The Muyideen Okunola Kayode acronymised as Mok Foundation was officially established in February 2023, has within its first year emerged as a powerful force for grassroots development and humanitarian progress in Kwara State and beyond. From its headquarters in Offa, with operations extending across various parts of Kwara and even reaching Abuja, the foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving lives through impactful, well-structured, and inclusive programmes. Its activities reflect a broad understanding of the most pressing social, economic, and educational challenges facing communities in the world of today.
The MOK Foundation has significantly contributed to educational development by awarding full WAEC scholarships to 130 students and providing full JAMB scholarships to 300 others. Additionally, the foundation offered scholarship support to 100 JSS3 students in Offa and Oyun local governments, Kwara State, as well as in Abuja, ensuring that these students could sit for their state basic exams without financial hindrance. These educational interventions represent a deliberate effort to reduce the financial burden on indigent parents while investing in the academic future of young Nigerians.
Furthering its dedication to skill acquisition, the foundation sponsored free digital training programmes at the One Innovation Hub in Offa, equipping participants with relevant, future-focused skills necessary in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
The foundation’s commitment to social welfare is evident in its outreach to over individuals, including people living with disabilities, who benefited from its food distribution programmes. Also,empowerment funds were disbursed to traders in markets.
Beyond urban centres, MOK Foundation reached deep into rural communities, offering support to men and women across Kwara State. These efforts not only alleviate immediate hardship but also foster long-term resilience within the informal economy.
MOK Foundation demonstrated innovative thinking and strategic planning by supporting farmers with free tractor services, pesticides, and sprayers. It also acquired 50 hectares of land in the Alabaale community of Igbonna in Oyun Local Government, with a vision to engage local farmers in productive agriculture. Farmers were given free inputs to cultivate this land, and the resulting produce was distributed across Kwara State, underscoring a model of agricultural empowerment that feeds both the farmers and the broader community. This initiative deeply highlights the foundation’s commitment to sustainable food systems and rural development.
Mok also responded to pressing security and infrastructure concerns. It provided cash and logistics support to security personnel in Offa and neighbouring areas to enhance community safety. Additionally, free solar lights were installed at transformer units in Offa and Oyun to deter cable vandalism, promoting stable electricity supply and public safety. On the infrastructural front, the foundation undertook the repair and drilling of motorised boreholes to ensure access to potable water. It also repaired damaged bridges and culverts, facilitating safer transportation and access across communities.
Healthcare remained another critical focus of the foundation’s work. In partnership with five medical centres across Offa and Oyun councils, MOK Foundation facilitated free medical support for 2,000 individuals. This initiative provided much-needed relief to those who might otherwise lack access to basic healthcare services, thus enhancing community health and reducing preventable illnesses. The foundation’s inclusive approach was also reflected in its financial empowerment of 40 lower-cadre staff members at the Federal Polytechnic in Offa, promoting workplace equity and morale.
MOK Foundation’s commitment to community development extended into the realm of youth engagement and sports. By providing financial and logistical support to sports associations and athletes, the foundation encouraged healthy lifestyles, discipline, and talent development among the youth. Through these diverse initiatives, the foundation has shown that effective community transformation must be multifaceted, integrating education, health, economy, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
The MOK Foundation has exemplified the power of visionary leadership combined with genuine compassion. Its programmes are not mere handouts; they are strategic interventions aimed at solving real problems with long-term benefits. Whether through scholarships, farming initiatives, or community safety programmes, the foundation is effectively rebuilding hope and fostering sustainable development. As it continues to grow, the MOK Foundation stands as a model of what determined, community-focused philanthropy can achieve within a remarkably short period.
