Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye Trains and Empowers Over 100 Widows In Akure
The Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Mobilization, Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye, has empowered over 100 widows across Ondo State through her widely acclaimed OyinAroloye Gender Empowerment Initiative. The empowerment program, which took place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the initiative’s office located along Fanibi Road beside Winners College, Akure, was well-attended by dignitaries from across the state, including current and former government officials, special advisers, commissioners, and stakeholders. This annual event featured comprehensive training sessions on soap making, zobo (hibiscus) drink production, and health awareness, equipping participants with practical skills to improve their livelihoods.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Biola Ayenetan, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative. She stated that the training would help her turn the financial support she received into wealth and that, in a few months, she would be self-reliant. “I sincerely appreciate the Convener for such a life-changing opportunity,” she added. Mrs. Jane Aina, a broadcast journalist and one of the lecturers at the event, emphasized the importance of financial literacy and practical skill acquisition. She noted that the training was necessary so the women could translate the skills and financial aid into sustainable wealth.
The event drew positive commendations from several dignitaries, including Prince Boye Ologbese, former Commissioner for Regional Integration, who described the initiative as a noble and impactful development. The Convener’s husband and supporter of the initiative, Prince Aroloye, affirmed their shared passion for philanthropy, noting that his wife’s zeal for helping others is unmatched. He said he was honored to support her vision of aiding the less privileged so they don’t have to depend on others just to eat. “No doubt about the fact that I and my wife have passion for helping others. In fact, my wife’s zeal supersedes mine in that regard,” he remarked.
In her address to The Democrat News Magazine, Hon. Oyinkansola Aroloye shared her motivation behind the project, attributing it to the legacy of generosity she inherited from her father. She expressed great joy seeing widows and elderly mothers empowered and prayed for divine provision to continue blessing the less privileged. “It gives me great pleasure having our old mothers and widows here to attend the trainings on zobo production and soap making. I know God has used me to better their lot in my own little way,” she said. She also highlighted other projects under the initiative, including the empowerment of over 100 youths with laptops, and confirmed that this widows’ training does not affect the annual December empowerment program held in Ijapo. She urged well-meaning individuals to emulate the act of giving, stating that giving back to society is necessary to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Prince Boye Ologbese, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana, Hon. Olaribido, Hon. Banji Ajaka from the Ministry of Health (Mental Health Department), Hon. Afolabi Adesoji from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Hon. Tomiwa Akinribido (SSA to the Governor on ICT), and many others. The training was facilitated by Engr. Mrs. Temitayo Abe Williams, Director of Small Scale Business and trainer on zobo and blood tonic, as well as Mrs. Naomi Oba, Director of Small Scale Business and trainer on Izal and soap making. The program concluded with the distribution of monetary gifts to the widows and a renewed commitment by Hon. Oyinkansola Aroloye to continue uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.