Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye’s Empowerment Drive Shines Bright: Transforming Lives of Widows Across Ondo State
In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment, the OyinAroloye Gender Empowerment Initiative (OGEI) has once again brought hope, dignity and empowerment to scores of widows spanning 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State.
The second phase of this transformative empowerment program, held on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, was a beacon of opportunity as women were trained in essential skills such as soap making and the production of traditional Sobo/Tonic drinks.
The event, hosted at the Initiative’s office, witnessed the joyous faces of many widows, ready to embrace new skills that promise to uplift their economic status and restore their confidence. This initiative, championed by the visionary Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye, is rapidly becoming a symbol of hope and a model for women’s empowerment across the state.
In her passionate remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Responsibility, Hon. Seun Bosede Osamaye, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the government’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of women. “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 affirmed.
Hon. Mrs. Adebankeba Oyinkansola Aroloye, the founder and President of OyinAroloye Gender Empowerment Initiative, delivered an inspiring keynote that reflected her deep-rooted passion and relentless dedication. “This gathering is more than an event; it is a celebration of hope, compassion, and the power of collective action,” she said, highlighting the remarkable achievements of the initiative over the past three years. Under her leadership, the initiative has installed solar power systems in communities, empowered aged mothers and fathers, supported undergraduates, provided essential infrastructure to combat hunger, uplifted artisans with tools and skills, and granted small business capital to widows, helping them stand strong and independent.
Yet, Olori Oyinkansola’s vision extends far beyond these accomplishments. She envisions expanding empowerment programs for women and youth, creating more educational opportunities, reaching out to additional communities in need, and continuing to be a steadfast voice and source of support for the vulnerable and forgotten.
“The road ahead is filled with greater possibilities. Together, we can turn compassion into action, and action into lasting change,” she concluded, warmly inviting everyone present to be part of this transformative journey.
Support for the initiative resonated throughout the event. Hon. Chief Olamide Falana, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of this empowerment and urged women to nurture their children and keep them away from harmful influences like drugs.
Hon. Beauty Modium, Vice Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, praised Olori Oyinkansola’s visionary mindset towards uplifting less privileged women, while Hon. Mrs. Biola Ijimakinwa, Vice Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, emphasized that the initiative would significantly transform and shape society for the better.
Grateful beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for the program. Mrs. Olufemi Akinde, who acquired skills in Sobo making, shared, “This program will help us make ends meet and even teach others for commercial purposes.” Similarly, Mrs. Anazia Chucks, trained in soap making, spoke highly of the knowledge gained and its positive impact on her livelihood.
Others, including Mrs. Victoria Ogoji, Mrs. Olufunke, and Adedayo Moradeke from Ifedore Local Government Area, also hailed the initiative for its empowering effects.
Mrs. Ojifini, another beneficiary, extended commendations to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his dedication to the state, citing initiatives such as the payment of gratuities as pivotal to Ondo’s progress.
This second phase of empowerment under Hon. Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye is not just a program; it is a movement—one that uplifts widows, restores hope, and lights the path toward a brighter, more inclusive future for Ondo State.