In an aim to transform the lives of students, youths, and widows across Oyo State, the Michael Kolawole Omotosho (MKO) Foundation, established by Bashorun (Chief) Michael Kola Omotosho, has officially launched a series of empowerment initiatives .
The initiatives, unveiled at the Foundation’s launch event held on Friday, August 30, at Abike House, Ibadan, included a Back-to-School scheme, free health checks, widow empowerment programs, and vocational training in fashion design, catering, and IT/software development.
Speaking at the event, Bashorun Omotosho said that the vision of the Foundation was inspired by the legacy of his late parents who were widely celebrated for their generosity and compassion.
“My mother inspired 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 said.
Omotosho explained that the Back-to-School programme would provide children from underserved communities with essential learning materials such as exercise books, school uniforms, and school bags.
“We discovered that many children don’t even attend school because they lack basic materials. We are currently reaching out to 10 to 20 schools, distributing 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 revealed.
On the health programme, he stressed the need for regular check-ups in a society where many people delay medical care until it is too late.
“We provide free services such as blood pressure checks and refer people to hospitals for proper treatment. We are not giving out medications, but we are raising awareness so that people know what’s wrong with them and can take action,” he noted.
The Foundation also highlighted its student-led and micro-business initiatives, which will support young Nigerians in developing start-up ideas, small businesses, and digital tools while also providing mentorship and micro-funding opportunities.
A women empowerment programme will equally equip women with entrepreneurship skills, digital literacy, and vocational training to strengthen their leadership roles and ensure economic independence.
Project Coordinator of the Foundation, Jonathan Odunayo, described MKO Foundation as a grassroots intervention designed to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.
“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. Our target is to build self-reliant communities across Oyo State and beyond,” she said.
Matron Patricia Adeyemo, one of the speakers at the event, commended the Foundation for its timely intervention, especially 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, with its mission to equip, educate, and empower Nigerians, pledged to continue expanding its outreach across schools, communities, and vulnerable groups in Oyo State and beyond in the coming months.
