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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – It was a moment of joy and celebration on Saturday, October 4, 2025, as the OGA Progressive Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), hosted a grand Lecture and Empowerment Programme at the ASUP Hall, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
The event, themed, “The Role of NGO in Social Harmony and Well-Being,” centered on promoting the welfare of farmers, students, and youths, while also extending health insurance support to residents in need.
Through this initiative, the Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and the advancement of social well-being across Ogun State and beyond.
In his welcome address, the Founder of OGA Progressive Foundation, Hon. Ogunjobi Ganiu Adio, expressed appreciation to attendees for their massive turnout and outlined the foundation’s achievements and future plans.
According to him, over 400 people in Yewa South have benefited from the foundation’s health insurance scheme, while students were awarded scholarships to study Nursing in Nigerian universities.
Hon. Adio also revealed that an estate, known as the OGA Progressive Farm Estate, had been established to support farmers with 30 hectares of free farmland donated by Chief Olumide Bidemi Falola, CEO of Sweet Estate, alongside other donors.
The foundation also donated grass-cutting machines, books, and other learning materials to government schools as part of its educational support.
In his remarks, Chief Olumide Bidemi Falola, who chaired the occasion, praised the foundation’s efforts and urged the foundation to introduce international scholarship opportunities in future editions.
He also rewarded a student, Elizabeth from Yewa High School, Ajilete, with a cash prize of ₦5,000 for her attentiveness and participation during the event.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mr. Akingbade Alfred Soleye, Country Director of Global Support for Kids Initiative, highlighted six vital roles NGOs play in promoting social harmony and well-being.
These include promoting social inclusion, conflict resolution and peace-building, providing essential materials for education, advocacy and awareness, community empowerment, and engagement.
He also advised students to adopt the “8+8+8” formula for effective time management – eight hours each for work, rest, and personal development – while encouraging them to build a good reputation for themselves.
The programme concluded with the distribution of health insurance certificates to five beneficiaries, as well as fertilizers and cassava stems to over 100 farmers.
Entertainment was provided by the Emperor Dancers, who thrilled the audience with exciting performances.
Dignitaries present at the event included Hon. Jabar Ayelaagbe, Secretary of the Yewa South Local Government; Alhaji Rauf Akanbi, the Akinrogun of Owodeland; Chief (Mrs.) Iyabode Apanpa, among several others.
Representatives from different government schools also graced the occasion.
The OGA Progressive Foundation continues to stand as a beacon of hope, driving community development and empowering citizens towards a more prosperous and united society.
