ABEOKUTA – Oko Opo Widows Foundation, a not – for – profit organisation which caters for the widows, orphans and the less privileged members of society, has empowered over 100 widows and widowers with Cash gift and food items.
This gesture, was part of activities marking year 2025 boxing day celebration by the foundation.
Oko Opo foundation has been lending helping hands to the widows in the last three years, filling the void left by the departure of their husbands and wives as in the case of the widowers.
In carrying this selfless service, the foundation has established partnerships with well-meaning individuals and organisations, secured donations and grants and provided support to numerous beneficiaries as it focuses its programmes on education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
The founder, Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo, a distinguished broadcast journalist, is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a major player in the Nigeria real estate business.
The firm is behind the Pelican Valley Estate Laderin, Pelican Brief Estate, Pelican Ecostay Apartments and Pelican Valley Greenish Acre Farm Estate with all located at the Laderin – Abeokuta – Kobape corridor of Ogun State.
He believes that support or help should not be postponed or deferred for those who are in dire need it.
This he advocated on Friday through the song, “eni keni ti iwo ba ni pa lati se Iran lowo fun n Oun na le ni keji re toju e e….” which interpreted loosely means ‘If there is anybody that you have capacity and opportunity to help, render that help to the person now for that is your neighbour.’
Addressing them, he described the gathering as a significant milestone in the journey to empower the widows, orphans and the less privileged in society.
He said it was a time to celebrate not only the foundation’s achievements but also the resilience and determination of its beneficiaries, pledging to remain unrelenting in making a positive impact in the lives of people.
“We celebrate the widows who have found hope again, the orphans who have discovered a sense of belonging, and the less privileged who have been given succour,” he said.
He revealed that his act of philanthropy is one borne out of passion for lifting the widows and the less privileged, adding that it is devoid of any political undertone.
He pledged to build houses for the widows, fund free legal service for any widow facing persecution, injustice or being denied of her rights in her matrimonial home due to loss of husband.
Adeyemo said, “Over the past year, Oko Opo Foundation, a non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation established to rekindle hope of widows, has worked tirelessly to provide support and resources to those who need it most.
“As I reflect on our journey so far, I am reminded of the passion and commitment that drove me to establish this Foundation.
“As a journalist and entrepreneur, I have seen first- hand the impact of poverty and inequality on our society.
“I have witnessed the struggles of widows and orphans, and I have felt the weight of responsibility to make a difference.
“Oko Opo Foundation was born out of this sense of responsibility. Our mission is to rekindle hope in the lives of widows, orphans and the less privileged.
“We aim to provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
“Let me assure you that Oko Opo Foundation will not relent in its noble efforts to rekindle hope and advocate for improved welfare of the widows, orphans and the less privileged in our society.
“I, personally, will continue to work tirelessly, using every resource at my disposal, to empower the needy. We also want to seize this medium to appreciate the contributions of donors, partners and volunteers who have made our work possible.
“As we look to the future, I am excited about the prospects ahead. We will continue to innovate and expand our programmes, seeking new and better ways to serve our beneficiaries.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Titilope Adewunmi, widow of late Com. Wale Adewunmi, who practiced journalism all his life in Ogun State before his demise mid last year, disclosed that the foundation help was timely, happening just as she was about heading to a burial ground in Abeokuta with tearful eyes for the interment of her late husband when the call that changed her life and that of her first daughter came from the Oko Opo Foundation, informing her that she had been placed on a stipend for six months with free medical service in any hospital in the town at the expense of the Foundation.
She explained that she was also informed that one of her children would be supported to further his/her education up to the university level.
She was all tears of joy as she narrated how Adeyemo kept his word of pledge concerning them, wondering what would have been their fate if he had not stepped forward to fill in the gap.
She revealed that her daughter was offered an admission to read Peace and Conflict Study at the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) this year, saying Adeyemi picked up the bills.
“When my husband died on July 1st, 2024 and they buried him on July 8 and that morning of the burial day, we were preparing to go to the burial ground when a call came through Oko Opo Widows Foundation that they have placed me on a stipend for six months and a medical support for a year and a pledge that one of my children will be trained up to the university level.
“And the Founder kept to his promise. He paid me stipend for six months. He and his people came to my house physically, they brought food stuff and my first born, a daughter, got admission to Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State this year. He paid all the bills, including hostel bills, everything.
“So, I appreciate God and him. If not for Oko Opo Widows Foundation and the founder, I really don’t know where we would be by now,” Mrs Adewunmi said
