There was excitement, gratitude, and renewed hope across several communities in Ekiti State as Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi officially flagged off Phase One of his charity initiative under the Irawo Owuro Foundation on Monday, June 23, 2026.
In a departure from conventional launch ceremonies, the Foundation took its message directly to the grassroots, visiting schools and impacting lives in real time. From Iludun to Iye, Amure, Otun, and Igbole, the atmosphere was the same: joy, appreciation, and a deep sense of encouragement among students, teachers, and parents.
At each stop, bright and deserving students were identified, celebrated, and supported, while dedicated teachers were also recognized for their contributions. School authorities and community leaders described the initiative as timely, impactful, and deeply inspiring.
Speaking during the visits, Otunba Owolabi shared that his passion for giving back spans over three decades, driven by a personal commitment to help young people overcome financial barriers and stay focused on their education. He charged students to see the gesture not just as a reward, but as a challenge to aim higher, remain disciplined, and pursue excellence.
Traditional rulers, including the Olugbole of Igbole Ekiti, alongside parents and community stakeholders, commended the initiative for bringing meaningful support directly to the grassroots. They urged beneficiaries and other students to combine academic dedication with strong moral values.
Phase One of the outreach, completed today, covered multiple schools across different communities. The Foundation is set to continue with Phase Two tomorrow in Ikole Local Government, further expanding its reach and impact.
By the end of the second phase, the Irawo Owuro Foundation would have awarded a total of 60 scholarships across 10 secondary schools, committing millions of naira towards the advancement of education and the empowerment of young minds.
For the students, the message is clear, their efforts are seen, their dreams are valid, and their future is worth investing in.
As the Irawo Owuro Foundation begins this journey, it has already set a strong tone, transforming compassion into action and lighting a path of opportunity for the next generation.
