John Edgar Wideman is an Asa Messer Professor & Professor of Africana Studies and English. He is the distinguished author of nearly 20 books of fiction and non-fiction including, the novels, Two Fires; The Cattle Killling; and Philadelphia Fire. Wideman is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the O. Henry Award a MacArthur Fellowship, and the Lannan Literary Award for Fiction. He is the only individual to have won the Pen/Faulkner prize twice. Professor Wideman teaches a variety of courses including creative writing, literary criticism, and African-American literature.
In a conversation with Mitchell Jackson he said “ Too much is made for us; too much is given to us – even those of us who are underprivileged. The poverty is given to us. The difficulties are given to us. In reality, Wideman insisted that “ those who help the underprivileged are saving a country of hopeless people, such individuals will remain in the book of history. This is where Alhaji Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) comes in through his MOK Foundation.
Last year the MOK Foundation has direct impacts with the people, communities and most especially the marginalized unit of the human race. In Education, health, security, financial assistance, empowerment, electricity, food distribution, and other important area, the lasting impact on the commoner in 2024 will be reflected here.
Health
The motto “Health is wealth” resonates deeply with the MOK Foundation, steering its commitment to partner with primary health centers in an impactful way. In 2024, the Foundation’s health initiatives have exceeded the expectations of skeptics, showcasing a steadfast determination to ensure that everyone has access to essential healthcare services.
Through valuable collaborations with local health centers, the Foundation proudly covered healthcare expenses for over 3,000 beneficiaries throughout the year, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to community well-being.
One particularly remarkable intervention involved a young man named Mustapha Aliu, who faced a life-threatening illness that jeopardized his future. The MOK Foundation stepped in during this critical time, generously donating 500,000 for Mustapha’s urgent surgery. His story is just one among thousands of beneficiaries whose lives have been positively transformed through the Foundation’s heartfelt contributions.
Education
The MOK Foundation firmly stands by its commitment to uphold consistency and credibility in education across Kwara and beyond. This is the main reason the foundation is providing insights on its education Impact for 2024, we are taking decisive action to showcase our extensive contributions to educational advancement, from elementary levels through to tertiary institutions We are proud to announce our plan to award WAEC scholarships to 200 outstanding students across Kwara State to begin with this year. This initiative demonstrates our unwavering dedication to empowering the youth and ensuring they have the essential support needed for their academic success.
In the year 2024, the MOK Foundation kickstarted education impacts exactly
On January 17, 2024, the MOK Foundation successfully organized an impactful education summit, awarding full WAEC scholarships to 130 underprivileged students in Offa and Oyun LGAs The event was prominently attended by key government officials, including Mrs. Adetola Ariyike Salau, the Special Adviser on Education to the Kwara State governor, along with the proprietor of Lens Polytechnic Offa, technocrats, traditional leaders, and esteemed professional teachers.
Building on this success, on February 5, 2024, the MOK Foundation, under the dynamic leadership of QS. Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) took decisive action to support students in Kwara State by covering the JAMB registration fees for over 250 underprivileged students. This initiative demonstrates the foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering the youth through education.
In its ongoing commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, the MOK Foundation took notable steps on February 24, 2024, to positively impact the lives of individuals working within the educational sector. The foundation provided direct financial support to 40 lower cadre staff members at the Federal Polytechnic Offa through cash donations, enabling them to supplement their monthly salaries and enhance their financial stability, similarly their counterparts from Lens Polytechnic, Offa received 150 thousand naira
Following this initiative, on March 14, 2024, the MOK Foundation announced the installation of a new toilet facility at the Nomadic School in Gaa Jango, Offa. This development was aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene standards for the students, addressing a critical need within the community.
Continuing its efforts to uplift educational access, on March 27, 2024, the MOK Foundation took further action by covering the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fees for 100 students across various junior secondary schools. This initiative was met with widespread praise from students, parents, teachers, and school principals, highlighting the positive impact of the foundation’s support on the local education system. Through these impactful projects, the MOK Foundation remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. In its relentless effort in making sure that everyone counts, the foundation began the sponsorship of 10 beneficiaries for various tech courses in partnership woth One Innovation Hub, Offa, the training lasted for two months, while the foundation equally caters for their transportation, similarly on March 25 2024 the MOK Foundation partnered Offa Student Union (OSU) to celebrate education champions with cash donations to winners of Secondary Schools debate organized by OSU.
In an attempt to making sure that the students in secondary schools understands the dangers attached to drug abuse and excessiveness, the MOK Foundation on 6th June 2024 organized drug abuse awareness program tagged “substance abuse and crime prevention among secondary dary school students” where experts, doctors and drug offense monitoring team spoke woth the stude to as well as revealing the danger of drug abuse.
For Mustapha Olalekan, a student of Offa Polytechnic, life was a daily struggle. Paying school fees had become an insurmountable task, weighing heavily on his mind and threatening to derail his academic pursuits. But fate had other plans.
