Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and businesswoman. Through perseverance and hard work, she founded Elin Group Limited in 2017. With her strong culture of dedication to hard work and excellence, the group has metamorphosed from a conglomerate of vision-based firms into a wealth-creation avenue, built to positively empower the economically disadvantaged. Dr. Jack-Rich’s quest for a better society and opportunities to add value to humanity is reinforced by her husband’s vision to transform and guide youths worldwide, helping them become relevant and make a positive impact in their communities. This burning passion led to the creation of the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID). Through this foundation, lives have been transformed and empowered for positive change, especially among disadvantaged groups in rural areas. She believes that for society to align with the moral values needed for progress, rural disadvantaged groups, especially women, children, and youths, will require both material and non-material enablers, such as grants, skills, entrepreneurial empowerment, and education, to drive much-needed change in current standards of living. This led to the birth Opportunity for Rural Women Development Initiative (ORUWODI), which supports women in need with necessities to help build economic and social value within communities. Since its inception in 2018, the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation has donated over $1,600,000 in forms of alleviation funds, 1,000 scholarships to underprivileged students, empowerment to women entrepreneurs and training for over 800 youths in various vocational skills. In addition to her honorary doctorate in Leadership and Community Development, presented by ISFOB (Institut Supérieur de Formation Professionnelle), Benin University, Dr. Jack-Rich holds a BSc in Banking and Finance from Le Cours Sonu University Institute in the Republic of Benin and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics at George Washington University, USA, studying Strategic Management at Harvard University, USA. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, she shares her passion for women, children and young people in disadvantaged communities.
Take us through your journey and passion for philanthropy.
My journey into philanthropy began from a place of deep personal experience and conviction. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of disadvantaged communities especially women and children, lacking access to basic opportunities. Over time, this birthed a burden in me to be a vessel of hope and transformation. As I advanced in business and gained access to resources, I knew my calling extended beyond enterprise; it was to uplift others. This conviction gave rise to the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID), through which we have continued to create sustainable interventions for those most in need. You lead a conglomerate built to positively empower the economically disadvantaged. What led to this cause?
At the heart of Elin Group Limited is a commitment to inclusive development. When I founded the company in 2017, it was more than a business, it was a platform for empowerment. I saw enterprise as a tool not just for wealth creation, but for social transformation. The cause emerged from the reality that too many talented, capable individuals remain economically sidelined due to systemic barriers. Our conglomerate was structured to bridge those gaps, providing jobs, capacity building, and community investment in regions often overlooked. Your niche includes disadvantaged women, children, and the youths. What was the reason for these choices?
These groups represent the backbone and the future of society. Women are often the primary caregivers and economic stabilizers in families; empowering them has a ripple effect. Children are the most vulnerable, yet they hold the potential to change the world when given access to education and care. Youths, meanwhile, are vibrant and innovative, but often lack guidance or opportunity. By focusing on these groups, we are building strong foundations for long-term transformation in communities. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing Elin Group Limited in 2017, and how did you overcome them?
Starting a conglomerate as a young African woman came with immense challenges, gender bias, skepticism, access to capital, and navigating a complex business landscape. Many doubted the vision. But I leaned into my faith, resilience, and ability to think strategically. I surrounded myself with people of integrity, remained adaptable, the immense support of my husband and stayed focused on delivering excellence. Every challenge became an opportunity to prove our capacity and redefine what is possible for African-led businesses. What are some of the key activities of EJRAID Foundation since its existence?
EJRAID has spearheaded initiatives in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, rural outreach, and emergency relief. We’ve provided scholarships to hundreds of students, funded surgeries and medical care for indigent patients, trained women in vocational skills, supported widows with seed capital for micro-enterprises, and distributed relief materials to conflict-affected areas. Our flagship outreach, Opportunities for Rural Women and Disadvantaged Individuals (ORUWODI), continues to serve some of the most underserved communities in Nigeria. What are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had while working with rural disadvantaged groups through your initiatives like ORUWODI?
One of the most touching moments was during an outreach in a remote village where we offered maternal care and distributed safe birth kits. A woman cried and said, “I now believe someone remembers us.” That statement stuck with me. Seeing women who once felt invisible find dignity, or youths regain hope through our scholarships and mentorship, constantly reminds me that the work we do is not just charity, it is restoration. EJRAID has invested significantly in scholarships, women’s empowerment, and vocational training. How do you measure the impact of these initiatives?
We measure impact through a combination of quantitative metrics and human stories. We track the number of beneficiaries, business startups, graduates from our programs, and community-level improvements. But beyond data, we focus on outcomes, did the child stay in school? Did the woman become financially independent? Did the youth secure a sustainable livelihood? We also perform periodic follow-ups to ensure continued progress. Are there any success stories from the women or youths you’ve supported that stand out to you?
Yes, there are many. One that stands out is a young woman we supported through our skills acquisition programme in Port Harcourt. She started a small tailoring business with the equipment we provided, and within two years, she was training five other women in her community and had opened her own shop. Her story reflects our core belief that empowered people will empower others. What stands as your core mandate in your quest to deliver impact in society?
Restoration with dignity. That is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s through job creation, education, or health, our mandate is to restore dignity to people, giving them the tools and confidence to rise, not as dependents, but as empowered individuals capable of transforming their own lives and communities. What inspires and drives you?
