Empowering People.
Transforming Communities.
A registered non-profit building confident leaders and self-reliant communities — rooted in Gombe State, Nigeria.
Built for communities that carry the greatest need — and the greatest promise.
ACO Foundation (AMMYNSHEIKH Community Outreach Foundation) is a registered non-profit committed to empowering individuals and transforming communities through education, leadership development, skills acquisition, mentorship, and sustainable outreach — particularly for women, youth, children, Almajirai, and underserved communities.
Registered in Nigeria as an Incorporated Trustee
Where We Work
Headquartered in Gombe State, Nigeria — expanding across Northern Nigeria and, ultimately, nationwide.
Our Vision
Empowered, self-reliant communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
Empowering people through education, leadership, skills, and mentorship that create lasting impact.
Meet Our Founder
Amatullah Umar Ibrahim
Founder & Executive Director, ACO Foundation
B.A. & M.A. English Language · PhD in-view · Certified Project Management Professional
Amatullah Umar Ibrahim is the Founder and Executive Director of ACO Foundation, a nonprofit committed to transforming lives and strengthening communities through sustainable initiatives in education, health, youth development, women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian services.
With experience designing, coordinating, and implementing development projects that deliver measurable social impact, her work reflects a strong commitment to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable community development. She conceived Thrive Talks — the Foundation's flagship mentorship and personal development initiative — to help young people build confidence, discover purpose, and grow into agents of positive change.
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Lasting development is achieved by equipping individuals with knowledge, practical skills, leadership capacity, and access to opportunities that enable them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
The principles that guide every program we run
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Excellence
We strive for quality and professionalism in everything we do.
Service
We are committed to serving communities with compassion and dedication.
Empowerment
We equip people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to improve their lives.
Inclusion
We believe every individual deserves equal opportunities regardless of background.
Innovation
We embrace creative solutions to address social challenges.
Impact
We focus on achieving meaningful and sustainable change.
Our Approach
Community Engagement
Working closely with communities to identify needs and develop locally driven solutions.
Capacity Building
Equipping individuals and groups with practical knowledge and skills.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Working with government agencies, educational institutions, development partners, and community stakeholders.
Advocacy & Awareness
Promoting positive social change through education, sensitization, and community dialogue.
Evidence-Based Programming
Using data, monitoring, evaluation, and learning to improve program effectiveness.
Three flagship pillars, one shared purpose
Every initiative flows through Thrive Talk, Thrive Skills, or Thrive Outreach.
Thrive Talk
Leadership development, communication, mentorship, personal growth, and civic engagement for youth, women, and community members.
Target Beneficiaries
Our programs are designed around the people who need them most — reaching across age, gender, ability, and circumstance.
What success looks like
Improved leadership capacity among youth and women.
Increased access to practical skills and economic opportunities.
Enhanced employability and entrepreneurship.
Improved educational outcomes.
Increased community awareness of health and hygiene practices.
Greater social inclusion and participation.
Improved livelihoods among vulnerable populations.
Stronger and more resilient communities.
Organizational Structure
A governance and management structure built for accountability, effective delivery, and sustainable growth.
Meet the Team
A multidisciplinary team leading our programs, partnerships, and field operations.
Amatullah Umar Ibrahim
Founder & Executive Director / CEO
Mommad Bunu Abdullahi
Finance
Financial planning, budgets & accountability.
Umar Maina Lawanti
Head of Strategy
Strategic planning & partnership development.
Aisha Nafada
Director of Field
Leads outreach & community engagement activities.
Hamza Mohammed
Head of IT
Technology systems & digital innovation.
Baqir Magaji Musa
Head of Communication
Brand, media & public communications.
Muazu Ibrahim
Head of R&D
Research, monitoring & program development.
Abubakar Maina
Head of Admin
Administration, records & organizational correspondence.
One-Year Strategic Plan
Leadership / Motivation Talk 1
Output: One leadership session conducted · MOV: Attendance list, photos, report
PlannedMentorship Session
Output: One mentorship session conducted · MOV: Attendance list, photos, report
PlannedSkills Training Program 1
Output: Participants trained · MOV: Training report, certificates, photos
PlannedLeadership / Motivation Talk 2
Output: One leadership session conducted · MOV: Attendance list, photos, report
PlannedTree Planting Exercise 1
Output: Trees planted · MOV: Photos, attendance list, report
PlannedAlmajirai Hygiene Awareness & Support Outreach
Output: Awareness session conducted, hygiene materials distributed · MOV: Photos, attendance & distribution lists, report
PlannedSkills Training Program 2
Output: Participants trained · MOV: Training report, certificates, photos
PlannedTree Planting Exercise 2
Output: Trees planted · MOV: Photos, attendance list, report
PlannedFive-Year Aspiration
By 2030, ACO Foundation aims to become a leading force for community transformation across Northern Nigeria.
Become a leading community development foundation in Northern Nigeria.
Reach at least 10,000 beneficiaries through its programs.
Establish sustainable youth and women empowerment initiatives.
Build strong partnerships with government and development partners.
Expand Thrive Talk, Thrive Skills, and Thrive Outreach across multiple states.
Develop a vibrant volunteer network and community of changemakers.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. We build strategic partnerships that expand impact.
Government institutions & agencies
Educational institutions & schools
Development partners & donors
Community & traditional leaders
Civil society & NGOs
Private sector organizations
Volunteers & community groups
Media & communication partners
Growing Beyond Gombe
Gombe State
Headquarters — active now
Northern Nigeria
Regional expansion — next
Nationwide
Through partnerships & volunteers
Our Work in Pictures
Moments from Thrive Talk, Thrive Skills, and Thrive Outreach activities across Gombe State.
Photos from our Thrive programs across Gombe State.
Be part of the transformation.
Whether as a partner, volunteer, or donor — your involvement helps us reach more women, youth, and underserved communities across Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reach out through our contact form or email us directly. Our Head of Strategy & Partnerships will follow up to explore alignment across Thrive Talk, Thrive Skills, or Thrive Outreach and agree on a partnership scope.
Yes. While field activities are concentrated in and around Gombe, we also welcome remote volunteers for digital skills training, content, ICT support, and mentorship as we expand across Northern Nigeria.
Thrive Skills is designed primarily for youth and women seeking digital, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills, though eligibility varies by cohort. Announcements are shared through our communications channels ahead of each training program.
Contributions directly fund program delivery across our three pillars — training materials, outreach logistics, facilitator support, and monitoring & evaluation. As an Incorporated Trustee, we maintain financial records reviewed under our governance structure.
Yes. Educational institutions and government agencies are among our core partnership categories — from school engagements under Thrive Talk to joint outreach initiatives under Thrive Outreach.
Still got a question?
Talk to Our Team