Philanthropist Empowers Edo Women, Urges Focus On Rural Areas

Founder and chairman of the Obamedo Foundation, King Efosa Obamedo, has appealed to wealthy Nigerians and philanthropists to channel more resources to the development of rural communities.

He said the government alone cannot address the multifaceted challenges facing grassroots populations.

Obamedo made the appeal at the weekend in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West local government area of Edo State, during the launch of his foundation, an event that coincided with his 50th birthday celebration.

As part of the activities, he empowered 50 women from the community with cash gifts to strengthen their small-scale businesses and improve household incomes.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Obamedo said he chose to celebrate his milestone birthday by giving back to society and honouring his late mother.

“I felt the best way to launch this foundation and mark my 50th birthday was to honour my late mother by empowering 50 women instead of throwing a lavish celebration. Coming to my community to lift my people is the best way I believe I should celebrate,” he said.

Obamedo said the foundation was established to support the underprivileged and complement government efforts in social development.

According to him, foundations and non-governmental organisations remain integral parts of every society, regardless of how economically advanced a nation may be.

“No matter how rich a country is, there are still foundations and NGOs. They complement the government because we cannot rely on the government to do everything,” Obamedo stated, adding that the initiative was non-partisan and cuts across political lines.

On the plight of rural dwellers, he said poverty alleviation goes beyond cash distribution.

“Reaching out is not just focused on cash, even though it is a direct way of assisting people. Alleviating poverty entails providing clean water, healthcare services and interventions in the education sector. Going forward, the foundation will assist in these critical areas,” he said.

The philanthropist appealed to other well-meaning Nigerians to invest in grassroots development.

“It is not a competition. When people see what I am doing, others whom God has helped should also come back and give to their communities. Ovia South West is a unique local government and I encourage everyone to give, no matter how little,” he said, stressing that collective action remains key to sustainable rural transformation.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Gladys Gabriel, Onoriode Anabel, Victoria Kenneth and Irene Uwadiae, expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.