NGO launches empowerment projects in Oyo

The Michael Kolawole Omotosho (MKO) Foundation has launched a series of empowerment programmes in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The projects include a Back-to-School scheme, free health checks, support for widows, and vocational training in fashion design, catering, and IT/software development.

The launch, held at Abike House in Ibadan, brought together community members, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.

Founder of the Foundation, Chief Michael Kolawole Omotosho, said the initiative is meant to support people in need. He explained that the Foundation was inspired by the values of his late parents, who were known for their kindness and generosity.

“My mother umpired this vision. She always taught me that true wealth is measured by how many lives you touch. My dad was also a very generous man, and everybody knew my parents for their kindness. That is why I have taken it as a responsibility to continue their legacy. This is going to be a continuous effort,” Omotosho said.

On the Back-to-School initiative, he said it will provide children from low-income homes with school materials such as exercise books, uniforms, and bags, especially in underserved areas.

“We discovered that many children don’t even go to school because they lack basic materials. We are currently reaching out to 10 to 20 schools, giving out between 500 and 600 notebooks in each. Every child receives at least four notebooks. This is just the beginning, and we plan to expand gradually,” he explained.

Omotosho also spoke on the health programme, stressing the need for early medical checks.

“We provide free health services like blood pressure checks and refer people to hospitals for proper treatment. We are not giving medications, but we are raising awareness so that people know what’s wrong with them and take action,” he noted.

Project Coordinator Jonathan Odunayo described the Foundation as a grassroots effort to address poverty.

“From his good heart, Omotosho decided to establish this Foundation to reach out to the less privileged. We are focusing on continuous programmes, empowering widows, supporting students, and even reaching market women with resources. For students, we will identify those in need, provide them with materials, and follow up on their academic progress. For the wider community, we are running free health check-ups stage by stage.

“This is not just charity; it is about sustainability. We want to empower widows, youths, and students with practical skills that can put food on their table and restore dignity to families. Our target is to build self-reliant communities across Oyo State and beyond,” Odunayo said.

Also speaking, Matron Adeyemo Patricia praised the initiative, calling it a lifeline for many vulnerable families.

“Many widows in our communities struggle silently. With this empowerment scheme, they are being given hope and tools to stand on their feet again. MKO Foundation has shown that lifting one person can transform an entire household,” she said.

The MKO Foundation said it will continue expanding its outreach to more schools and communities in the months ahead as part of its mission to equip, educate, and empower people to overcome poverty and achieve sustainable development.

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