Baseline Entertainment boss empowers 300 Orphans…Plans nationwide launch

By AZUH AMATUS

 Respite is underway for at least 300 orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria as Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu (OOA) Foundation has initiated phased intervention programmes aimed at supporting them with access to quality education, primary healthcare, nutrition as well as social and economic welfare.

OOA Foundation is a non-profit and non-political organisation based in South West, Nigeria, whose official launch is scheduled for October 22, 2016 at Park Inn by Radisson, Presidential Boulevard, Abeokuta. Ogun State.

According to the Chairman of Baseline Entertainment that boasts of artistes like Skales, Aramide and Saeon, Mr. Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu, the initiative is aimed at giving orphans and vulnerable children a level playing field in life. “Society is often caught up in the cycle of trying to make ends meet and tend to forget the vulnerable in the process. We have decided to step in to make a difference because we believe every child deserves a sense of belonging and a fighting chance to succeed in life despite any initial setback.”

Ms. Kemi Sokenu-Morris, Chief Executive Director, OOA, disclosed that the “300 orphans and vulnerable children have been carefully selected from six Local Government Areas in the state and will benefit from the pilot project which will run from June to December, this year. The two-year pilot intervention programme will cover three selected senatorial districts in Ogun State.”

The six select Local Government Areas include Odogbolu, Ikenne, Imeko, Yewa South, Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North; while plans are underway to extend the intervention to other geographical zones of the country.

“We have been in operation for two years, especially in the South West Zone of the country, and we believe it is timely to extend the coverage of our humanitarian services to other zones. OOA envisages a dream society where no vulnerable children and women are left behind in poverty and sorrow.” Ms Sokenu-Morris, added.

OOA Foundation is poised to reshape and implement sustainable development activities to include poverty reduction, zero hunger, increased access to healthcare, quality education and create an enabling environment for gender equality, potable water and sanitation.

It mission is to support orphans and vulnerable children with access to education, health and nutrition effectively through sustainable development activities in Nigeria using a holistic approach. With Poverty Alleviation at the forefront of its Intervention, OOA is focus-driven on particularly themed activities that can rapidly scale up and impact in the short, medium and long term.

Activities marking the official launch of the foundation include the inauguration of patrons, among whom are:

• His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR. (Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria)
•  Hon, Justice Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, CON, GCON (Former Chief Justice of Nigeria)
•  Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas, Former Minister-Ministry Youth and Sports
•  Chief Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, Business Mogul and Philanthropist, Asoju Oba of Lagos
•  Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, MNI (Agbogidi)
•  Emir of Zaria-HRH, Sarkin Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, CFR.

Members of the Board of Trustees are Mrs. Abolanle Matel-Okoh, Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola Olorode, and Mr. Olusegun Adebutu, who doubles as the Chairman...daylight