By Jimmysayo Adebiyi
In a renewed effort to support widows and promote women’s empowerment across Ondo State, Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye, founder and CEO of OyinAroloye Gender Empowerment Initiative, has reaffirmed her commitment to giving widows a solid footing in a credit-based economy.
The announcement was made during an empowerment program worth millions of naira, which impacted over 100 widows across the eighteen local government areas of the state.
The event took place at the initiative’s office along Fanibi Road, beside Winners College, Akure.
Olori Aroloye explained that the program aims to support the entrepreneurial spirit of widows who wake up daily to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.
The initiative featured comprehensive training sessions on soap making, Izal, zobo (hibiscus) drink production, tonic preparation, and health awareness, equipping participants with practical skills to enhance their livelihoods.
The founder, who emphasized that each participant received cash grants worth thousands of naira, explained that the funds were meant to empower the widows and not as loans.
She described it as “a seed of renewed hope to help start and recapitalise their existing businesses.”
Oyinkansola Aroloye attributed her motivation for the project to the legacy of generosity inherited from her father and expressed joy in seeing widows and elderly mothers empowered, praying for divine provision to continue blessing the less privileged.
She also highlighted other projects under the initiative, including the empowerment of over 100 youths with laptops, and assured that the widows’ training would not affect the annual December empowerment program held in Ijare.
Her husband, Prince Aroloye, who supports the initiative, affirmed their shared passion for philanthropy. He described his wife’s zeal for helping others as unmatched.
“No doubt about the fact that I and my wife have passion for helping others. In fact, my wife’s zeal supersedes mine in that regard,” he remarked.
Prince Aroloye encouraged well-meaning individuals to emulate such acts of giving, stressing that contributing to society helps bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Earlier, the guest lecturer, Mrs. Jane Aina, a broadcast journalist, commended the initiative, stressing the importance of equipping widows with both financial support and practical skills.
“With what I saw here today, I’m happy to associate with Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye and her empowerment initiative. The widows and aged will not forget this gesture in a hurry,” she noted.
Also, former Commissioner for Regional Integration, Prince Boye Ologbese, lauded the program, describing it as a “timely and laudable intervention.”
One beneficiary, Mrs. Fakorode Silifat from Akoko, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, stating that the training would help her turn the financial support she received into wealth, enabling her to become self-reliant in a few months.
Another participant from Owo Local Government, Mrs. Aina, praised the convener for her consistent support to widows across the state.
The event drew several dignitaries, including Prince Boye Ologbese, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana, Hon. Olaribido, Hon. Banji Ajaka from the Ministry of Health (Mental Health Department), Hon. Afolabi Adesoji from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Hon. Tomiwa Akinribido (SSA to the Governor on ICT).
Training sessions were facilitated by Engr. Mrs. Temitayo Abe Williams, Director of Small Scale Business and trainer on zobo and blood tonic, and Mrs. Naomi Oba, Director of Small Scale Business and trainer on Izal and soap making.
The program concluded with the distribution of monetary gifts to the widows and a renewed commitment by Hon. Oyinkansola Aroloye to continue uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.
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