By Ouwatoyin Mathnuel
When most people think of a milestone birthday, they envision popping champagne and throwing lavish parties. Adebisi Kuforiji—author, former corporate director, and survivor—sees it differently. Instead of receiving, she spends every birthday giving.
Marking her 62nd year with #Project62, Adebisi continues her life mission to uplift vulnerable single mothers, widows by turning milestone years into direct social impact.
Adebisi’s drive to serve took root during the 14 years she spent living with her grandmother in Abeokuta. Watching her grandmother run a business at the famous Itoku market and generously set up her employees for success planted a lifelong seed of community support. Later in life, navigating single motherhood for over 28 years gave Adebisi deep, first-hand insight into the unique, often hidden struggles that single, widowed, and divorced mothers face in Nigeria.
What began in 2023 at age 59 with 59 beneficiaries has grown into an unbroken tradition: each year, the number of women empowered matches her age. With no government grants or corporate sponsorships, Adebisi relies entirely on family, friends, and personal networks who monetize birthday gifts to fund the initiative.
In Conversation with Adebisi Kuforiji
From Project59 to Project62, how has the journey evolved?
“When I started in 2023 turning 59, we empowered 59 women and invited single mothers as speakers to inspire them. Having walked in those exact shoes for over 28 years, I made a promise to create lasting impact. Every year, whatever age I turn, that is the exact number of women we empower. We distribute seed funds directly to them and host a vibrant get-together filled with joy, music, and celebration.”
Many initiatives focus strictly on the grassroots. Why choose this specific demographic?
“Many charities focus exclusively on grassroots demographics for dramatic storytelling, leaving behind women in the middle tier who are silently depressed, abused, or struggling to maintain dignity. People forget that women in this category need mental health guidance, legal aid, and financial seed support just as urgently. My calling is to support women who are striving to stand tall, look forward, and build meaningful places for themselves in society.”
What lies ahead for the initiative?
“For the very first time, we launched our official Alumni Group. Twenty-two women who have journeyed with us over the past four years graduated into this network with prayers, counseling, and mentorship. The ultimate vision is for these women to pay it forward—starting their own initiatives, whether it becomes a ‘Project35 with Adunni’ or ‘Project47 with Rachael’—while I continue walking alongside them as a mentor.”
From providing financial seed support to creating a thriving sisterhood, Adebisi’s work is a testament to making every season count. Her story shows how targeted empathy, grassroots transparency, and personal sacrifice can build enduring futures.
Testimonies from Madam Adebisi’s Community Outreach
The testimonies that emerged from Madam Adebisi’s community outreach were enormous and deeply inspiring.
Edidiong, a mother of two and a woman who never imagined herself becoming a single mother, expressed profound appreciation for Madam Adebisi’s impactful life and the opportunity she gave her to embrace life and love again.
“Meeting Madam Adebisi through one of my professors at the University of Ibadan was a rare privilege. Though I never wanted to be a single mother, along the line, I realised that some decisions can be too harsh. Sometimes, it is better to forgive, overlook certain occurrences, and make a conscious effort to understand each other better. Marriage is beautiful, and I am ready to give it a second chance if I meet an understanding and loving man,” she concluded.
Jessica, a single mother of three, described Madam Adebisi as the “Deborah of our time.” As a member of the Project 59 community, Jessica said she would not forget Madam Adebisi’s charitable acts in a hurry and expressed hope of getting married again someday.
“Getting it wrong the first time does not mean I cannot get it right the second time. Marriage is beautiful,” she said.
Christiana, a single mother of two, applauded Madam Adebisi’s selfless and boundless generosity. She noted that she had learnt the value of giving from her mentor and strongly identified with the saying, “Givers never lack.”
As a member of Project 59, Christiana explained that Madam Adebisi’s charitable support helped her overcome financial difficulties and rebuild her livelihood. Today, she is proudly established as a makeup and makeover artist, a transformation she attributes in part to the support she received.
Beyond her charitable acts, Adunni, a member of the Project 59 community, commended Madam Adebisi Kuforiji Adegbite for her no-nonsense discipline, which she said had positively reshaped her life and those of other members of the community.
“Mama’s humility is second to none. I also admire her agility. Even at 62, she competes with those of us in our 30s and under 40s,” Adunni remarked.
She concluded by offering heartfelt prayers for Madam Adebisi, wishing her longevity and continued strength to enjoy the fruits of her influence, impact, and motherly blessings. She also expressed gratitude for Madam Adebisi’s consistent encouragement to women to heal, forgive, and, where possible, give marriage a second chance.
The August 22nd #Project 62 with Adebisi was a very remarkable one with memories not to be forgotten in a hurry as attendees wine and dine to satisfaction, left the birthday venue with bountiful souvenirs.
