“You don’t need a title to lead. Your story is your strength.”
Q. You’re a powerful voice in both the music and advocacy worlds. What inspired your journey into championing the rights of women and children?
My passion for advocating for women and children was born out of both personal experience and a deep sense of purpose. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women and the girl child—challenges that often went unnoticed or unaddressed.
SETI—Society Empowerment for Transformation Initiative—was founded out of a deep conviction to respond to the silent struggles of women and children in underserved communities.
Q. From your experience on the ground, what are some of the most pressing challenges girls and vulnerable children face today in Nigeria and beyond?
From what I’ve seen on the ground—working in schools, communities, and underserved areas—some of the most pressing challenges girls and vulnerable children face today include:
Q. You’re also a role model to many young women. What advice would you give to girls who want to find their voice and make a difference in their communities?
To every young girl out there who wants to find her voice and make a difference—know this: your voice is powerful, and it matters. Don’t wait for permission to be who you are or to do what you believe in because, most times it won’t come at the beginning. Start where you are, with what you have.
Find your passion, stay rooted in your values, and don’t be afraid to speak up—even if your voice shakes. Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Learn continuously, lead with compassion, and never underestimate the impact of small, consistent actions.
You don’t need a title (like CEO, Founder or President) to lead. Every act of kindness, every brave choice, and every time you stand for what’s right—you’re already shaping your community. You were born to shine, to uplift, and to leave a mark. And always remember: your story is your strength.
Nelly Omabhun Theodora Kusimo popularly called Nelly K is a multi-talented Canadian based Nigerian gospel artist widely known for her dedication to advancing the kingdom of God through her music ministry and humanitarian service in the " Society empowerment for transformation initiative" ( SETI), a non-profit organisation founded by her.
Nelly wears many hats such as gospel artist, evangelist, song writer, public health practitioner, mother, wife and a brilliant social advocate.
Educationally, she has received sound training from some of the best institutions around the world notably - University of Wales Swansea, Global Health University New Haven USA , Humber College & Centennial College in Canada.
Nelly hails from Edo State, Nigeria. She is married to an Engineer & Pastor, Samuel Kusimo from Nigeria.She is blessed with three amazing children ( David, Elizabeth and Isaac).
My passion for advocating for women and children was born out of both personal experience and a deep sense of purpose. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women and the girl child—challenges that often went unnoticed or unaddressed.
As I matured and pursued my path in public health and music, I realized my voice was a gift not just for singing but for speaking out. My faith, combined with my professional knowledge, stirred a passion to become a voice for the voiceless.
I believe every woman and child deserves safety, dignity, and opportunity—and I have committed my life’s work to creating spaces where they are seen, heard, and empowered.
Q. SETI (Society Empowerment for Transformation Initiative) is doing impactful work. Could you walk us through?
The Society Empowerment for Transformation Initiative (SETI) was birthed out of a deep burden and conviction to respond to the silent struggles I saw among women and children—especially in underserved communities in developing countries in Africa.
Q. SETI (Society Empowerment for Transformation Initiative) is doing impactful work. Could you walk us through?
The Society Empowerment for Transformation Initiative (SETI) was birthed out of a deep burden and conviction to respond to the silent struggles I saw among women and children—especially in underserved communities in developing countries in Africa.
The idea started as a small community outreach, but over time, it became clear that the challenges these groups face—poverty, abuse, limited access to education and healthcare—demand a structured, sustained response. That’s how SETI was birthed in 2013.
The organization uses tested and approved approaches to program implementation with faith-based principles while understudying the communities or target beneficiaries. SETI’s holistic approach to executing initiatives is the secret to her successful and impactful programs.
Our core mission is: to empower, educate, and transform lives, women and children in particular. We focus on providing the tools, knowledge, and support that women and children need not just to survive, but to thrive.
Our core mission is: to empower, educate, and transform lives, women and children in particular. We focus on providing the tools, knowledge, and support that women and children need not just to survive, but to thrive.
Whether it’s through health education, skills training, school outreach programs, or advocacy campaigns, we want to see a future where every woman and child knows their worth, has access to opportunity, and lives free from violence and neglect.
At the heart of it all, SETI is about igniting change from within —helping communities rise through knowledge, empowerment, and healthy living.
At the heart of it all, SETI is about igniting change from within —helping communities rise through knowledge, empowerment, and healthy living.
