Olowu of Owu highlights positive impact of Owu Hope Initiative, as 2025 Omo-Olowu festival

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola has highlighted positive impacts of the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), a Non-Government Organisation(NGO) within one year of take-off of its programme.

Penpushing reports that Matemilola made this known at a press conference on Monday in his palace ahead of the Odun Omo Olowu Festival, which is designed to accommodate number of memorable activities for the celebration holding between October 19-25, 2025

The monarch acompained by his two Oloris and palace chiefs, explained that the 2025 Odun Omo Olowu is not merely of a festival, but a moment for deep reflection on the very heart of the kingdom, stressing that the season stands as a testament to compassion, unity, and unwavering commitment to shared humanity.

Penpushing further reports that Matemilola emphasized that over the last year, every initiative undertaken by the kingdom has been rooted in care, adding that the foundation has reached out to most vulnerable, ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported.

‘Investments have been made in the dreams of our youth, creating opportunities for them to thrive and find their voices. United as a community, we have addressed challenges, celebrated the heritage that unites us, and welcomed visitors eager to discover the soul of our culture. The recognition we have received from afar is a reflection of the harmony and spirit cultivated within our kingdom’, he stated.

Penpushing also reports that Matemilola added that the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI) stands at the forefront of activities, stressing that in just a few years, it has positively impacted thousands of lives.

‘Tens of millions in community funds have been generated, empowering women to establish and expand businesses through interest-free capital. Hundreds of students now enjoy the confidence that comes with full scholarships’.

‘Communities once neglected now benefit from boreholes, and health outreaches have delivered essential care to hundreds across our towns. OHI exists as a deliberate force for transformation, rooted in compassion and driven by purpose’.

‘Our mission is to restore dignity and improve quality of life—enhancing lives and strengthening communities across the Òwu Kingdom and beyond by expanding access to healthcare, education, skills training, and economic opportunities.

Penpushing reports that he emphasised that the aim of the organization is to empower individuals, foster self-reliance, and build lasting prosperity for generations to come, explaining that its four strategic pillars include enterprise and skills development, education, health and well-being as well as environmental sustainability and climate action

The royal father stated that each pillar represents a vital area of focus, ensuring that resources and partnerships are channelled towards priorities that yield the greatest impact and ensure enduring success.

‘Progress hinges on the ability to earn a living with dignity. Many families have lost this chance due to lack of capital and skills. Thus, we invest not only in providing funds but also in building the capacity to use them effectively, turning humble beginnings into lasting transformation’

Penpushing further reports that Matemilola while noting that empowering women is a powerful strategy for uplifting entire communities, assured that through the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), women empowerment fund will support 50,000 women with interest-free

‘Our goal is to support 50,000 women with interest-free capital, skills training, and mentorship. In partnership with Lotus Bank and World Citizen, this fund nurtures women entrepreneurs, inspiring a new generation of financially independent, community-focused leaders’.

‘The programme encompasses business loans and mentorship, skills development, scholarships, and accessible healthcare and wellness. Recognising that access to affordable finance is a key barrier for many women, OHI bridges this gap with interest-free microcredit, capacity building, and structured pathways to formal finance’.

‘On 30 September 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, launched the OHI Women Empowerment Fund—a grassroots initiative set to transform Owu Kingdom and serve as a model for community-led development nationwide’, he added.

’Through practical, hands-on training—especially in ICT, fashion, construction, and agribusiness—OHI’s Business Education and Skills Acquisition Programme equips women and youth with the tools to seize opportunities and thrive’.

‘This approach combines vocational training, entrepreneurship coaching, apprenticeships, and mentorship, creating real pathways to both self-employment and wage jobs, with future plans to scale these efforts to other communities’.

‘Education is a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty. OHI’s Education Programme ensures children—particularly those of our empowered women—can access quality education at all levels, from primary to university. This support eases financial burdens on families and equips children with the knowledge to shape a brighter future’.

Penpushing also reports that programme of activities for the festival include commissioning of township projects by the monarch, interfaith services, Kabiyesi visits to Owu township in Abeokuta (Erunmu, Apomu and Owudotun), Kabiyesi visits to Owu township outside Abeokuta (Onigbeedu with surrounding townships to host him).

The other activities are conferment of chieftaincy titles on Friday October 24, 2025 at Olowu palace, sales of yams in front of the palace with grandfinale scheduled to hold on Saturday October 25, 2025 at Odeleye Park, Sokori Ori Omi, Abeokuta

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