The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola, has called on governments, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to invest more in youths and women as a long-term strategy to reduce poverty and improve security across Nigeria.
The monarch made the appeal on Monday during a press conference at his palace in Abeokuta to commemorate his fourth coronation anniversary and unveil the impact report of the Owu Hope Initiative, his flagship programme aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.
Oba Matemilola described poverty as one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges, noting that while interventions by individuals and organisations are commendable, they are insufficient to address the country’s growing socio-economic needs.
He stressed that equipping people with skills and opportunities to become self-reliant offers a more sustainable solution than providing temporary financial assistance.
According to the monarch, the Owu Hope Initiative focuses on empowering youths and women because of their vital roles in driving economic growth and community development. He said the initiative is built on four key pillars: education, health and well-being, enterprise and skills development, and environmental sustainability and climate action.
Oba Matemilola disclosed that the initiative reached 12,606 beneficiaries in the first quarter of the year through various interventions, including scholarships and educational support.
He said 397 students received scholarships worth ₦20 million, adding that the programme currently supports more than 600 scholars and is projected to expand to 1,000 beneficiaries before the middle of 2026.
The monarch also revealed that the initiative introduced a school feeding programme for vulnerable pupils, serving 165 children daily and providing 8,662 meals during the academic term at a cost of ₦1,732,400.
“Poverty is everywhere in Nigeria. What we have done is just a drop in the ocean. The important thing is to teach people to become self-sufficient. If we can build their capacity to support themselves, we would have achieved a lot. That is why we focus on youths and women because they are the groups I am most passionate about,” he said.
On security, Oba Matemilola said safeguarding lives and property should not rest solely on security agencies, stressing that traditional institutions and local communities must play active roles in maintaining peace.
He disclosed that the palace has institutionalised bi-monthly security meetings involving Divisional Police Officers from six police divisions in Abeokuta North and South, alongside representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), community development associations, religious leaders and traditional chiefs.
According to him, the collaboration has strengthened intelligence gathering, improved community participation and enhanced security across the kingdom.
He added that community leaders are continually reminded of their responsibility as the first line of defence and encouraged to work closely with security agencies to combat crime.
The traditional ruler further noted that the regular engagements have discouraged community leaders from interfering in law enforcement by seeking the release of habitual offenders, a development he said has improved accountability and public confidence in the justice system.
Speaking on the role of traditional rulers during elections, Oba Matemilola urged monarchs to remain non-partisan while encouraging eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote for credible leaders.
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