Q. Could you share with us the story behind founding of SETI ?
Absolutely. Here's a concise and heartfelt version of the story behind SETI's founding and the core change it aims to drive:
SETI—Society Empowerment for Transformation Initiative—was founded out of a deep conviction to respond to the silent struggles of women and children in underserved communities.
As a public health practitioner and advocate, I have seen stories of neglect, inequality, and unmet potential far too often. What began as small, grassroots outreaches evolved into a fully formed initiative driven by the belief that lasting change begins with empowerment.
At SETI, we are committed to creating opportunities where there were none—through education, health interventions, skills training, and community advocacy. Our core vision is to break the cycles of vulnerability and gender inequality by equipping women and children with the tools to lead, thrive, and transform their communities. We don’t just provide support—we transform society.
At SETI, we are committed to creating opportunities where there were none—through education, health interventions, skills training, and community advocacy. Our core vision is to break the cycles of vulnerability and gender inequality by equipping women and children with the tools to lead, thrive, and transform their communities. We don’t just provide support—we transform society.
Q. From your experience on the ground, what are some of the most pressing challenges girls and vulnerable children face today in Nigeria and beyond?
From what I’ve seen on the ground—working in schools, communities, and underserved areas—some of the most pressing challenges girls and vulnerable children face today include:
Lack of Access to Quality Education
Many girls, especially in rural or low-income areas, still face barriers to basic education due to poverty, child labor, early marriage, or gender bias. Without education, their chances of breaking the cycle of poverty are significantly reduced.
Gender-Based Violence and Exploitation
Girls are disproportionately affected by abuse—sexual, physical, and emotional. Many lack safe spaces to report or recover, and the silence around these issues often perpetuates more harm.
Poor Access to Healthcare and Menstrual Hygiene Support
Vulnerable children often suffer from preventable diseases due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure. For girls, lack of menstrual hygiene products and education can lead to school absenteeism and shame.
Early and Forced Marriages
Despite legal frameworks, early marriage remains common in many areas. It strips girls of their education, autonomy, and health, exposing them to premature childbearing and long-term emotional trauma.
Neglect in Policy and Representation
Vulnerable children and girls are often overlooked in national planning. Their voices are absent from the table, meaning their real needs go unaddressed in the design of policies and programs.
These challenges are not just statistics to me—they are faces, names, and lives that we have encountered. At SETI, we are working daily to give more than just aid—we aim to give a voice, a platform, and a future.
Q. What has been one of the most transformative or emotional moments for you while working with the communities served by the SETI?
Every moment with our target beneficiaries is transformative but one of the most transformative and emotional moments for me happened during a medical outreach in a rural community.
Many girls, especially in rural or low-income areas, still face barriers to basic education due to poverty, child labor, early marriage, or gender bias. Without education, their chances of breaking the cycle of poverty are significantly reduced.
Gender-Based Violence and Exploitation
Girls are disproportionately affected by abuse—sexual, physical, and emotional. Many lack safe spaces to report or recover, and the silence around these issues often perpetuates more harm.
Poor Access to Healthcare and Menstrual Hygiene Support
Vulnerable children often suffer from preventable diseases due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure. For girls, lack of menstrual hygiene products and education can lead to school absenteeism and shame.
Early and Forced Marriages
Despite legal frameworks, early marriage remains common in many areas. It strips girls of their education, autonomy, and health, exposing them to premature childbearing and long-term emotional trauma.
Neglect in Policy and Representation
Vulnerable children and girls are often overlooked in national planning. Their voices are absent from the table, meaning their real needs go unaddressed in the design of policies and programs.
These challenges are not just statistics to me—they are faces, names, and lives that we have encountered. At SETI, we are working daily to give more than just aid—we aim to give a voice, a platform, and a future.
Q. What has been one of the most transformative or emotional moments for you while working with the communities served by the SETI?
Every moment with our target beneficiaries is transformative but one of the most transformative and emotional moments for me happened during a medical outreach in a rural community.
We had gone there to do a mobile clinic and educate young mothers and girls on malaria prevention. After the session, a quiet girl came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, 'Thank you for talking to us like we matter.' That moment stopped me in my tracks.
It wasn’t just the medical kits or the drugs distributed, it was the fact that someone had finally seen her, heard her, and treated her with dignity.
There have been many powerful moments—watching widows empowered with skills to earn a living, or seeing children get quality education because of our intervention—but that girl reminded me why SETI exists.
There have been many powerful moments—watching widows empowered with skills to earn a living, or seeing children get quality education because of our intervention—but that girl reminded me why SETI exists.
