The Olowu of Owu-Kingdom Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola says the target of the Olowu Hope Initiative in partnership with Lotus Bank and World Citizen, is to provide the needed financial support for 50,000 women to grow their small-scale businesses through interest-free capital, skills training, and mentorship
Oba Matemilola who revealed this on Monday at a press conference held at his palace in Oke-Ago Owu, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as part of events kick-starting week long activities of the 2025 Odun Omo -Olowu Cultural Festival, also disclosed more learners have access to quality education and health packages under the scholarship programme of the initiative
According to the highly respected monarch , over 150 women accessed interest free loans in the first phase while more than 1,200 women were trained in vocational skills, over 200 women trained in creative trade in addition to 80 youth trained in digital skills just to mention a few
"Our mission is to restore dignity and improve quality of life—enhancing lives and strengthening communities across the Ã’wu Kingdom and beyond by expanding access to healthcare, education, skills training, and economic opportunities. We aim to empower
individuals, foster self-reliance, and build lasting prosperity for generations to come", he stated
Olowu added that the since the launch of the OHI Women Empowerment Fund on 30 September, 2025 by the Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the women grassroots initiative has continued to transform Owu Kingdom, serving as a model for community-led development
nationwide.
In education sector, Oba Matemilola disclosed that OHI has continued to
provide full scholarships (covering tuition, uniforms, and examination fees) from primary to university level, reducing financial pressure on women entrepreneurs
The monarch maintained that the initiative had enhanced the capacity of teachers and created conducive learning environment for learners in public primary and secondary schools
Candidates who scored 300 and above since 2022 have been awarded scholarships while over 150 learners in Daniel Akintonde Model School Abeokuta are now learning under a improved environment in addition to 1,000 students enjoying free meal per day in school- Olowu revealed
School Health Programmes according to him, has ensure a regular school-based screenings and nutrition initiatives, tracked with digital tools, ensure children’s health needs are met for optimal learning
Oba Matemilola added that the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme of the initiative had assisted families to pay affordable
premiums for access to a network of trusted clinics, making healthcare accessible and sustainable for them
Under the sustainable environment initiative, Olowu revealed that his palace now enjoys regular power supply courtesy of renewable energy
"This innovation lights the streets of Ã’wu, offers free phone charging to residents, and sets a global example for sustainability. OHI plans to extend these renewable energy solutions to the wider community, enhancing quality of life and business productivity"
Planting Committee Chairman for this year's Odun Omo -Olowu Day, Prof Moruf Adelekan said a number of projects already commissioned in schools and communities as part of the celebration
The Yeye Meto of Owu-Kingdom, Oluseyi Aderinoku lauded the efforts of the Olowu for transformation so far In the Owu communities
There was inter faith prayers and medical outreach, earlier at the palace of Olowu in addition to Woro dancing round the town before Olowu commissioned renovated four rooms toilet facility at Abeokuta North Primary School near the palace and another six rooms toilet facility at Holy Trinity Pry School, lja offa, Abeokuta while Youth Symposium was later held at the Olowu Palace
On Tuesday, there will be a display of Corporate branding and Arts works at Olowu's palace while on Friday October 24, conferment of chietftancy tiles holds at the palace before holding of Ajibosin Platform synbosium and launching of the Olowu Hope Initiative at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library between 3pm and 7pm
The grand-finale of the week long activities holds on Saturday October 25 at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori, Ori-Omi in Abeokuta between 8am and 4pm
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