Jumoke Abegunde’s Passion for Empowering Women

While some see philanthropy as merely an act of giving, Chief Mrs. Olajumoke Abegunde sees it from a broader perspective. To her, true philanthropy goes beyond handouts; it is about creating opportunities, equipping people with skills and empowering them to become self-reliant. The wife of the Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has consistently demonstrated her passion for touching lives, particularly those of women.

As the Yeye Asiwaju of Akureland and founder of the JummyICare Foundation, Abegunde recently reaffirmed this commitment with a week-long skills acquisition and empowerment programme for over 500 women in Ondo State.

At the grand finale and certificate presentation of the Hands-On Skill Training and Empowerment Seminar, held at the Amazing Place Event Centre, Akure, beneficiaries were trained in pastries, Adire and Campala making, hair and perfume oil production, resin design, lip gloss and lipstick making, as well as tailoring.

But she did not stop at training. Understanding that skills without the necessary tools can limit their impact, Abegunde went a step further by providing beneficiaries with resources to kick-start their businesses. These included eight electric tricycles, three electric motorcycles, 100 sewing machines, makeup kits, laptops and startup cash grants.

The ceremony attracted an array of distinguished traditional rulers, including the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; the Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, Oba Adetola Victor; the Onirun of Irun Aloko, Oba Samuel Bayode; and the Oliyere of Iyere Ekiti, Oba Alaba Omotunde, among others.

For Abegunde, the initiative reflects a simple but powerful philosophy: when a woman is empowered, a family is strengthened, a community is lifted, and the nation ultimately benefits.