Olowu Hope Initiative Launches Women Empowerment Fund
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has officially unveiled the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI) Women Empowerment Fund. The programme, founded by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, aims to reach 50,000 women in the next decade and ultimately impact one million lives across Nigeria.
The OHI is built on four strong pillars: microcredit and economic empowerment, vocational training, education, and healthcare. It is not just about giving charity but creating a movement that equips women with the tools, rights, and resources to shape their futures.
Federal Support for Women
Speaking at the launch, the Minister commended the initiative, describing it as the kind of grassroots empowerment that transforms societies. She assured that the Federal Government would support the programme to ensure its success in Owu Kingdom and beyond.
How Women Can Benefit
The OHI Women Empowerment Fund is the main driver of the programme. Here’s how women can benefit:
Interest-Free Loans: Women can access small business loans without the burden of interest, giving them a chance to grow their businesses.
Business Support: The fund provides training, mentorship, and access to networks that will help women run sustainable businesses.
Vocational Training: Women will be trained in different trades and skills that can create income-generating opportunities.
Education & Healthcare Access: The initiative also supports children’s education and provides improved healthcare services, reducing the financial struggles families face.
Support Capital: Beyond money, the initiative includes pro-bono services, donated goods, and other forms of support to strengthen women’s capacity.
A Legacy for Generations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, chairs the Board of Trustees as Grand Patron, alongside respected leaders in business and community development. This strong governance is designed to ensure transparency, sustainability, and long-term impact.
“This is an investment in Nigeria’s most untapped resource — our women. The ripple effects on the economy and society will be monumental.”- Dr. Akintoye Akindele,
The Olowu Hope Initiative is more than a local project; it is a model for national transformation. By equipping women with financial and social tools, the programme is designed to break cycles of poverty, improve livelihoods, and build generational change. Every Nigerian woman has the chance to benefit, either directly through funding or indirectly through improved education, healthcare, and stronger communities.
