For the fourth consecutive year, the Florence Modupe Foundation (FMF), a registered non-governmental organisation founded by the CEO of Digital Space Capital, Dr. Mrs. Olubukola Abitoye, has successfully concluded its December 2023 outreach with a heartwarming event in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The event tagged, “Balancing Privilege” aligned with the NGO’s mission to provide equitable access to quality education and transformative skills for young Africans as the FMF continues to be a beacon for the development of future leaders and the less-privileged in Nigeria.
The 2023 outreach, the largest in its series, took place in the ancient city of Ibadan, a consistent host to the Foundation’s impactful initiatives on December 24, 2023 as a remarkable 3-in-1 event at the spacious Mauve21 event Hall in Ibadan.
The multifaceted occasion witnessed the annual Back-To-School gifting for 263 indigent children, a long-standing commitment by FMF.
Additionally, the event empowered 250 widows, 250 women in business with a business grant of 50,000 each. Also at the event, the FMF Woman Initiative, which will grant non-interest loans to beneficiaries from 2024, was launched in partnership with Digital Space Microfinance Bank. While over 400 women benefited from the FMF FoodBank where staple food items and Ankara prints were made available.
The event also witnessed the presentation of a new school bus to the children of Jesus Kids Home for Special Needs in Ibadan.
It is noteworthy that the Florence Modupe Foundation’s impact in the year under review has expanded beyond the South-Western states, reaching into the Northern part of Nigeria.
This strategic move has spread happiness beyond regional borders, benefiting over 5,000 individuals and garnering commendation from notable figures, including the Etsu of Nupe, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, who lauded Dr. Olubukola Abitoye as an angel of kindness.
Speaking at the event, the founder expressed gratitude to all attendees and delved into the core values of FMF, particularly highlighting community collaboration as a driving force behind the Foundation’s growth.
Dr. Mrs. Olubukola Abitoye envisioned FMF as a flourishing and futuristic organisation poised to drive humanitarian development across the entire 36 states of Nigeria. Regarding the financial empowerment for business owners at this year’s event, she emphasised the proverbial saying of teaching people how to fish rather than giving them fish.
The event, graced by the presence of dignitaries such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Ogunwusi, who was represented by Sooko Omoniyi of the Source and Emir of Kano His Majesty, Aminu Ado Bayero, represented by Prince Usman Ado Bayero, received accolades for Dr. Mrs. Olubukola Abitoye’s investment in the less-privileged, widows, and now, business owners. Testimonies from beneficiaries highlighted the significant impact FMF has had on various communities, garnering praise, kind words, and prayers for the foundation.
Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, the wife of the Ooni of Ife, also expressed appreciation for Dr. Olubukola Abitoye’s human capital development activities through FMF and pledged financial support for business owners who are benefitting through the 50,000 Business Grant. Notably, some beneficiaries received on-the-spot payments after completing documentation with DSC Microfinance Bank, the partner financial institution.
