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Why I established Oko Opo Foundation for widows – Dr Adeyemo, CEO, Pelican-Valley

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Why I established Oko Opo Foundation for widows - Dr Adeyemo, CEO, Pelican-Valley

Why I established Oko Opo Foundation for widows – Dr Adeyemo, CEO, Pelican-Valley

 

 

 

Dr Babatunde Adeyemo is the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican-Valley Nigeria Limited, a Real Estate company.

 

 

 

Why I established Oko Opo Foundation for widows - Dr Adeyemo, CEO, Pelican-Valley

 

 

In an interview with Great Achiever Magazine, Dr Adeyemo speaks on the establishment of Oko Opo Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation that rekindles the hope of widows, in fulfilment of his life-long dream to give back to society.

 

Excerpts:

 

You have just come up with a new initiative called Oko Opo Foundation. Please tell us what it is all about.

 

The proposed Oko Opo Foundation is one of my life-long ambitions and dreams. The Foundation is a product of my personal experience about life generally.

 

Being a journalist who had been in the profession for almost 15 years, and had covered many people, including about four governors in Ogun State; I’ve covered the rich and the poor; seen the mighty fallen; seen people at the peak and the lowest part of their lives. After much thought, I’ve come to realise that life is vanity and I realised also that no matter the amount of money you have, it doesn’t secure the future of your children because money is like spirit which you can’t tie down except you invest it on institutions and people.

 

Look at the high and mighty in our society many years back; where are their wealth now? When they died, their wealth went with them and now you start hearing some news that you’ve not been hearing before. So, I realised that the only way you can leave indelible mark on the sands of time is by building people and institutions.

 

For instance, I’ve told my children that substantial part of my assets will be bequeathed to the widows, orphans and less privileged people in the society.

 

So, Oko Opo Foundation is a step towards walking my talk, and also a reflection of my life experience, that life itself is vanity, but while alive one should build people and institutions which I’ve dedicated my life to do.

 

Secondly, I’m the type of person that has passion for adding value to people’s lives. I love being a philanthropist; touching people’s lives positively, and this propelled me to establish Oko Opo Foundation.

 

What does the Foundation want to achieve?

 

The Foundation is about rekindling the hope of the widows, widowers, orphans and the less privileged people in the society.

 

How do you intend to achieve this?

 

Definitely we can’t do it alone. So, we are going to establish our presence on social media where we will seek support through partnership.

 

Again, I’ve earned a lot of goodwill in real estate and in journalism; I will deploy it in Oko Opo Foundation. I will also use my proficiency and integrity in Real Estate business to gather people of likeminds, while I also lead by example.

 

I have some properties which I’m donating to the Foundation immediately because the Foundation has been registered.

 

Equally, I’m building a mini multipurpose hall which is about 98% completed, and this will be used for the activities of the Foundation.

 

How do you want to identify and bring together beneficiaries of this Foundation?

 

We are going to look at it from the angle of direct assessment. We will make the entry open to everybody. People can just walk in; they will be interviewed and submit their credentials which will be verified. From the interview, we will determine their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that can be available for them and also their various peculiar needs.

 

Some of the things we will do for them are; granting interest free loans; there is a few acres of land, part of which will be made available to them for farming activities; we will also raise an endowment funds to build low income houses with modern facilities to solve the housing problems of the critically vulnerable ones.

 

In addition, we are partnering with one of our clients in the United States who will build old people’s home to cater for the elderly people. There will be a farm market and farm Estate which will create employment opportunities for the widows and elderly people who are still agile and want to engage themselves in physical activities to keep fit and kill boredom.

 

In a project of this nature, finance is always very crucial. Have you reached out to people who can support this initiative and what response have you got from them?

 

Like I said earlier, goodwill is very important. So, I’m not perturbed about finance. We have people of likeminds around the world. Presently, I have over 1000 Nigerians in the Diaspora who have keyed into the Pelican Real Estate project. If you are known as Mr Integrity, people will not hesitate to support and join you in what you are doing.

