The Sola Olagunju Foundation, a leading non-governmental organisation based in Ibadan, Oyo State, has commemorated its 21st anniversary with a series of activities focused on women and youth empowerment, good governance advocacy and support for vulnerable members of society.
The anniversary celebration, which was held under the theme, “21 Years of Love, Hope and Transforming Lives,” reflected the foundation’s longstanding commitment to restoring hope, empowering dreams and creating opportunities for vulnerable people and communities.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, the foundation organised a seminar and street advocacy programme in Ibadan on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with the theme, “Good Governance: Building a Transparent, Accountable and Inclusive Society.”
The programme also featured empowerment initiatives for women and youths, aimed at promoting self-reliance, social inclusion and greater participation in community development.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairperson of the foundation, Ambassador Sola Olagunju, said the 21-year journey had been driven by a desire to give hope to people who needed support and to contribute meaningfully to the development of society.
Olagunju, a notable Ibadan-based philanthropist, said the anniversary was not merely an occasion for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the foundation’s impact and renew its commitment to touching lives.
According to her, the organisation believes that sustainable development cannot be achieved without empowering women and youths, protecting children and ensuring that vulnerable members of society are not left behind.
She said, “For 21 years, we have remained committed to giving love, restoring hope and transforming lives.
“We believe that every individual deserves an opportunity to live a meaningful and dignified life, irrespective of their circumstances.
“Our anniversary is therefore a moment to celebrate the lives we have touched, but more importantly, to recommit ourselves to doing more for women, youths, children and other vulnerable members of our society.”
On the theme of good governance, the philanthropist stressed the need for citizens to actively participate in governance and demand transparency and accountability from those entrusted with public responsibilities.
She noted that an inclusive society could only be built when government and citizens worked together to address social and economic challenges.
Olagunju added that the foundation would continue to use its platform to promote responsible citizenship, social development and initiatives capable of improving the wellbeing of communities.
The anniversary activities continued on Wednesday, September 9, with a special prayer session at the foundation’s premises, after which members of the organisation visited its orphanage home in the Kongi area of Bodija, Ibadan, for a special party for the children.
The children were treated to food, gifts and other activities designed to make the anniversary memorable for them, while the occasion also provided an opportunity for members of the foundation to reaffirm their commitment to their welfare and wellbeing.
The founder said the children remained central to the foundation’s humanitarian mission, stressing that every child deserved love, protection, education and an environment in which he or she could thrive.
She said the foundation would continue to nurture and support vulnerable children while encouraging individuals, corporate organisations and government agencies to strengthen interventions targeted at children and disadvantaged members of society.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the anniversary also provided an opportunity for stakeholders and supporters of the foundation to reflect on its 21-year journey and its contributions to community development and humanitarian causes.
Members of the foundation and stakeholders reaffirmed that its activities would continue to centre on compassion, good governance advocacy, women and youth empowerment, child welfare and other initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive and compassionate society.