Speaking newsmen in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Surveyor Fashina emphasized that true empowerment must be visible, traceable, and trackable with beneficiaries empowered to also empower others.
“We plan to run the empowerment the way it should be. If you are empowered, you should become a model for others and a source of inspiration and mentorship,” he stated.
Highlighting the rich heritage of the Owu Kingdom, Surveyor Fashina described Owu as a land of brilliant minds and natural leaders, especially renowned for excellence in fashion and design.
He revealed the Foundation’s flagship initiative the establishment of an Owu Fashion House aimed at empowering at least 1,000 youth through skill acquisition in tailoring, fashion design, and production.
“We’re bringing together Owu sons and daughters who are experts in tailoring and fashion to form a collective hub of creativity. We will give them the exposure and equipment they need to thrive,” he said.
He added that the fashion house will serve not only as a production centre with a unique Owu brand and label but also as a continuous learning institute, offering structured training and retraining for budding designers saying that plans are underway to showcase the first batch of creations during the upcoming Owu Day celebration in October.
The Chairman said the Foundation is also extending its empowerment reach into sports, acknowledging its power to engage youth constructively and reduce social vices. As part of this agenda, the Foundation seeks to partner with organizers of the Olowu Football Competition, with a goal to sponsor talented players for international football academy placements.
He commended the contributions of prominent Owu sons like Aare Bakinson, who has developed a sports facility within the Owu Club. “We want to build on this momentum and create more opportunities in sports like table tennis and lawn tennis for our youth,” Fashina added.
To tackle unemployment and poverty head-on, Fashina explained that the Foundation is expanding its focus to vocational skills such as catering, plumbing, welding, and other artisan trades adding that the goal is to equip youths with hands-on skills that are highly valuable in the job market.
On education, Surveyor Fashina reiterated the Foundation’s alignment with the vision of the Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII aiming to launch an Owu Readers’ Club a digital platform to encourage reading culture and academic excellence among youths saying that Outstanding students will be supported through scholarships.
As part of long-term sustainability, the Chairman said the Foundation is exploring the creation of a Community Banking System within the Owu Kingdom.
“This initiative is expected to facilitate easier access to loans and financial services for small businesses and entrepreneurs”.
Surveyor Fashina called all sons and daughters of Owu Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora to unite in supporting the vision.
“This is our legacy, let us rise to build and support this vision that will benefit all of us. Our target is limitless, we’re raising a generation of focused leaders who will positively impact others.”
The Chairman also said Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, PhD who is the founder of the Foundation, has remained a consistent pillar of support for sons and daughters of Owu, with a particular emphasis on nurturing the younger generation to become focused, responsible, and visionary leaders.
He commended Obasanjo for his foresight and unwavering commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of the Owu people adding that his initiatives through the Foundation have empowered countless youths, providing them with mentorship, educational opportunities, and leadership guidance.
“We extol the virtues of our father and leader, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. His vision for a better Owu and Nigeria at large continues to inspire us. Through the Owu Empowerment Foundation, he has given many young people a chance to dream, to grow, and to lead.
“Chief Obasanjo’s influence and impact span across Nigeria and the African continent, where he remains a respected voice in governance, peace-building, and sustainable development.
Watch out for Odun Omo Olowu 2025!!!
