Daud Olatunji
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, has officially launched the 2025 Odun Omo Olowu Festival, declaring it a season of “compassion, unity, and shared humanity,” while unveiling remarkable achievements of his flagship development platform, the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI).
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abeokuta, Oba Matemilola described the festival not merely as a cultural celebration but “a moment for deep reflection on the very heart of our kingdom.”
“This season stands as a testament to compassion, unity, and our unwavering commitment to shared humanity. The strongest bond we possess is the connection we foster with one another,” the monarch declared.
Thousands Empowered Through OHI
Highlighting the achievements of the Olowu Hope Initiative, the royal father said the programme has, in a few years, “positively impacted thousands of lives,” creating real change across Owu communities and beyond.
He disclosed that tens of millions of naira in community funds have been mobilised to empower women entrepreneurs, while hundreds of students now enjoy full scholarships under the Olówu Scholars Programme.
“Communities once neglected now have access to boreholes, while health outreaches have brought essential care to hundreds across our towns,” Oba Matemilola said. “OHI exists as a deliberate force for transformation—rooted in compassion and driven by purpose.”
The initiative, according to him, rests on four strategic pillars—Enterprise & Skills Development, Education, Health & Well-being, and Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action—ensuring long-term social and economic impact.
Women Empowerment Fund Launched by Minister
The monarch disclosed that under the OHI Women Empowerment Programme, the initiative plans to support 50,000 women with interest-free capital, skills training, and mentorship.
He noted that the programme, launched by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on September 30, 2025, has already become “a model for community-led development nationwide.”
“Empowering women is a powerful strategy for uplifting entire communities,” Oba Matemilola said. “Through the Women Empowerment Fund, we are not just providing finance—we are nurturing entrepreneurs, building capacity, and inspiring a generation of independent, community-focused leaders.”
He further revealed that OHI’s partnership with Lotus Bank and World Citizen provides a unique blend of microcredit, capacity building, and mentorship for sustainable enterprise growth.
Education As Bedrock of Progress
Oba Matemilola reaffirmed his commitment to education as a tool to break the cycle of poverty, noting that the Olówu Scholars Programme provides full scholarships—from primary to university level—covering tuition, uniforms, and examination fees.
He said the Meal-A-Day Programme ensures one nutritious meal daily for malnourished pupils in partner schools, while the Culture Meets Innovation Project integrates technology and heritage through 3D-printed Cowries gift cards and the Cowry app.
“We are building classrooms filled with eager learners, staying longer, learning better, and inspiring communities to value education as a pathway to dignity and leadership,” he said.
Health,Environmental Programmes Transforming Lives
Under the Health and Well-being pillar, OHI has supported government vaccination campaigns, nutrition initiatives, malaria prevention, and medical outreaches, including eye care missions.
He added that the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme has made healthcare more accessible and affordable for families, while digital school health programmes ensure children’s wellbeing.
“A healthy community is a prosperous one. We are not only treating illness; we are building resilience and unlocking the full productive potential of our people,” the monarch said.
Oba Matemilola also announced major strides in environmental protection through OHI’s Green Energy Palace Project—described as the world’s first 100% green palace, powered entirely by renewable energy.
“This innovation lights the streets of Òwu, offers free phone charging to residents, and sets a global example for sustainability,” he proudly stated.
In partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, OHI has also established a plastic collection and recycling plant at Owu Apo, turning waste into valuable materials and promoting a “waste-to-wealth” economy.
Oba Matemilola expressed gratitude to partners, donors, and volunteers who have made OHI’s impact possible. He called for continued collaboration to sustain the kingdom’s progress.
“Together, we are building a legacy of compassion, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he said. “Let us continue to unite our efforts for the greater good of Òwu Kingdom and beyond.”
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the 2025 edition of Odun Omo Olowu Festival is expected to attract dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and indigenes from across the globe, celebrating Owu’s rich heritage while advancing the kingdom’s development agenda through the Olowu Hope Initiative.
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