Olori Olayinka Balogun, a Queen of the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, on Sunday, April 7, 2025, marked the one-year anniversary of the passing of her late husband with an empowerment program.
Oba Balogun, 81, joined his ancestors on the 14th March, 2024, after two years of successful reign as the 42nd Olubadan.
However, to honor his memory, the wife, Olori Olayinka Balogun was joined by other top dignitaries at the Alarere Palace of the late monarch for a special Muslim prayer, the empowerment and a reception.
The empowerment program done in collaboration with Shunamite Corpers Fellowship, a branch of Shunnamith Christian Foundation, and powered by Olori Olayinka Balogun, saw 22 Corps members being supported with cash gifts of 50,000 naira each. While six youths from Aliwo family of late Oba Balogun were also selected as the first batch of those to be trained in Adire making.
Speaking during the program, Olori Olayinka expressed her desire to continue supporting the needy and empowering the youth, having imbibed the act of giving not only from her late husband but also from her family background. Mrs. Balogun also appealed to all and sundry to always extend a helping hand to those in need no matter how little.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Gbenga Afuwape, who to the event alongside his wife, described the initiative a laudable one. Afuwape, who is the Manager of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, commended Olori Olayinka for putting up such wonderful ideas in honor of her late husband.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included Alhaji Fatai Olabode Ojikitu; Mrs. Durotoye; Mrs. Sanusi (Ajoki Mama); Alhaji Asimiyu Adepoju; Alhaji and Alhaja Koleosho; the representative of Prince F.M CEO, Prince Babatunde Oruomeniowo; Mrs. Bamidele; representative of the Oyo State chapter of Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps; members of Peace Ambassador including Mr. Bunni Otunuga, amongst others.
It's worthy of note that Olori Olayinka Balogun, in other to immortalise her late husband, offially launched a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Unicorn Respite And Rehabilitation Centre in May 2024.
About 200 persons comprising widows, artisans, unemployed graduates, and the needy benefitted from the maiden edition of the program.
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