About Us

Nurturing Potential, Cultivating Futures
Growing Seed Friends Foundation (GSFF)

Growing Seed Friends Foundation (GSFF) is the Nigerian subsidiary of the Growing Seed Trust Foundation (GSTF), UK, dedicated to changing lives through sports, education, and sustainable development. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower underprivileged children and youths by providing them with opportunities, mentorship, and life skills that foster resilience, leadership, and economic independence.
At GSFF, we believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Our approach extends beyond charity—we empower. By integrating grassroots rugby programs, skill-building workshops, and organic farming initiatives, we equip young people with the tools to overcome adversity and build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.

Our Mission

To inspire and equip young people with the tools, skills, and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty, achieve economic independence, and lead their communities to a brighter future.

Our Vision

A thriving and self-sustaining Niger Delta where youth, women, and communities are empowered through education, sports, agriculture, and microfinance.

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Our Four Pillars of Impact

We embrace diversity, welcoming individuals from all faiths and backgrounds. Our goal is to build a supportive and united community that fosters respect, collaboration, and growth.

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Our microfinance program enables grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women, to start and grow businesses. By providing small loans and business training, we help individuals achieve financial independence and create jobs in their communities.

We use rugby and community sports as tools to bring people together, foster teamwork, and instill values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. Through partnerships, we aim to develop local and international sports programs that give youth the opportunity to excel on and off the field.

Making a Difference

Our Dedicated Team

Peter Ferguson – Chairman

Position: co-Founder, Growing Seeds Trust Foundation (GSTF) | Growing Seeds Friends Foundation(GSFF).

Peter Ferguson co-founded GSTF, reconstituted from Addax RFC in 2021, to provide underprivileged children with opportunities through rugby and life skills programs. A former Henley RFC player, Peter introduced rugby to Nigerian youth, helping many advance to national representation.

With a background as a Chartered Surveyor, engineer, and consultant, Peter has led projects in petrochemicals, energy, and environmental management across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He is currently advising on wind energy solutions and holds an honors degree in theology from Westminster College, Oxford.

Responsibilities:

  • Drives GSTF’s vision and sustainable growth.
  • Leads website design and fundraising efforts.
  • Oversees life skills initiatives and board accountability.

Emeka Ukome – Co-founder

Position: Co-founder, Growing Seeds Trust Foundation (GSTF) | Growing Seed Friends Foundation (GSFF) | Chairman, Delta State Rugby Association

Emeka Ukome co-founded GSTF in 2021, evolving from Addax RFC (est. 2007) to support underprivileged youth through rugby. A former West African rugby champion, he introduced grassroots rugby to Lagos schools, launching the “Mike Ukome Cup” in 2001 and establishing the Schools Rugby Association.

Under his leadership, Addax Rugby Club provided disadvantaged children with pathways to national representation and career opportunities. Now based in Delta State, Emeka continues to expand rugby, life skills programs, women’s empowerment, and sustainable agriculture through Ukome Farms.

Responsibilities:

  • Reports to the GSTF Board.
  • Oversees rugby development in the Niger Delta.
  • Leads life skills, women empowerment, and farming initiatives.
  • Partners with schools and communities to promote youth development.

Ego Adoh- Board member

Position: Board Member, Growing Seeds Trust Foundation (GSTF)

Ego Adoh, an international Taekwondo champion, has won multiple medals, including at the Welsh and English Opens, and placed 4th in the World Taekwondo Championships. A finance professional, Ego is an IT Commercial & Financial Manager at The Automobile Association (AA), holds a BSc in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, an MBA from Cranfield University, and is a Fellow of ACCA.

Responsibilities:

  • Manages GSTF’s financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting.
  • Oversees bookkeeping, risk management, and compliance.
  • Provides financial guidance to optimize costs and efficiency.
Our Partner

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