The Michael Kolawole Omotosho (MKO) Foundation, founded by Bashorun (Chief) Michael Kola Omotosho, has officially launched a transformative series of empowerment initiatives aimed at uplifting students, youths, and widows across Oyo State. The unveiling took place during a special event on Friday at Abike House, Ibadan, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation's mission.
Among the initiatives introduced are a Back-to-School Scheme, free health screenings, widow empowerment programs, and vocational training in key areas such as fashion design, catering, and IT/software development.
During the launch, Bashorun Omotosho shared insights into the Foundation’s vision, which is deeply rooted in the values of his late parents, known for their compassion and generosity. He stated, “My mother inspired this vision. She taught me that true wealth is determined by the number of lives you touch. My father’s generosity also played a pivotal role in shaping my character. It is my duty to carry on their legacy, and this is just the beginning of our efforts.”
The Back-to-School initiative aims to provide essential learning materials, such as exercise books, uniforms, and school bags, to children from underserved communities. “We found that many children do not attend school due to a lack of basic supplies. Currently, we are reaching out to 10 to 20 schools, distributing between 500 and 600 notebooks to each. Every child will receive at least four notebooks, and this is merely the start of a much larger plan,” he explained.
In discussing the health program, Omotosho highlighted the critical importance of regular medical check-ups, emphasizing that many individuals often postpone necessary care until their conditions worsen. “We offer free services, including blood pressure assessments, and we refer individuals to hospitals for further treatment. While we do not distribute medications, we aim to raise awareness about health issues and encourage proactive health management,” he noted.
The MKO Foundation is also launching student-led initiatives and micro-business support programs designed to empower young Nigerians in their entrepreneurial pursuits. These initiatives will provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources to help develop startup ideas, small businesses, and digital solutions. A dedicated program for women will focus on equipping them with entrepreneurship skills, digital literacy, and vocational training to enhance their leadership roles and foster economic independence.
Project Coordinator Jonathan Odunayo articulated the Foundation's commitment to grassroots intervention, stating, “This is not just charity; it is about creating sustainable pathways out of poverty. We aim to empower students, widows, and youths with practical skills that can provide financial stability and restore dignity to families. Our goal is to cultivate self-reliant communities across Oyo State and beyond.”
Matron Patricia Adeyemo, a key speaker at the event, praised the MKO Foundation for its timely and impactful interventions, particularly for widows. “Many widows in our communities face struggles in silence. This empowerment scheme provides them with hope and the tools they need to regain independence. The MKO Foundation demonstrates that uplifting one individual can lead to the transformation of an entire household,” she remarked.
With a mission to educate, equip, and empower Nigerians, the MKO Foundation pledged to continue expanding its outreach and impact across schools, communities, and vulnerable groups in Oyo State and beyond in the months to come.
