Prince Abiodun Aribisala Esq., a distinguished lawyer, an acclaimed international tax pricing consultant, and a Prince in Ijebu-Ijesha, has once again demonstrated his commitment to community development by launching a ₦100 million empowerment scheme aimed at uplifting over 1,000 beneficiaries across the Ijesa North Federal Constituency. The initiative, implemented through the Aribisala Care Foundation (ACF), reflects his philosophy that “action speaks louder than promises” and his vision of creating tangible opportunities for his people.
The empowerment scheme, which took place simultaneously in Ijebu-Ijesa and Ipetu-Ijesa on Saturday, August 30, 2025, attracted a crowd of over 2,500 residents, including community leaders, APC stakeholders, and several dignitaries. Each of the more than 1,000 beneficiaries received a grant of ₦50,000, targeted at youth entrepreneurs, women traders, artisans, and petty traders, as well as vulnerable households. The beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process involving community leaders, local associations, and grassroots coordinators to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and accountability.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely support, with voices such as Fayemi Tunde Sunday, an artisan, who noted that the ₦50,000 would enable him to acquire additional tools to expand his furniture business. Abe Thomas Taiwo, a petty trader, highlighted that the grant would help him stock up his shop, while Victoria Adenike Abolarin, a young entrepreneur, expressed excitement about finally being able to launch her poultry business. Others, including Agboola Emily Shake, a tailor, and Adegboyega Bola Abudulai, a small-scale farmer, described the initiative as a relief and a new beginning for their families.
In his remarks, Prince Aribisala emphasized that the program was not only about financial support but also about creating opportunities and inspiring hope. “This empowerment is my way of giving back to my people. I started from Oriade/Obokun because charity begins at home. Our people deserve opportunities, and this is not the beginning – I have been doing this and I will continue doing it. Empowering our people is my way of supporting them, and we are extending this initiative to every part of Ijesa North,” he declared. His words underscored his enduring commitment to his people and his belief that true leadership is best measured by impact rather than promises.
The event was graced by several dignitaries and respected community leaders, among them Chief Eniola Ogunsonya, Hon. Lasu O. (Oriade Council Chairman), Hon. Ade Ajibola, Hon. Ogunsonya, Hon. Omolaya, Elder Samuel Aleke, Chief Mrs. Grace, Hon. Taiwo, High Chief Saba, Chief Joshua Sapaye, Chief Arapate, Chief Bajimo, Hon. Bunmi (Oriade Local Government Chairman), Hon. Alani, Hon. Ade, Hon. Fatunsi (Women Leader), Akigaju Lawan, Alhaji Kamol, and Hon. Mrs. Kudurat Fakode, who coordinated grassroots women participation. Although the traditional ruler was unavoidably absent, the presence of these dignitaries lent weight to the occasion and highlighted the wide support the initiative attracted across political, community, and social circles.
Commending the initiative, Hon. Bunmi, the Oriade Local Government Chairman, described the program as evidence of true leadership, noting that Prince Aribisala had shown through action that words alone are not enough. Alhaji Kamol, also speaking at the event, urged residents to take advantage of the renewed sense of empowerment by completing their voter registration so they could have a stronger voice in shaping the future of the constituency.
Since 2018, Prince Aribisala, through the Aribisala Care Foundation and his personal initiatives, has consistently championed education, healthcare, empowerment, and grassroots development across Ijesa North and beyond. The Foundation, which he established in honour of his late father, HRM Oba Taiwo Aribisala (late), the immediate past Elegboro of Ijebu-Ijesha land, has grown into a beacon of hope for thousands of households. Its interventions cut across education – providing scholarships, mentorship, and school infrastructure; healthcare – through free medical outreaches and the provision of essential palliatives; and economic empowerment – by supporting artisans, women entrepreneurs, and small-scale businesses. With a focus on sustainability and transparency, the ACF continues to embody Prince Aribisala’s philosophy that leadership must be measured by tangible service to the people.
The ₦100 million empowerment program was executed under the leadership of the Aribisala Care Foundation, with active collaboration from the Iran Tuntun Movement – a vibrant grassroots movement known for mobilizing communities and advocating social welfare, inclusivity, and participatory governance across Oriade and Obokun. The group has earned a reputation as a trusted bridge between the people and development initiatives, ensuring that interventions reach those who need them most. Alongside the support of APC stakeholders and community leaders, the initiative benefited from seamless mobilization, transparent disbursement, and smooth execution that reflected collective ownership.
With this latest intervention, Prince Abiodun Aribisala has once again reaffirmed his commitment to poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment, and job creation. In the short term, over 1,000 households now have the resources to strengthen their businesses and livelihoods, while in the long term, the program is expected to stimulate local economic growth, reduce unemployment, and promote grassroots development across Ijesa North Federal Constituency. It is another milestone in his journey of transforming lives and giving practical meaning to leadership through service.