One day in 2024, fortune smiled on Mustapha, connecting him with the MOK Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities. The foundation, moved by Mustapha’s plight, decided to intervene, paying his school fees and restoring his hope for a brighter future.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mustapha shared his story, highlighting the immense impact of the MOK Foundation’s kindness. “I was struggling to pay my school fees, and it seemed like my academic dreams were slipping away. But then, the MOK Foundation came into my life, and everything changed. Their support has given me a new lease on life, and I’m forever grateful.”
In 2024, Akeem Ahmed’s world was turned upside down. He was caught between the devastating reality of health issues and the crippling burden of school fees default. His future seemed bleak, and his dreams of education and success hung in the balance.
But fate, in its infinite wisdom, had other plans. Akeem’s life took a dramatic turn when he was brought into connection with the MOK Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities.
The MOK Foundation, moved by Akeem’s plight, stepped in to provide him with the necessary support. They paid his school fees, ensuring that he could continue his education without interruption. Moreover, they also provided him with access to medical care, helping him to manage his health issues and regain his strength.
Ndalima Ali, a student from Patigi, Kwara State, enrolled at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, faced a significant challenge when he defaulted on his school fees. However, the MOK Foundation intervened, providing financial assistance to settle his outstanding fees.
This support enabled Ndalima to continue his academic pursuits without interruption. The MOK Foundation’s contribution demonstrates its commitment to promoting education and providing opportunities for individuals to achieve their academic goals.
The foundation’s financial assistance has made a positive impact on Ndalima’s educational journey, allowing him to focus on his studies and aspire to a brighter future.
Agriculture
In 2024, the foundation took a significant step towards enhancing job provision and empowering communities through agriculture. To strengthen its initiatives, the foundation purchased an impressive 50 hectares of land dedicated to farming activities. This investment not only aimed to boost agricultural production but also to create sustainable livelihoods for the local population.
At the conclusion of the farming season, the foundation organized a substantial distribution of farm inputs, specifically targeting underprivileged individuals throughout Kwara. This initiative was designed to ensure that those in need had access to essential resources to improve their agricultural practices and overall well-being.
In addition to providing these inputs, the foundation went a step further by donating tractors to local farmers at no cost. This assistance significantly alleviated some of the burdens faced by farmers, enhancing their efficiency and productivity in the field.
Moreover, the foundation’s reach extended to over 100 communities in 2024, where it distributed sprayers and agricultural chemicals to more than 200 farmers. This targeted support empowered these farmers with the tools needed to protect their crops and ensure better yields, ultimately contributing to food security and economic stability within the region. Through these comprehensive efforts, the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to uplift and empower the agricultural community in Kwara.
Empowerment
In 2024, the MOK Foundation made a significant commitment to supporting small-scale traders and underprivileged communities across Kwara State. Each week, the foundation allocated substantial resources, providing at least 15,000 naira to every individual in this initiative, benefiting a total of 30 participants each week in Offa. This consistent financial support aimed to empower local traders and stimulate economic growth within their communities.
The foundation’s initiatives extended beyond Offa, reaching individuals in various local government areas throughout Kwara State. In a particularly impactful gesture, the Ajikobi area of Ilorin West received a generous donation of 1 million naira, specifically targeting the most vulnerable residents. Other areas such as Lafiagi, Patigi, Alanamu, Adeta, Balogun Fulani, Ipata, Tonga, Baruteen, and Jebba also benefited from various monetary donations, tailored to assist their underprivileged populations.
Through these efforts, the MOK Foundation demonstrated its dedication to uplifting those in need and fostering a spirit of support and resilience within the communities of Kwara State throughout 2024.
The MOK Foundation has consistently prioritized community development, and its impactful initiatives in 2024 serve as a testament to this commitment. In the year 2024, the foundation took significant steps to enhance the quality of life in local communities by donating solar lights to over 100 transformers, ensuring that these areas benefit from improved energy access.
In response to a devastating fire that affected many businesses at the renowned Owode Market in Offa, the foundation acted swiftly by donating 50,000 naira to each of the victims, providing them with essential financial support to help them rebuild their livelihoods after this unfortunate incident.
Additionally, the MOK Foundation has undertaken the construction and drilling of motorized boreholes in various communities, addressing the critical need for clean and accessible water. This initiative not only improves health and sanitation but also boosts agricultural productivity in these areas.
Furthermore, the foundation showed its commitment to supporting the local economy by donating 1 million naira to traders in the Ipata Market, situated in Ilorin. This financial assistance is aimed at helping these traders expand their businesses and recover from economic challenges.
To ensure youth empowerment, the MOK Foundation has successfully trained and equipped over 100 youths with the skills necessary for self-sufficiency. By promoting self-dependence, the foundation aims to foster a generation of young individuals who can contribute positively to the community and the economy.
Through these comprehensive efforts, the MOK Foundation is making a substantial impact, ensuring that communities thrive and individuals are given the tools they need to succeed.
