By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
The Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola has affirmed his commitment to investing in education, youth empowerment and social inclusion for the benefit of all categories of people in Owu kingdom.
Oba Matemilola stated this in Abeokuta during a press conference to officially launch the 2025 edition of Odun Omo Olowu Festival, describing the celebration as a season of reflection, unity and renewal for the Kingdom.
The monarch highlighted the achievements of the Olowu Hope Initiative (OHI), including the provision of scholarships for indigent students, teacher training and feeding programmes in partner schools.
He added that the initiative also provided healthcare support, boreholes, and skill acquisition schemes aimed at promoting inclusion and economic growth, pointing out that the Women Empowerment Fund under the initiative offered interest-free loans and vocational training to nurture self-reliant women and youths.
In a remark, Chairman of the 2025 Odun Omo Olowu Festival, Professor Al-Moruf Adelekan, said the week-long programme would feature various activities, including a medical outreach and youth symposium at the Olowu Palace.
He added that other events including Kabiyesi’s community tour of Owu townships within and outside Abeokuta between Tuesday, 21st and Thursday, 23rd October, to strengthen the bonds and reaffirm the cultural identity of the people.
The Committee Chairman also listed corporate branding exhibitions, art showcasing and conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished personalities, yam sales at the Olowu Palace and the Ajibosin Platform Symposium as some of the activities lined up for the celebration.
He explained that launching of the Olowu Hope Initiative would be held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta on Friday, 24th October, while the grand finale of the 2025 Odun Omo Olowu Festival would take place on Saturday, 25th October, at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori Abeokuta