For us, it’s not just about programs; it’s about restoring humanity and hope. Every time I witness someone reclaim their confidence, their voice, or their future, I’m reminded that real transformation begins with compassion and connection."
Q. SETI’s Initiative focuses on empowerment through education and Motivation. How do you select or design the programs that best serve your beneficiaries?
At SETI, our approach to program design is rooted in listening first. We believe that sustainable impact starts with understanding the real, everyday challenges faced by the people we serve.
Q. SETI’s Initiative focuses on empowerment through education and Motivation. How do you select or design the programs that best serve your beneficiaries?
At SETI, our approach to program design is rooted in listening first. We believe that sustainable impact starts with understanding the real, everyday challenges faced by the people we serve.
So, before any program is launched, we engage directly with community members—especially women, youth, and school-aged children—through surveys, focus group discussions, and informal conversations. This helps us identify their needs, aspirations, and the barriers they face.
From there, we co-create solutions that are practical, culturally sensitive, relevant and well suited to the community. For example, our education-based empowerment programs do not only address vocational training, but also build self-esteem, life skills, financial independence and leadership—because we know transformation goes beyond skills alone.
We also prioritize adaptability. Each community is unique, so while our core pillars remain the same—empowerment, education, and motivation—we tailor content and delivery methods based on local context. Above all, we are guided by our beneficiary participation at every level of implementation.
Q. What role do you think storytelling—whether through campaigns, music, or lived experiences—plays in changing narratives and inspiring action?
Beautiful question—and it touches the heart of your work in EMN.
From there, we co-create solutions that are practical, culturally sensitive, relevant and well suited to the community. For example, our education-based empowerment programs do not only address vocational training, but also build self-esteem, life skills, financial independence and leadership—because we know transformation goes beyond skills alone.
We also prioritize adaptability. Each community is unique, so while our core pillars remain the same—empowerment, education, and motivation—we tailor content and delivery methods based on local context. Above all, we are guided by our beneficiary participation at every level of implementation.
Q. What role do you think storytelling—whether through campaigns, music, or lived experiences—plays in changing narratives and inspiring action?
Beautiful question—and it touches the heart of your work in EMN.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for changing narratives and inspiring action. Whether through campaigns, music, or sharing lived experiences, stories humanize statistics. They move hearts before they move hands.
As a gospel artist and advocate, I’ve seen how a single story—wrapped in a song or spoken during outreach—can shift someone's perspective, spark empathy, or ignite change or action. When we tell real stories of struggle, survival, and transformation, we break silence, challenge stigma, and invite others into the mission.
In advocacy work, storytelling gives us a voice to convey important information to society. In music, it becomes a bridge—connecting people to faith and hope. At SETI, we use storytelling to remind people that change is possible, that every life matters, and that everyone has a role to play in building a more just and compassionate world.
As a gospel artist and advocate, I’ve seen how a single story—wrapped in a song or spoken during outreach—can shift someone's perspective, spark empathy, or ignite change or action. When we tell real stories of struggle, survival, and transformation, we break silence, challenge stigma, and invite others into the mission.
In advocacy work, storytelling gives us a voice to convey important information to society. In music, it becomes a bridge—connecting people to faith and hope. At SETI, we use storytelling to remind people that change is possible, that every life matters, and that everyone has a role to play in building a more just and compassionate world.
Q. You’re also a role model to many young women. What advice would you give to girls who want to find their voice and make a difference in their communities?
To every young girl out there who wants to find her voice and make a difference—know this: your voice is powerful, and it matters. Don’t wait for permission to be who you are or to do what you believe in because, most times it won’t come at the beginning. Start where you are, with what you have.
Find your passion, stay rooted in your values, and don’t be afraid to speak up—even if your voice shakes. Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Learn continuously, lead with compassion, and never underestimate the impact of small, consistent actions.
You don’t need a title (like CEO, Founder or President) to lead. Every act of kindness, every brave choice, and every time you stand for what’s right—you’re already shaping your community. You were born to shine, to uplift, and to leave a mark. And always remember: your story is your strength.
Bio
Nelly wears many hats such as gospel artist, evangelist, song writer, public health practitioner, mother, wife and a brilliant social advocate.
Educationally, she has received sound training from some of the best institutions around the world notably - University of Wales Swansea, Global Health University New Haven USA , Humber College & Centennial College in Canada.
Nelly hails from Edo State, Nigeria. She is married to an Engineer & Pastor, Samuel Kusimo from Nigeria.She is blessed with three amazing children ( David, Elizabeth and Isaac).
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