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High Chiefs Bode and Betty Osedimilehin Foundation (HCBBO Foundation) has broadened the scope of its educational and community empowerment programmes, reaching more beneficiaries across Ondo State barely a year after its establishment.
Founded in April 2024 by High Chief (Dr.) Olabode Samson Osedimilehin and High Chief (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Osedimilehin, the foundation has positioned itself as a fast-rising force for human capital development, targeting indigent students, unemployed youths, local artisans and women entrepreneurs.
In its inaugural year, the foundation awarded full scholarships and provided educational materials to 76 beneficiaries. They included 60 students across 15 public secondary schools in Owo, eight pupils from selected public primary schools, and another eight students from Imade College. Each beneficiary received comprehensive academic support, including tuition sponsorship, uniforms, textbooks and essential learning materials — a lifeline for students from low-income households.
Encouraged by the impact of its maiden interventions, the foundation has now expanded its reach in 2025 to a total of 126 beneficiaries, with a strategic focus on both education and economic empowerment across Owo and Ose local government areas.
In Owo LGA alone, 14 public secondary schools now participate in the scholarship scheme, each with four sponsored students. The HCBBO Foundation also sustained its intervention at Imade College with eight students, extended support to 16 pupils from two public primary schools and enrolled eight technical students from the Government Technical College. The expansion has also reached Ose Local Government, where five public secondary schools have been included, supporting 20 students in total. In recognition of the critical need for professionals in the health sector, the foundation awarded scholarships to seven indigenous medical students from Owo and Ose.
Beyond academics, the HCBBO Foundation has extended its commitment to socioeconomic transformation by empowering ten local artisans with business grants, work tools, and advisory support designed to boost income generation and sustainability. These beneficiaries include tailors, caterers, welders and small-scale traders operating within underserved communities.
According to the foundation, its mission is anchored on the belief that education remains the most powerful tool for breaking intergenerational poverty. Its interventions go beyond school fees, delivering school materials, improving learning infrastructure, funding mentorship and career guidance, and equipping teachers with resources needed for effective learning environments.
Co-founder, High Chief (Dr.) Olabode Samson Osedimilehin, Basegun of Owo Kingdom, described education as the “most profound gift” society can offer its young generation.
“Our commitment is to ensure that every talented student, regardless of background, has access to the tools and environment needed to reach their full potential,” he said, noting that the foundation’s approach prioritizes dignity, accountability and impact-driven selection processes to target the most deserving students.
His wife and co-founder emphasised that the foundation was more than a scholarship platform — a social transformation movement with a strong focus on youth leadership, entrepreneurship and women’s economic inclusion.
“We are building a movement for social equity, empowering youths and women to become leaders and innovators who will transform Ondo State and beyond.”
She added that many women in rural communities face economic and cultural barriers that limit their ability to scale small businesses. The HCBBO Foundation, she said, was determined to address that through capacity-building programmes, financial support and access to business networks.
As part of its long-term strategy, the HCBBO Foundation has called for public-private partnerships, urging individuals, corporate institutions, non-profits and development partners to collaborate through funding support, volunteering, infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships.
While the foundation remains fully committed to grassroots impact, it also envisions scaling its model across other senatorial districts and eventually establishing an annual youth innovation fellowship.
According to observers in the community, HCBBO’s model stands out for its hands-on approach — delivering impact with transparency and engaging directly with beneficiary families, school heads and local leaders to ensure effective monitoring and continuity.
The High Chiefs Bode and Betty Osedimilehin Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming lives through education, skill development, mentorship and community empowerment across Ondo State, Nigeria.
With its latest expansion, the foundation has sent a clear message of hope, that no child’s dream should be denied by poverty, and no hardworking citizen should be limited by lack of opportunity.