 

Don’t forget that I’m not doing this for money. I thank God for what He has done for me, and this Foundation is an avenue for me to give back to the society. My goodwill will surely come in handy, as people are ready and willing to support the initiative. Once you are transparent in whatever you do, people will donate generously to a worthy cause.

 

Oko Opo will have a strong presence online where we will be engaging people via various online programmes and they will donate willingly. Once people realise that there is sincerity of purpose, they will want to be part of the success story.

 

I will definitely lead by example. So far, I’ve spent almost N70 million on the mini multipurpose hall which is about 98% completed and very soon a very big generator will be installed there, while I’ve also donated five acres of land in a prime location to the foundation.

 

Can you speak on the peculiarity of the Foundation’s logo?

 

Yes, the Oko Opo Foundation’s logo carries a caricature image of a malnourishly dieing child with a vulture standing behind. That image depicts the present state of an average Nigerian orphan and widow, which Oko Opo Foundation is here to rescue, God willing .

 

How soon will the Oko Opo Foundation kick off?

 

We are planning to launch by September, and mostly, we are going to have so much online presence. We will organise World Press Conference and invite people of likeminds to talk, do interviews and such other things.

 

I’m very optimistic that Oko Opo Foundation will be a success.

Credit: Achievers

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

 

Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.

Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.

Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.

Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.

Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.

Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.

With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin

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World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The fast-rising artiste in Nigeria entertainment world, Ayomide Olamide also known as World Famous, on Sunday hang out with friends and fans to further establish unity. The ‘Meh Meh Meh’ crooner who is making a great wave on his social media handles dropped a message for his music lovers explaining why he chose to hang out with them.

 

 

World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin

 

 

The event which took place at CareerMega Bar in Alagbado area of Lagos State had World Famous, captivate his audience with hit songs to further established friendship chain amongst his friends and lovers both home and abroad.

 

 

 

According to Famous, the show is more than just music but an idea to focus on setting an interactive session among his counterparts and also to play games as means of relaxation.

 

 

 

‘I have a dream that one day, the government will create room for upcoming artists so that they won’t cross the line of drug peddlers in promoter’s skin.

 

 

 

According to Prince Christopher Gold, C.E.O, Life compass travel & Tours, who had earlier facilitated famous tour to Ghana in 2022, made it his duty to draw a large crowd, personalities, socialites, celebrities and influencers to the event and also promised to make it annual event which will also showcase and further add to the vibrant ambiance of many upcoming artistes.

 

 

 

 

World Famous, who is also known as Akeweje Quibla , a famous Afro hippo artist is also promise to share the lyrics of his new hit with his lovers and new found admirers on his social media handles just to blend them in his upcoming video shoot in other to give a long lasting impression on his new admirers which will further establish their bond.

 

 

” Meh Meh Meh, his latest track is still making waves.

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Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards

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Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards

 

Mississauga-Centre Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Nollywood actress Omolara Kasali Dada, who received a Special Recognition Award at the 7th edition of the Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards. The prestigious event was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Royal King Event Center in Etobicoke, Canada.

In her congratulatory message, MPP Kusendova-Bashta expressed her admiration for Dada’s significant contributions to promoting Nigerian culture and entertainment in Canada and beyond. “It is my pleasure to congratulate Omolara Kasali Dada for being awarded the Special Recognition Award,” she wrote. “I am honored to recognize Omolara for her outstanding contributions to the preservation and enrichment of Nigerian cultural heritage.”

The annual awards ceremony celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the community by promoting and preserving Nigerian culture. Kusendova-Bashta praised Omolara’s role in strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Nigeria and enriching Canada’s multicultural landscape. She added, “Dedicated individuals like Omolara ensure that our rich heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The event celebrated prominent figures who have played a vital role in preserving Nigerian traditions and enhancing cultural pride. The award to Omolara Kasali Dada stands as a testament to her dedication and influence within the Nigerian-Canadian community.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta extended her best wishes for a memorable and inspiring celebration, highlighting the importance of cultural recognition events in building a diverse and unified community.

 

Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards

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