The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives Candidate for Ayedaade Federal Constituency, Taiwo Oluga, on Tuesday launched the Funmilayo Bamidele Oke Memorial Foundation (FBOMF) in Gbongan, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, with a pledge to support widows, the elderly, less privileged persons, and people living with disabilities through empowerment and humanitarian programmes.
The launch ceremony featured a community outreach during which over 200 residents received various forms of support from the foundation.
Speaking at the event, Oluga said the foundation was established in memory of her late mother, Funmilayo Bamidele Oke, to sustain her legacy of generosity and compassion toward vulnerable people in society.
According to her, the foundation would focus on skills acquisition, start-up support, healthcare outreach, and other empowerment initiatives aimed at helping beneficiaries become self-reliant.
“The secret behind this event is the continuation of our mother’s legacy. She was a giver who could part with her last card from the little she had. She always found joy in supporting people around her, including religious leaders and the needy,” she said.
“As her children, we decided to continue that legacy by reaching out to widows, the aged, the less privileged, and persons living with disabilities.”
Oluga explained that the foundation would go beyond the distribution of relief materials by introducing structured training programmes and business support initiatives.
“We intend to organise training programmes and provide start-up support. We do not want to keep giving people fish all the time; we want to teach them how to fish for themselves.
“We will take them through structured training processes and thereafter support them with start-up opportunities to help them grow. We are also considering a loan programme to further support beneficiaries,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, APC deputy governorship aspirant, Benjamin Kayode Adereti, commended the humanitarian vision behind the foundation and urged Nigerians to embrace the culture of giving back to society.
He said testimonies from beneficiaries reflected the humanitarian values of the late Funmilayo Bamidele Oke and the impact of the newly launched foundation.
“My message is that we should all learn the importance of giving back to the people. From the testimonies of those who benefited from Mama’s generosity, it is clear that this foundation reflects her legacy,” he said.
Adereti also assured residents of Osun State that the All Progressives Congress remained committed to peace, development, and people-oriented governance.
“Our message to the people of Osun State is one of hope, peace, and progress. We want everyone to rest assured that the election will be peaceful because our party is known for peace,” he said.
He added that the governorship ambition of Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, was focused on improving the welfare of residents across the state.
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Hon. Oyewale Adesiyan, also praised Oluga for her long-standing humanitarian efforts, describing her as a committed philanthropist.
“This is not her first time helping the needy. She has been doing it quietly for years before now. She only used this opportunity to make it public so others can also support the foundation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation’s medical team, Dr. Idowu Olowoyo described the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to community development.
He commended Oluga for her investment in healthcare outreach and recalled a previous medical programme organised in Akiriboto community where about 300 residents benefited from free treatment and medication.
“The vision to preserve the memory and legacy of Mama through humanitarian service is commendable. We are proud to be part of this mission that continues to improve access to healthcare and support vulnerable people,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Akeem Bakare, speaking on behalf of persons living with disabilities in Ayedaade Local Government, appreciated the foundation for extending support to vulnerable groups.
“We were invited by Honourable Taiwo Oluga to support the aged, widows, and persons living with disabilities in remembrance of her late mother. We are grateful for this kind gesture,” he said.
