MKO Foundation Launches Mega Empowerment Projects For Students, Youths, Widows In Ibadan
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE Michael Kolawole Omotosho (MKO) Foundation, founded by Bashorun Chief Michael Kola Omotosho, has officially rolled out a set of community-focused empowerment initiatives in Oyo State. The programmes include a Back-to-School scheme, free health checks, widow empowerment, and vocational training in fashion design, catering, and IT/software development.
The launch, held at Abike House in Ibadan, drew community members, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Bashorun Omotosho revealed that the inspiration behind the Foundation was rooted in the legacy of his late mother and father, who were both known for their compassion 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.
He added that the Back-to-School initiative would focus on supporting children from less privileged homes with exercise books, school uniforms, and bags, particularly in underserved schools across Oyo State.
“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.
On the health programme, Bashorun Omotosho stressed the importance of early medical checks in a society where many neglect their health until it is too late.
“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 of the Foundation,Jonathan Odunayo, described the MKO Foundation as a grassroots intervention designed to build sustainable solutions for poverty alleviation.
“From his good heart, Bashorun 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,” Odunayo explained.
She added, “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.”
Also speaking, Matron Adeyemo Patricia commended the Foundation, describing it as a timely intervention for vulnerable groups.
“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, whose mission is to equip, educate, and empower individuals to overcome poverty and achieve sustainable development, announced that it will continue expanding its outreach to more schools and communities in the coming months.