Christianah Alade (Intern)
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, has attributed the success of the kingdom’s development initiatives to accountability, transparency and self-help, declaring that communities must first demonstrate commitment before expecting support from government, philanthropists and Nigerians in the diaspora.
Penpushing reports that the monarch stated this on Monday at a press conference held in his palace heralding activities for his fourth coronation anniversary, slated between July 27 to August 2, 2026.
The royal father presented the scorecard of the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), which has recorded interventions in education, healthcare, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
“Nothing succeeds like success. If you want people to help you, you have to help yourself by taking the first step. If they see the progress, they would want to help because they want to be part of the success story’, Matemilola said.
Penpushing further reports that he added that the initiative has received support from Nigerians in the diaspora and government agencies, including the Ministries of Education and Health, while remaining focused on four key pillars—education, health and well-being, enterprise and skills development, and environmental sustainability.
The traditional ruler disclosed that the initiative has impacted over 12,600 beneficiaries, awarded ₦20 million in scholarships, secured 650 Coursera licences through a ₦390 million Digital Inclusion Initiative grant.
Penpushing also reports that he added that it includes transformation of Daniel Akintonde Model School for Children with Special Needs, implemented a school feeding programme serving 8,662 meals, and trained beneficiaries in vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The monarch on the sustainability of the initiative’s school feeding programme despite the collapse of similar government schemes, blamed corruption for the failure of many public interventions.
Penpushing reports that he pointed out that If you have a corrupt system, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the programme is, it will collapse, adding that beneficiaries were carefully screened to ensure resources reached those genuinely in need.
The traditional ruler explained that Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI’s) interventions deliberately prioritise women and youths because they remain the backbone of national development, stressing that empowering both groups would have a multiplier effect on society.
Penpushing further reports that Matemilola disclosed that the palace convenes regular bi-monthly security meetings involving Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), religious leaders and community stakeholders to review security challenges and strengthen collaboration in safeguarding lives and property across Owu Kingdom.
The royal father revealed plans to expand the initiative’s study centres beyond Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South and Ifo to enable more students to benefit from its educational support programmes.
Penpushing also reports that activities marking the monarch’s fourth coronation anniversary include, medical outreaches, installation of new chiefs and other community development programmes among others
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