Remilekun Enitan Oyelowo the CEO of Lens AfricaTV today paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency, Amb, Erelu, NGOZI ABENI ADELEKE, the wife of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and the founder Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation.
While Speaking her excellency emphasized that the foundation is a leading a wave of empowerment and social intervention in Osun State through her humanitarian activities. The Humanitarian Foundation,was established to address the critical challenges facing women, youth, and children in the state, has unveiled a series of impactful programs aimed at fostering economic growth and societal well-being.
Her Excellency elaborated on the vision driving the foundation. “The foundation is a vehicle for uplifting women, empowering the youth, and ensuring the well-being of children in Osun State,” she said.
“Our focus is on empowering women through vocational training and creating opportunities for the youth, while ensuring children receive the care and attention they deserve.”
Empowering Women Through Vocational Training
One of the key initiatives of the foundation is its vocational training program for women, aimed at helping them acquire practical skills that can lead to financial independence. In partnership with Pan African University, the foundation recently launched a comprehensive training program focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The goal is to train 10,000 women in Osun State, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills such as soap making and detergent production, which are in high demand in local markets.
Before embarking on an international trip to the United Nations, the foundation successfully trained the first batch of women in vocational skills, with plans to continue the program by the end of the year. “We are committed to empowering as many women as possible,” Mrs. Adeleke said. “By teaching them marketable skills, we are enabling them to contribute to their families’ income and the overall economic development of the state.”
Tackling Menstrual Hygiene with “Pad Up Girl Child” Initiative
The foundation’s commitment to the well-being of young girls is evident in its flagship program, the “Pad Up Girl Child” initiative. This project focuses on menstrual hygiene education for schoolgirls across Osun State. In addition to distributing sanitary pads, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about menstrual health and teach girls how to maintain proper hygiene during their periods.
“Providing sanitary pads is just one part of the initiative,” Mrs. Adeleke explained. “We are also teaching young girls about the importance of menstrual hygiene and how to stay safe and healthy. It’s about equipping them with knowledge that will serve them throughout their lives.”
The initiative also addresses broader societal issues by sensitizing girls on how to navigate social pressures and avoid dangerous situations. By partnering with youth leaders and schools, the foundation ensures that the message of health and safety reaches a wide audience of young women, preparing them to become confident and informed future leaders.
Youth Empowerment Through Skills Acquisition
Recognizing the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the future of Osun State, the foundation has launched a year-long cosmetology program aimed at equipping young women with skills in beauty and personal care services. The program, which started in February, has enrolled 30 young women in training that covers hairdressing, skincare, and nail care. Upon completion in January next year, the graduates will receive startup funds to establish their own businesses, ensuring that they can put their new skills to immediate use.
“This program is designed to give young women the tools they need to succeed in the cosmetology industry,” said Mrs. Adeleke. “Our goal is to provide them with the skills and financial support to become self-reliant and to contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Supporting Families in Need
The foundation also extends its reach to vulnerable families, particularly those with newborn triplets and those struggling with financial hardships. The Esther Adeleke Foundation provides support to families by covering hospital bills and offering food supplies and materials for both mother and child. “We don’t just stop at paying hospital bills; we continue to support these families by providing food and essentials to ensure the well-being of the mother and her children,” said Mrs. Adeleke.
She stressed that foundation has made significant strides in education by paying school fees for children from less privileged families and supporting their access to healthcare.
Mrs. Adeleke’s advocacy for free primary and secondary education in Osun State further emphasizes her commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of financial background, has access to quality education.
Government Support and Future Plans
Her Excellency expressed gratitude to her husband, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for his unwavering support of the foundation’s activities. “None of this would be possible without the support of my husband. His commitment to improving the lives of women, youth, and children in Osun State has been instrumental in the success of these initiatives,” she stated.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand its programs, including a partnership with international organizations to train Osun youth in information technology and provide them with job opportunities abroad.
Her Excellency also continues to advocate for policies that promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and access to education.
The Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for women, youth, and children in Osun State, offering practical solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges. Through a combination of vocational training, education, and social support, the foundation is helping to build a stronger, more resilient community for future generations.
