Ooni of Ife Formally Launches Hopes Alive Initiative

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, formally launched the Hopes Alive Initiative TV Advocacy yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The TV advocacy, first of its kind in Africa, is solely dedicated to promoting the works and activities of non-profit and non-governmental organizations in Africa in order to help eliminate poverty. The beautiful event was held together with the Give Back Concert which is an annual event to raise funds for charity by the House of Oduduwa Foundation founded by the Ooni of Ife.

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife making a speech

In his speech, His Imperial Majesty reiterated his commitment to support NGOs and non-profit organizations particularly in Nigeria. He stressed the need to support their work both financially and materially to encourage them.

Princess Temitope Adesegun, the Deputy Convener and organizer of the event, gave a pat on the back to NGOs and non-profit organizations in Nigeria, and urged them to continue their good work.

Marvella Odili at the event

L-R: Alex Asogwa, Marvella Odili and Tobi Bakre

Comedian and MC, Gbenga Adeyinka the Ist compered the grand event. Other comedians including Kenny Blaq, Seyi Law and Woli Arole performed to the delight of guests. Veteran artiste, Sir Shina Peters was also on hand to thrill guests. There was a talent discovery session where some of the less privileged children who had benefitted from the Ooni's generosity also performed to a standing ovation.

Jerry Odili, Founder/CEO Tech ME at the event

Monarchs, high chiefs, government officials, captains of industry, celebrities and representatives of selected non-profit organizations were all present at the event. Also present at the event were social media influencers, the versatile and talented Tobi Bakre and Alex Asogwa of BBN Season 3.

Save Our Needy was represented by Marvella Odili, Founder and CEO, as well as the Program Manager and Finance Manager. It was indeed a memorable event.

Marvella Odili admiring a portrait 

Marvella Odili, Founder/CEO, Save Our Needy at the formal launch of Hopes Alive Initiative

SON Women Entrepreneurship Program

Save Our Needy reached out to several disadvantaged women yesterday, October 31st, by empowering them with donated items to enable them start their own small businesses.

CEO, Save Our Needy, Marvella Odili (middle) with beneficiaries of the program

Through the SON Women Entrepreneurship Program , Save Our Needy hopes to end extreme poverty by empowering women particularly widows and single-mothers with material and/or financial donations to encourage and motivate them to become entrepreneurs thereby becoming self-reliant.
We hope to give disadvantaged women a voice because #PovertyIsSexist.

A happy beneficiary

The women all had very sad stories to tell about how they have coped so far without any form of help. Some of the women we reached out to include: a single mother of 7 children who left her marriage due to domestic abuse, a single mother of 3 children aged below 5 years who was abandoned by her husband, a pregnant woman whose husband has been out of work for several years and a young single-mother of one abandoned to her fate for more than 3 years by her husband.

One of the beneficiaries, Kate, tells the audience about her struggles as a single mother

Through this initiative, Save Our Needy hopes to lift women up, help them take the lead and contribute to the development of the nation.
"Empower A Woman, Empower A Nation."