based solutions.
Global Vision
Strengthened by the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the vision evolved to raise audacious servant leaders addressing gaps in health and community development.
Innovative Programmes
J Blood Match
Digital platform for safe blood access
Unburden Therapy
Access to group mental health support
WASH Interventions
Clean water & sanitation access
Youth Leadership
LEP: Building servant leaders
"Today, JDI implements scalable programmes reaching diverse communities, rooted in the belief that sustainable change begins with individual wholeness."
Founded May 2019
Abuja, Nigeria
Our Journey So Far.
From our founding to launching national platforms, every milestone is a step toward whole-person care.
The Vision Begins
JDI is officially founded in May. We rapidly launched the 'Unburden' Group Therapy sessions to provide free, safe spaces for mental health support.
AI for Blood Donation
In November, we launched the first iteration of J Blood Match as an AI chatbot on Telegram and Facebook to connect voluntary donors to hospitals.
Building Leaders & Communities
Hosted the first Leadership Exchange Programme (LEP) cohort. We also successfully built a modern 6-stall toilet and refurbished a borehole in Iwa Community, Niger State.
Expanding Mental Health Access
Partnered with The Leprosy Mission Nigeria to expand group therapy and advocacy specifically for youth with disabilities.
J Blood Match App Launch
Formally launched the full J Blood Match software application at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and secured a 5-year strategic partnership with the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation.
LEP Kogi State
Launched the LEP Kogi State program, proudly funded by the United States Government to empower the next generation of civic leaders.
Our Methodology
Our Approach.
We adopt a holistic, community-driven approach that integrates innovation, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. Our model ensures that interventions are not only impactful but also sustainable and scalable.
Our DNA
We R.A.I.S.E. The Bar.
These five core values guide our operations, partnerships, and commitment to delivering sustainable impact.
Responsibility
We believe we are all part of both the problem and the solution. Our work reflects the areas we have chosen to take responsibility for and we own them fully.
Accountability
We are transparent in what we do and accountable for the outcomes. In every area we’ve chosen responsibility, we answer for our impact.
Integrity
What we say and what we do are one. No gaps, no contradictions.
Servant Leadership
We lead through service. Our leadership is defined by the value we create for others, not position or title.
Excellence
Excellence is our baseline. It is the minimum standard for everything we do, from thinking to execution to delivery.
Leadership
Board of Trustees.
Guided by experienced leaders who share a deep commitment to sustainable community development.
Ijeoma Odiana
Board Chairman
Angela Omeiza Ochu-Baiye
Board Secretary
Angela Umoru-David
Board Trustee
Ifeanyi Nsofor
Board Trustee
Hauwa Yaro-Biki
Board Trustee
Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen
Medical Advisor & Trustee
Grace Salawu
Board Trustee
Our People
Meet The Team.
The dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to drive JDI's mission and create lasting impact across communities.
Rita Akhabue
Programmes Officer
Oluchi Ihezie
Programmes Assistant
Umoru Ogwu
Programmes Assistant
Ibiene David-West
Finance Assistant
Chioma Ossy
Finance & Partnership Intern