The Michael Kolawole Omotosho (MKO) Foundation has rolled out a series of empowerment initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of students, youths, and widows across Oyo State.
The programmes were unveiled on Friday during the official launch of the Foundation at Abike House, Ibadan. They include a Back-to-School scheme, free health checks, widow empowerment packages, and vocational training in fashion design, catering, and IT/software development.
Founder of the Foundation, Bashorun (Chief) Michael Kola Omotosho, said the vision was inspired by the values of generosity and compassion instilled in him by his late parents.
“My mother umpired this vision. She always taught me that true wealth is measured by how many lives you touch. My father was also a very generous man, and together they instilled in me the value of kindness. That is why I have taken it as a responsibility to continue their legacy. This is going to be a continuous effort,” he explained.
Highlighting the Back-to-School initiative, Omotosho said the programme would provide pupils in underserved communities with essentials such as exercise books, school uniforms, and bags.
“We discovered that many children don’t attend school because they lack basic materials. We are reaching out to 10–20 schools, distributing between 500 and 600 notebooks in each. Every child gets at least four notebooks. This is just the beginning, and we plan to expand gradually,” he said.
On the health intervention, he stressed the importance of regular medical checks in preventing avoidable illnesses.
“We provide free services such as blood pressure checks and direct people to hospitals for proper treatment. We are not dispensing drugs, but we are raising awareness so people know their health status and can act early,” he noted.
The Foundation also unveiled plans to support student-led projects and micro-businesses by offering mentorship, digital tools, and micro-funding opportunities. Similarly, its women empowerment scheme will focus on entrepreneurship skills, digital literacy, and vocational training to enhance women’s leadership roles and economic independence.
Project Coordinator, Jonathan Odunayo, described the Foundation as a grassroots intervention designed to build self-reliant communities.
“This is not just charity; it is about sustainability. We are empowering widows, students, and youths with practical skills that can put food on their tables and restore dignity to families,” he said.
Also speaking, Matron Patricia Adeyemo commended the initiative, particularly its support for widows.
“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 remarked.
The MKO Foundation pledged to expand its outreach in the coming months, reinforcing its mission to equip, educate, and empower Nigerians through sustainable programmes across schools, communities, and vulnerable groups in Oyo State and beyond.
