Events
Rotarian Bola Oyebade Launches Foundation, Hosts Inaugural Empowerment Lecture
If you ever think you are too small to be effective, then you have never been in bed with a mosquito! – Wendy Lesko
The Banquent Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, was all bubbly as men and women of substance gathered to celebrate with one of their own, Rotarian Omobolanle Oyebade, who launched his latest brainchild called Bola Oyebade Foundation (BOF).
In his speech, Rotarian Oyebade, who doubles as the Founder and Trustee Chair said that the essence of the Foundation, was to inspire Nigerians especially youths to reach their full potentials while creating avenues for empowering them through Agriculture and vocational skills.
He noted that being too small to be effective or relevant are expressions that should not be in their thoughts because even as litte as a mustard seed is, it is what usually grows to become a giant oak, he therefore encouraged the youths to start from where they are even if it is small.
Oyebade’s welcome message was followed by a thorough lecture delivered by a seasoned Chartered Accountnt and Founding Partner, SIOA Mr. Ladi Smith.
The guest lecturer spoke on the theme “Sustainable Economic Empowerment”.
Mr. Oyebade and wife, Linda appreciating the Guest Lecturer, Mr. Ladi Smith
Smith, who is a Knight of Saint Westley and Chairman Olashore Group of Schools, started by expressing the importance of a tradesman, stressing that “abroad, they value people who are tradesmen” and informed that there are businesses all around if only one could be alert to his environment.
He summarised his lecture by telling a story of the Plantain Chips industry, which according to him is a N2 billion monthly business.
In his example, he mentioned that an Indian business woman came to Nigeria to set up a business, discovered sellers of plantain chips. This discovery changed the woman’s business idea because she found out that an estimated eighty to hundred million naira is made daily from the sale of plantain chips and up to two billion naira is made monthly.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Ladi Smith
“We are a unique set of people in Nigeria and it will be difficult for a government to send people out of the street selling because they contribute largely to our economy,” he noted.
He also advised youths and entrepreneurs to always appreciate technology in all they do because technology has displaced many businesses and will still displace more businesses.
“In whatever you do, look at the next five to ten years and ask yourself if you will still be able to do it,” he said, adding that there things youths can do to better their lives such as Crypto Currency, Blogging, Coding and digital marketing among others.
He advised youths seeking employment that the four walls of school shouldn’t stop anyone from getting adventurous, stressing that “In what you do, be an entrepreneur.”
Adding to the long, rich and educative speech, Rev. Canon Akeredolu added that youths should find out their God given talents and make sure they know what they are good at so as to make a better living for themselves.
HRM Oba Olusegun Ogunye, The Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, Abigi, Ogun State
The inaugural lecture coincided with the birthday of the Founder, and it was marked with fanfare and cutting of the cake in the course of the programme.
The paramount ruler of Abigi Kingdom, The Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom, HRM Oba Olusegun Ogunye, was on hand to shower heartfelt royal blessings on Mr Oyebade and the Foundation.
Established in 2016, the Bola Oyebade Foundation has been in the forefront of giving helping hands to the needy and has so far successfully executed some projects. Among the many projects is a donation of one unit industrial sewing machine to a young lady, Shitta Hamidat Omolara, who is passionate about developing a skill in the art of making bags, shoes, slippers and belts, using local cloth fabric (Ankara). Today, Omolara, according to her testimony is a made entrepreneur.
Mr Oyebade celebrating with Rotary club members
The Foundation has also donated to different women across the nation, units of pepper grinding machine as well as helped in setting up barbing business for four young men in Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states.
That is not all, the Foundation has outlined gigantic projects with which to further better the lives of regular Nigerians, and these projects include empowering a cluster of women through cassava processing plants in five different rural communities namely Abigi, Ota, Epe, Ikorodu and Akure; Agricultural Outgrower scheme for the unemployed youths and gradutaes; provision of insecticides and herbicides to selected farmers in rural areas and others.
It also plans to establish Agricultural Out Growers Schemes for unemployed youths and graduates, Agricultural Training Schemes on different areas and new practices for better productivity and increased yield, initiate vocational training programmes, micro-credit schemes, entrepreneurial mentorship schemes as well as scholarship for primary, secondary and tertiary education.
Mr. & Mrs. Bola Oyebade, Ovation Magazine Editor, Michael Effiong & Mr. Biodun Oshinibosi
The Launch proper, saw friends of the Foundation making donations for its proper takeoff.
