65 receive cash, food palliatives from SOF as Josiah advocates creation of Social Welfare Trust Fund for NGOs

The Sola Olagunju Foundation (SOF) marked the grand finale of its 20th anniversary with a humanitarian outreach that saw 65 beneficiaries, including widows, aged persons, and vulnerable members of society, receive cash support and food palliatives.

The three days celebration also featured the distribution of scholarship awards, visits to orphanages, and provision of free meals to destitute within Ibadan.

Speaking at the grand finale held at its state headquarters in Kongi area of Bodija, Ibadan on Tuesday, September 9, former lawmaker and immediate past Special Assistant on community relation to Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Femi Josiah described Ambassador Sola Olagunju, founder of SOF, as “an evangelist of humanity and a true servant of God in Oyo State.”

Drawing from biblical references, Josiah stressed the need for leaders and governments to support credible charity organizations that have demonstrated consistency in service to humanity.

Josiah, who recounted his first encounter with Ambassador Olagunju, said her selfless spirit and transparency had inspired his personal commitment to her humanitarian work.

He called on the Oyo State Government to establish a Social Welfare Trust Fund that would enable genuine NGOs to access intervention resources.

He also appealed to private sector stakeholders to show greater commitment in supporting organizations like SOF and not leave matters of societal welfare in the hands of government alone.

He maintained that support for social welfare remains a critical part of every developed societies in the world and most governments rely heavily on such commitments from critical non governmental stakeholders.

Earlier in his brief exhortation, Pastor Samuel Olowere encouraged beneficiaries to live as shining examples of God’s light within their communities.

He emphasized unity of purpose as a tool that attracts collective progress and blessings.

Matron of the Foundation, Mrs. Oladimeji Seyi, gave a historical account of the NGO, noting that it began in 2005 and has since impacted thousands of lives across Oyo State.

She praised Ambassador Olagunju for her sacrificial giving, often drawing from her personal resources to uplift underprivileged families in the society.

Mrs. Seyi disclosed that 65 persons benefitted directly from cash and food palliatives during the anniversary outreach.

She urged participants to be active citizens in their communities, mobilize through churches and mosques, and resist the temptation of selling their votes to untrustworthy politicians.

According to her, a nonchalant attitude towards elections encourages bad leadership with damaging societal consequences.

Several beneficiaries shared emotional testimonies of the Foundation’s enduring impacts over the years.

Ogundeji Temilola Sakirat, a professional sign interpreter, highlighted SOF’s empowerment programs for persons living with disabilities, which included provision of hair dryers, tailoring machines, and seed capital for small businesses while commending Ambassador Olagunju for being true and trusted ambassador of positive change.

Mama Adeyimi Florence Taiwo described Ambassador Olagunju as a woman with “open arms and a large heart of benevolence,” showering prayers of gratitude on her.

Mama Adetoun Adeniran recalled the Foundation’s intervention when she suffered a road accident and almost lost her home to fire. She pledged the continued support of widows and aged women for Olagunju’s initiatives.

Mrs. Olajide Gbemisola Florence recounted her first encounter with SOF in 2014, which she described as a “divine turnaround” in her life.

Margaret Akeredolu, a widow from Delta State with three children, expressed gratitude after receiving financial aid and food palliatives saying the Foundation has never treated her as someone from another tribe resident in Ibadan.

Ambassador Sola Olagunju, Founder and chairperson of SOF said, with two decades of consistent humanitarian service, the Foundation has continued to stand as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden in Oyo State and beyond.

She expressed gratitude to her management team, volunteers and partners of the foundation for their selfless commitment to the NGO.

She assured that their dedication have become a source of strength and motivation while promising to continue to serve God through humanitarian commitments to the less privileged members of the society.