The OyinAroloye Gender Empowerment Initiative (OGEI) has once again brought hope and economic relief to widows across 18 local government areas of Ondo State through its second phase of empowerment programme.
The event, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Initiative’s office, featured intensive training sessions in soap making and the production of traditional Zobo and tonic drinks aimed at helping widows gain financial independence.
The programme, championed by the founder and president, Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye, was designed to equip vulnerable women with practical skills to enhance their livelihoods and restore their dignity.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Responsibility, Hon. Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended the initiative for complementing government efforts in improving the welfare of women across the state.
“It is a known fact that women alone cannot do it, so we encourage philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to emulate Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye’s remarkable efforts in making our society a better place to live in,” she said.
In her address, Aroloye described the event as a celebration of compassion and collective strength.
“This gathering is more than an event; it is a celebration of hope, compassion, and the power of collective action,” she said.
She highlighted some of the achievements recorded by the foundation in the last three years, including the installation of solar systems in rural communities, support for aged citizens and students, provision of food supplies, distribution of working tools to artisans, and small business grants for widows.
She expressed determination to expand the empowerment schemes to benefit more women and youths.
“The road ahead is filled with greater possibilities. Together, we can turn compassion into action, and action into lasting change,” she added.
Former Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Hon. Chief Olamide Falana, urged beneficiaries to put the knowledge acquired to good use, while Vice Chairmen of Ese-Odo and Ifedore local governments, Hon. Beauty Modium and Hon. Mrs. Biola Ijimakinwa, praised Aroloye for her vision and commitment to women’s development.
Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Olufemi Akinde, who learned Zobo production, and Mrs. Anazia Chucks, trained in soap making, expressed appreciation for the life-changing opportunity.
“This programme will help us make ends meet and even teach others for commercial purposes,” Akinde said.
Others, including Mrs. Victoria Ogoji, Mrs. Olufunke, and Adedayo Moradeke, all from Ifedore Local Government, also hailed the initiative, while Mrs. Ojifini commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his continued support to the people, citing the payment of gratuities as one of his notable interventions.
The second phase of the OGEI empowerment scheme has further strengthened Hon. Aroloye’s drive to create lasting change and open new doors of opportunity for widows across Ondo State.
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