My faith, my family, and the vision of a more equitable world inspire me daily. I’m driven by the belief that every life has value and potential. I don’t just want to succeed; I want my success to mean something. When I see the faces of children who can now dream, or mothers who can feed their families, I know that my work is fulfilling purpose. As someone who has achieved so much, what is your message to young entrepreneurs and philanthropists who look up to you as a role model?
Start where you are, with what you have. Stay committed to excellence and integrity. Don’t be afraid to dream big, but be willing to work hard and stay consistent. Let your vision be rooted in service, not just profit. And remember, challenges will come, but they are part of the journey. Rise above them, and always believe in your unique voice.
My journey into philanthropy began from a place of deep personal experience and conviction. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of disadvantaged communities especially women and children, lacking access to basic opportunities. Over time, this birthed a burden in me to be a vessel of hope and transformation. As I advanced in business and gained access to resources, I knew my calling extended beyond enterprise; it was to uplift others. This conviction gave rise to the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID), through which we have continued to create sustainable interventions for those most in need. You lead a conglomerate built to positively empower the economically disadvantaged. What led to this cause?
At the heart of Elin Group Limited is a commitment to inclusive development. When I founded the company in 2017, it was more than a business, it was a platform for empowerment. I saw enterprise as a tool not just for wealth creation, but for social transformation. The cause emerged from the reality that too many talented, capable individuals remain economically sidelined due to systemic barriers. Our conglomerate was structured to bridge those gaps, providing jobs, capacity building, and community investment in regions often overlooked. Your niche includes disadvantaged women, children, and the youths. What was the reason for these choices?
These groups represent the backbone and the future of society. Women are often the primary caregivers and economic stabilizers in families; empowering them has a ripple effect. Children are the most vulnerable, yet they hold the potential to change the world when given access to education and care. Youths, meanwhile, are vibrant and innovative, but often lack guidance or opportunity. By focusing on these groups, we are building strong foundations for long-term transformation in communities. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing Elin Group Limited in 2017, and how did you overcome them?
Starting a conglomerate as a young African woman came with immense challenges, gender bias, skepticism, access to capital, and navigating a complex business landscape. Many doubted the vision. But I leaned into my faith, resilience, and ability to think strategically. I surrounded myself with people of integrity, remained adaptable, the immense support of my husband and stayed focused on delivering excellence. Every challenge became an opportunity to prove our capacity and redefine what is possible for African-led businesses. What are some of the key activities of EJRAID Foundation since its existence?
EJRAID has spearheaded initiatives in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, rural outreach, and emergency relief. We’ve provided scholarships to hundreds of students, funded surgeries and medical care for indigent patients, trained women in vocational skills, supported widows with seed capital for micro-enterprises, and distributed relief materials to conflict-affected areas. Our flagship outreach, Opportunities for Rural Women and Disadvantaged Individuals (ORUWODI), continues to serve some of the most underserved communities in Nigeria. What are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had while working with rural disadvantaged groups through your initiatives like ORUWODI?
One of the most touching moments was during an outreach in a remote village where we offered maternal care and distributed safe birth kits. A woman cried and said, “I now believe someone remembers us.” That statement stuck with me. Seeing women who once felt invisible find dignity, or youths regain hope through our scholarships and mentorship, constantly reminds me that the work we do is not just charity, it is restoration. EJRAID has invested significantly in scholarships, women’s empowerment, and vocational training. How do you measure the impact of these initiatives?
We measure impact through a combination of quantitative metrics and human stories. We track the number of beneficiaries, business startups, graduates from our programs, and community-level improvements. But beyond data, we focus on outcomes, did the child stay in school? Did the woman become financially independent? Did the youth secure a sustainable livelihood? We also perform periodic follow-ups to ensure continued progress. Are there any success stories from the women or youths you’ve supported that stand out to you?
Yes, there are many. One that stands out is a young woman we supported through our skills acquisition programme in Port Harcourt. She started a small tailoring business with the equipment we provided, and within two years, she was training five other women in her community and had opened her own shop. Her story reflects our core belief that empowered people will empower others. What stands as your core mandate in your quest to deliver impact in society?
Restoration with dignity. That is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s through job creation, education, or health, our mandate is to restore dignity to people, giving them the tools and confidence to rise, not as dependents, but as empowered individuals capable of transforming their own lives and communities. What inspires and drives you?
My faith, my family, and the vision of a more equitable world inspire me daily. I’m driven by the belief that every life has value and potential. I don’t just want to succeed; I want my success to mean something. When I see the faces of children who can now dream, or mothers who can feed their families, I know that my work is fulfilling purpose. As someone who has achieved so much, what is your message to young entrepreneurs and philanthropists who look up to you as a role model?
Start where you are, with what you have. Stay committed to excellence and integrity. Don’t be afraid to dream big, but be willing to work hard and stay consistent. Let your vision be rooted in service, not just profit. And remember, challenges will come, but they are part of the journey. Rise above them, and always believe in your unique voice.
You were recently honoured with the Seven Wonder Woman Award under the Business of Philanthropy. How would this spur you to do more?
That award was both humbling and encouraging. It affirmed that the work we do is being recognised on a larger scale. It has renewed my commitment to go even deeper reaching more communities, empowering more lives, and inspiring a generation of women leaders who understand that business and compassion can co-exist powerfully.
