From Microloan to Catering Empire – How Your Donation Changed a Woman’s Life in Nigeria
Imagine being able to change an entire family’s life with a single donation. That’s exactly what happened to Egbe Immaculata Ezeogu – a courageous woman from Nigeria who, thanks to an interest-free microfinance loan from HIFA, found her way out of poverty and now helps others do the same.
A life full of challenges – and an unshakable dream
Before founding her business Trinity Foods Enterprises, Egbe lived in a small village in eastern Nigeria. She started a mini bakery with the help of friends – but daily life was tough.
“I was just surviving,” she recalls. “There were days I couldn’t even cook a simple meal of rice and beans for my children or give them money for school. That broke my heart.”
She dreamed of a better life for her children – but how could that happen when her income barely covered survival? Transport costs, lack of vehicles, and dangerous roads made it almost impossible to deliver her products to remote villages.
Still, she never gave up her dream: She didn’t just want to cook – she wanted to make people happy, ease their special moments, and take burdens off their shoulders.
The one opportunity that changed everything
When her priest Father Josephat told her about the interest-free microfinance loans from the Austrian relief organization HIFA, Egbe immediately saw her chance.
The small loan allowed her to purchase raw materials in larger quantities and buy gas burners and other equipment. For the first time, she could accept orders without constantly worrying about whether she could fulfill the next delivery.
“The loan came at just the right moment. It helped me stabilize and gave me hope again.”
Fresh start in Lagos – from nothing to a thriving business
After some time, Egbe moved to Lagos with her family – with nothing but courage and determination. She started all over again.
“When I came to Lagos, I had nothing. There were days I couldn’t even afford a simple lunch. My children only knew the basics – rice, garri, beans – but I knew: I would make it.”
With hard work, quality, and a passion to serve her customers, she built Trinity Foods Enterprises. Today, her company has four business branches:
✅ Trinity Catering Services – professional catering for weddings and celebrations
✅ Trinity Coconut Oil – a sought-after product on the local market
✅ Trinity Bulk Food Sharing – affordable bulk food for the community
✅ Catering Equipment Rental – so others can celebrate stress-free too
“We’re not yet where we want to be,” she says, “but we’re no longer where we started.”
More than just a business – a new life for her family
Thanks to her success, her family’s life has completely transformed.
“Today I can give my children everything they truly need. They have enough healthy food, proper clothes, and can go to school – things I couldn’t provide before. I can now even host guests or invite someone for a meal. I wouldn’t have dreamed of that in the past.”
Gratitude that creates ripples
Egbe is not just an entrepreneur – she’s someone who never forgets where she came from.
When she was new in Lagos, a neighbor lent her cooking utensils so she could fulfill her first catering job.
Years later, that neighbor’s son got married. Egbe not only returned the utensils – she catered the entire wedding for free with her own team and equipment.
“One good deed deserves another,” she says with a smile.
What we can learn from her
At the end of our conversation, Egbe shares this advice – for women, and really for everyone:
Start small, but start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
Don’t let fear stop you. Courage builds dreams – fear destroys them.
Be determined and persistent. Setbacks are normal – but never give up.
Never forget where you came from. When someone helps you, pass it on.
Trust in God and your inner strength.
Why your donation makes a difference
Egbe is just one of many women who were able to transform their lives with a single interest-free microloan from HIFA. Since 2009, HIFA has used just €6,000 in seed capital to help over 53 people in Nigeria build businesses and lift their families out of poverty.
Every donation creates double impact:
- It helps a woman start her own business.
- And gives her the chance to help others in return.
“The world will celebrate me,” says Egbe with hope. “I know I will go global.”
Help us create more success stories
With your support, more women like Egbe can realize their dreams – and lift their children, families, and entire communities out of poverty.
Every contribution – big or small – changes a life. Sustainably. Visibly. Humanely.