Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Iyalaje Toyin Kolade’s altruistic spirit

Star

With Funsho Arogundade

[email protected]

 

It’s not by happenstance that astute businesswoman and esteemed socialite, Princess Dr Toyin Kolade was chosen as the first Iyalaje Oodua, the custodian of wealth in the entire Yoruba race. By her pedigree, Princess Kolade, the founder of Fisolak Global Group, attaining such prominence couldn’t have been by accident or spectacle. By all standards, she is a thoroughbred entrepreneur of high repute who has her hands in many pies: maritime, oil and gas, interior decor, real estate, and hospitality among others. As a woman of means, Princess Kolade commands deep respect from young and old, especially in political, social and business circles. More importantly, the highly-influential woman is also in tune with the modern trends in the fashion world. Call her a showstopper and you will only be stating the obvious. But her influence radiates beyond balance sheets, boardrooms and rave shindigs. She also embodies grace and compassion in all her endeavours as evident in the numerous lives she touches.

Known for her immense generosity, Kolade is deeply committed to the well-being of those around her. She invests in minds, hearts, and futures. The heartbeat of her philanthropy echoes across sectors through scholarships and empowerment programs for women and youth. Her altruistic spirit doesn’t stop there; she is equally devoted to the elderly, dedicating her time and resources to ensuring that their needs are met. She regularly organises initiatives to provide food and essential supplies to the less fortunate, reinforcing her dedication to humanitarian causes.

On February 16, during her role as the chief promoter of the Annual Aje Festival in Ile-Ife, Kolade showcased her unwavering commitment to community empowerment. She generously donated sewing machines, pepper grinders, and grinding machines aimed at fostering self-sufficiency among youth and elderly women. This empowerment initiative not only equips them with valuable skills but also enhances their economic independence.

In a remarkable gesture to alleviate the burdens of the elderly, Kolade has placed scores of senior women on a monthly salary of N150, 000 to allow them to live with dignity and reduce the stress often associated with dotage. Through her continuous efforts, Kolade is demonstrating that by supporting one another, we can collectively create a more compassionate and equitable world.