Speaking to The Boss, Oyebade said: “The Bola Oyebade Foundation is a registered private Non-Governmental Organization incorporated in Nigeria in July 2016. Since its inception, the foundation has been working with local partners around the country to economically strengthen members of the communities.
“The vision of the foundation is to uplift lives of individuals through economic empowerment and improve the overall quality of living of Nigerians.”
Rev. Canon Akeredolu giving his speech
He informed us that the Foundation was inspired by the need to reach out to as many Nigerians as possible, with sustainble ideas that will make them entrepreneurs or contributors to the economy.
Steve Asuquo & Lanre Kasim
The Leezeet Tender Heart Foundation, in partnership with Divine Care Hub, has held an inspiring Elderly Community Outreach Programme in Ikorodu.
Led by the founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbite, the event celebrated and supported senior citizens, widows, and orphans, highlighting the importance of mental, physical, and social well-being for older adults.
The programme, themed “Promoting Economic Empowerment & Mental Wellness Among Older Adults,” included prayers, praise and worship, gentle exercises, massage therapy, nutrition talks, and economic empowerment sessions. Ms. Abimbola Shaba shared tips on Affordable Nutrition and Healthy Living for the Elderly, while Mrs. Adigun and Ms. Loveth highlighted social welfare and economic opportunities.
Creative moments included a heartfelt poem by Mrs. Grace Oni and a colorful senior fashion parade coordinated by Mrs. Oladehinde, reminding everyone that style has no age limit. The event was beautifully anchored by MC Mrs. Adebo and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Fabunmi.
Mrs. Adegbite called on the Ikorodu community, NGOs, and individuals to step up interventions for the elderly, stressing that together, communities can ensure dignity, care, and hope for all seniors.
By Ruth Akpan Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa
The city of Ile-Ife lit up in colours penultimate week as the matriarch of the Ogunsakin family, Princess Emily Teniade Ogunsakin, was celebrated by family members, friends, associates and well wishers as she joined the nonagerian club.
It was a moment of grace and gratitude as all and sundry gathered to honour a remarkable woman of faith and grace, who joyfully marked her 90th birthday. The milestone event, hosted by her children led by Asiwaju Segun Ogunsakin, was a heartfelt celebration of a matriarch whose life has been defined by devotion, discipline, and divine favour.
The celebration began in the most fitting way; with praises and prayers at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife. The church, filled with joyful hymns and the fragrance of thanksgiving, echoed with gratitude as Mama, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones, gave thanks to God for nine decades of His faithfulness.
The service was officiated by Rt. Rev. Olubunmi A. Akinlade, Bishop of the Diocese of Ife (Anglican Communion), who in his sermon extolled the celebrant’s unwavering commitment to the things of God. The Bishop described Mama as “a vessel of grace” whose life of prayer and humility has shaped generations.
He encouraged her to continue steadfastly in prayer, noting that “a mother’s prayer is the greatest covering a family can have.” His message resonated deeply with the congregation, serving as a reminder of the quiet but powerful influence of a godly matriarch.
The service was rich in hymns, scriptural readings and heartfelt prayers. The high point came when Mama, radiant and energetic, was called forward for a special thanksgiving. With graceful steps, she danced to the altar, her face glowing with joy and gratitude; a living testimony of strength at 90.
The service concluded with special prayers for her continued health, peace and prosperity. The congregation also joined in a stirring rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song, filling the sanctuary with warmth and celebration. A short photo session followed with the clergy and family, capturing moments that reflected the beauty of faith, family, and longevity.
From the church, guests proceeded to the Ojaja Arena, Ile-Ife for the grand reception. The spacious venue had been beautifully transformed into a scene of elegance and colour to reflect royalty befitting for a princess.
The event was masterfully compered by Yinka Salawu, who kept the guests entertained throughout the programme.
One after another, family members and friends took turns to share glowing tributes about the celebrant. Her children spoke of her as a prayer warrior, a pillar of wisdom, and a mother whose life of integrity continues to guide their paths. Friends described her as compassionate, disciplined, and deeply God-fearing.
For the Ogunsakin family, the day was not just about age; it was a celebration of legacy, values and enduring strength of a mother’s love.
The cutting of the beautifully designed birthday cake, surrounded by her children was a joyful moment. The hall came alive with applause, laughter, camera flashes and toast in honour of a woman who is well-loved by all.
Guests were later treated to a lavish spread of local and continental dishes, complemented by an array of drinks while the Adonai Band serenaded the gathering with a medley of gospel and highlife tunes, keeping the atmosphere vibrant and festive with melodies that carried both nostalgia and joy.
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