By John Dike, Osogbo
The Wemije World’s Foundation has demonstrated unwavering commitment to humanitarian service and social inclusion through a series of impactful outreach programmes carried out across vulnerable communities in Osun and Oyo States over the past year.
The interventions, which addressed elderly care, widows’ empowerment, menstrual health education, food security, and seasonal relief, were executed in line with the Foundation’s mission of restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity to underserved populations.
At the various outreach programmes, the Project Officer, Miss Olamide Adekola, represented the Executive Director, Mrs Yewande Ajayi-Adeoti, where she consistently highlighted the Foundation’s vision and the urgent need for sustained support for the less privileged in society.
The Foundation commenced its activities with Christmas Cheer on December 23, 2024, in Modakeke, Ile-Ife, where 25 elderly residents benefitted from cash donations distributed in envelopes at a designated stand within the community.
Beyond the financial support, members of the Foundation spent time interacting with the beneficiaries, sharing conversations and spreading warmth and companionship during the festive season.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director, Mrs Ajayi-Adeoti, described the elderly as a priority group often forgotten in society.
“Our elderly people deserve care, attention, and dignity. Christmas is not just about celebration; it is about compassion and human connection. At Wemije World’s Foundation, we believe that even a small act of kindness can restore hope and remind our seniors that they are valued,” she said.
On January 3, 2025, the Foundation extended its outreach to Edunabon with a Widows Empowerment Programme, organised in collaboration with Evang Ayedun NGO.
The programme featured medical check-ups, thanksgiving prayers, counselling sessions, and a fitness exercise led by a professional instructor, aimed at improving the widows’ physical and emotional well-being.
A fitness expert, Mr Ajiboso Olatunji, popularly known as Tejaay, encouraged the widows to prioritise physical fitness as a key aspect of overall wellness. Beneficiaries also received food items, Ankara fabrics, and financial support to enable them sew the materials as a means of economic empowerment.
According to Mrs Ajayi-Adeoti, widows remain one of the most economically and socially vulnerable groups.
“Widowhood should not translate to abandonment or suffering. Our approach goes beyond handouts; it is about empowerment, healing, and rebuilding confidence. When you empower a widow, you strengthen an entire household,” she noted.
In May, the Foundation implemented “Operation Pad Her” in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28). The programme was carried out in three secondary schools—two in Osogbo and one in Ogbomoso—with a focus on menstrual hygiene education for adolescent girls.
The students were educated on proper menstrual hygiene practices, correct use of sanitary pads, and infection prevention. Reusable sanitary pads, capable of lasting up to one year, were distributed, accompanied by practical demonstrations.
The programme also featured a virtual training session on menopause facilitated by a medical practitioner, Dr (Mrs) Bukola Olujide, who explained issues surrounding menopause and the female reproductive cycle.
Describing menstrual health as a critical but often neglected issue, Mrs Ajayi-Adeoti said:
“Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege; it is a basic right. Too many girls miss school or suffer health complications due to lack of education and access. With reusable pads and proper knowledge, we are helping girls stay confident, healthy, and in school.”
The Foundation’s largest outreach of the year, “Feed the Street,” took place on August 9, 2025, in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME). The initiative provided 500 meals to underserved individuals across six locations in Osogbo, including Foreman Orphanage, Alawusa Mosque, Fagbewesa Church, a Qur’anic school, the Testing Ground for persons with disabilities, and Ayetoro (Sabo).
Reflecting on the outreach, Mrs Ajayi-Adeoti said food security remains a pressing concern.
“Hunger strips people of dignity. Feed the Street is our response to the silent suffering on our streets. No one should go to bed hungry while others have abundance,” she said, while appreciating NASME for the partnership.
The year’s activities concluded with another Christmas Cheer outreach in Balogun Village, Ogbomoso, a border community between Kwara and Oyo States. The intervention, which was the first of its kind in the village, saw the distribution of bags of rice and a free clothing drive that brought relief and festive joy to residents.
Describing the Balogun Village outreach as particularly emotional, Mrs Ajayi-Adeoti said:
“Some communities are so remote that they are often forgotten. Seeing the joy and gratitude in Balogun Village reminded us why we do this work. Our goal is to reach the unreached and ensure that no community feels invisible.”
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding its reach and called on individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to support its humanitarian mission.
“Impact is stronger when compassion is shared. We welcome partnerships that align with our vision of a society where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity,” she concluded.