In honour of the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, ABI Org announces the expansion of its Friday Feeding Programme. This initiative aims to preserve his legacy by providing regular, nutritious meals and creating sustainable pathways to self-sufficiency for vulnerable communities.
As we commemorate the second-year memorial and posthumous birthday of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Dr. Lekan Balogun, CFR, the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who passed away on 14 March 2024 and whose posthumous birthday falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026, the Aremo Balogun Initiative Organisation (ABI Org) is reaffirming its commitment to preserving and advancing the humanitarian vision of our late King.
His Imperial Majesty was a monarch who believed that leadership must be measured not merely by words or titles, but by the positive impact it makes on the lives of ordinary people. His compassion for the less privileged, vulnerable families, young people and individuals striving to become self-sufficient remains an important part of his enduring legacy.
It is in honour of this vision that ABI Org is expanding and strengthening its Friday Feeding Programme, commencing on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Feeding Programme to Commence at the Historic Residence
Beginning Friday, 16 October 2026, meals will be prepared and made available from 12:00 noon every Friday for distribution at the historic residence of the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. The initial location is intended to serve people within and around Egbeda Local Government Area, providing regular access to nutritious meals for individuals and families experiencing hardship or food insecurity.
This initiative is not intended to be a one-off memorial activity. Rather, it marks the beginning of a long-term humanitarian and empowerment programme through which ABI Org seeks to transform the vision of our late King into a sustainable initiative capable of touching thousands of lives.
From One Location to Eleven Local Government Areas
Our long-term objective is to expand the programme from its initial location in Egbeda to all 11 Local Government Areas that make up Ibadan. As resources, partnerships and funding become available, ABI Org intends to establish additional locations where meals can eventually be provided daily, alongside the distribution of essential foodstuffs to individuals and families who are in need.
Beyond Feeding: Creating Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
While providing food is an important part of this initiative, ABI Org believes that sustainable humanitarian intervention must go beyond feeding people today. We must also help people acquire the knowledge, skills, opportunities and resources they need to build sustainable livelihoods and provide for themselves and their families tomorrow.
Consequently, our feeding locations will gradually develop into community empowerment and development centres, where beneficiaries can participate in programmes including:
- Motivational and inspirational talks designed to encourage hope, dignity, confidence and personal responsibility.
- Vocational and practical skills training in areas with the potential to improve employability and income generation.
- Entrepreneurship and self-development programmes aimed at helping beneficiaries become economically independent.
- Financial empowerment initiatives, subject to available funding, to support deserving individuals in establishing or expanding small businesses.
- Computer and digital skills training for selected beneficiaries at the computer centre located on the premises of the late King's historic residence.
- Access to foodstuffs and other essential support for vulnerable individuals and families.
- Guidance and mentorship to help beneficiaries identify opportunities through which they can become self-reliant.
Through this integrated approach, ABI Org hopes to create a model that moves people from dependency to opportunity, from vulnerability to empowerment, and from receiving assistance to becoming self-sufficient.
Continuing the Legacy of Our Late King
The legacy of the late 42nd Olubadan is rooted in service, compassion, dignity and empowerment. He understood that the true measure of a leader's legacy is not simply what is remembered about him, but the number of lives that continue to be positively transformed by his vision and example. Today, we are determined to ensure that his vision does not end with his passing.
Join Us in Continuing the Vision
ABI Org welcomes individuals and organisations that share this vision to partner with us through donations, sponsorships, skills training, equipment, food supplies, financial support, volunteer services and other forms of assistance. Every contribution, regardless of size, can help us reach another person, feed another family, teach another skill or create another opportunity.