De Beautiful Royal Queens of Ijesaland, an association of 10 queens across Ijesa, has empowered widows with financial support to cushion economic hardship and enable them to start small businesses where possible.
The association also provided scholarships for 20 children, who it will support throughout their academic journey, whether at the primary or secondary level.
The presentations to the widows and children were made during the association’s third anniversary, held at the Owaloko Palace in Iloko-Ijesa.
In her opening remarks, the President of the Association, Olori Modupe Oĝungbangbe of Iloko Ijesa, said the group shares a common mission to enhance the welfare of its members, promote peace and unity in their kingdoms, and contribute to the well-being of the general public.
She added that “we pledged to be beacons of hope for widows, the less privileged, the disabled, and students struggling to afford school fees.”
She explained that the association has carried out food distribution, provided scholarships, visited orphanages, and empowered women through skills training.
To support the group’s initiative, the Patron, Otunba Oluwasinaayomi Akinpelumi, the Bayegha Itagbuyi of Ondo Kingdom, pledged to train youths in solar panel installation as a means of providing economically viable skills and empowering young people.
Commending the group for their commitment to development, the Grand Patron, Oba Engr. Moses O. Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, described the gesture of providing financial support to widows and scholarships to students as laudable.
He appealed to the queens to do more, noting that many people across different communities are still in need of support.
Speaking with BONews Service, a representative of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adefolake Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the queens for their support, stating that it would transform their lives beyond reasonable doubt.
Olori Iyabo Akintokun, the Queen of Idoka, told BONews Service that the initiatives being implemented by the queens are designed to support their husbands and ensure the development of their communities.
“As queens in Ijesaland, we believe we can support our husbands in their kingdoms. That is why we are identifying individuals who need different kinds of support. As our husbands lead as kings, we also provide leadership in our own capacity to ensure that the kingdoms remain peaceful and that everyone thrives,” she said.
The beneficiaries were selected from the various communities represented by the queens.
Members of the group are: Olori Omolara Agboluaje of Ibodi Ijesa, Olori Dolapo Arinola Akinola of Ayetoro Ijesa, Olori Titilayo Aluko of Eti Oni Ijesa, Olori Kikelomo Ogidiolu of Iwoye Ijesa, and Olori Akintokun Iyabo of Idoka Ijesa.
Others are: Olori Funke Awogboro of Ibokun; Olori Elizabeth Omolola Olowe of Isaobi; Olori Agunlejika of Oke Ibode Ijesa; and Olori Adegbuyi of Oke Ana Ijesa.
