In celebration of the Founder’s Leap Year Birthday, Mrs Caroline Joke Martins-Ojo, popularly known as IyawoJesu, continues her mission to uplift the community through sports and philanthropy.
In her commitment to empowering the girl-child, Deaconess Caroline Joke Martins-Ojo established the Joke Babes Soccer Academy on July 15, 2021. Affiliated with the Oyo State Football Association and under the auspices of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the academy aims to enhance the skills of secondary school girls, fostering their psychomotor development while discovering and nurturing local football talents.
Beyond sports, Mrs. Martins-Ojo has extended her benevolence to various sectors of society. In 2017, she initiated the IyawoJesu Non-Interest Loan facility (INIL), supporting small-scale business owners with interest-free loans for business expansion. Later, a scholarship program was introduced catering to primary and tertiary students.
Adding another dimension to her philanthropic efforts, Mrs. Martins-Ojo established the IyawoJesu Food Bank (IFB) on March 21, 2020. Fully funded by her, IFB provides essential food items to the less privileged, exemplifying her commitment to community welfare.
Under the “IyawoJesu Adopt A Granny Scheme,” financial support is extended monthly to elderly individuals, showcasing the depth of Mrs. Martins-Ojo’s generosity and concern for the well-being of others.
The IyawoJesu Female Football Tournament, scheduled from February 27 to 29, 2024, will feature knockout games among eight participating schools:
- Bishop Phillips Academy, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
- Oyo State Comprehensive Model, Soka, Ibadan.
- Liberty Academy, Ibadan.
- Oluyoro Girls Grammar School, Oluyoro Oke Ofa, Ibadan.
- TL Oyesina, Monata, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
- Urban Day Grammar School, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
- St. Claire’s Girls High School, Oluyoro, Ibadan.
- Goodnews International School, Iwo Road Ibadan.
As the community celebrates Mrs. Caroline Joke Martins-Ojo, her dedication to the well-being and empowerment of others is acknowledged and applauded. May her endeavours continue to impact lives positively, and her legacy inspires future generations.