By Adekunle Isaac
In the word of Andrew Carnegie: “Wealth is not to feed our egos, but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves.”
According to a philosopher, Barman, he described philanthropy as a private given by an individual to the benefits of society.
Paul Allen, have Agboluaje in mind when he said, “You look at things you enjoy in your life, but much more important is what you can do to make the world a better place.”
In a world where poverty and economic inequality threaten to undermine social fabric, where business women are turning to Lapo, Gurumi and other loan sharks for help with outrageous interest rate to survive in their businesses, hundreds of women are going extra mile and unethical means to pay back the loans taken from these commercial borrowers.
This according to research has killed their businesses, moral value and their confidence, but from the moon, came a hero who has been changing the narrative, a visionary and humanitarian that has dedicated his life to empowering small scale business, lifting families out of poverty and transforming communities not only in Osun, but across the south western part of Nigeria.
Eng. (Dr) Kayode Adegbulugbe the founder/Chairman of Agboluaje Kajola Foundation and his vice, Asiwaju Olusegun Akintade stormed Osun state like a colossus and in the last few years, dispensing millions of Naira to struggling entrepreneurs, providing them with vital capital to launch, sustain or expand their businesses.
This selfless act has improved economic prospects and reduced societal vices and inspired a new generation of leaders and change-makers.
Dr. Adegbulugbe, journey to changing society started when he honoured his late mother with a gigantic worship centre (Mosque) in Osogbo, he followed this up with the establishment of Agboluaje Kajola Foundation, that has not only provided countless social amenities in the community, but has given interest free loans to hundreds of people.
I believe the journey to his efforts in helping small-scale businesses began with the realisation that the SMES are the backbone of any economy. However, they often lack access to financial resources, stifling innovation and progress.
Through Agboluaje Kajola Foundation, Dr Adegbulugbe and his team are determined to make a difference. They started providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs across the South Western part of Nigeria.
Dr. Adegbulugbe and his team’s generosity has spread across and is already attracting the attention of well to do in the society. In the word of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, “Your efforts in lifting the poor out of poverty, is a welcome development, I and all Osogbo son’s and daughters are proud of you” Kabiesi said this, during the commissioning of street lights, water borehole and distribution of millions of naira to small scales businesses in Osogbo, in January 2024.
Dr. Kayode Adegbulugbe, ripple effects of his philanthropist are multifaceted and profound, it has empowered so many people economically through the financial resources he provided and also reduced poverty in the society. His efforts has also added to the development of the community by providing social amenities.
He has set an exemplary standard and encourages others to emulate his selflessness and commitment to humanity.
In conclusion, let me emphasise that, Dr. Kayode Adegbulugbe and his team embody the essence of humanity, demonstrating that an individual can make a difference. His unwavering dedication to empower small scales businesses and reduce poverty serves as a beacon of hope. Let us draw inspiration from him and thrive to create a society where everyone has access to opportunities, resources, and a bright future.
Adekunle Isaac contributes this piece from Akure, Ondo State.