Relief Radiant Hearts Foundation launched in Iwo, promising hope for vulnerable

Michael Olumide

Ancient town of Iwo came alive with celebration and renewed hope on Sunday, as the Relief Radiant Hearts Foundation (RRHF) was officially launched at the Palace of the Oluwo of Iwo.

The historic unveiling marked a significant humanitarian milestone for the community and beyond.
The colourful ceremony, held within the revered palace grounds, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, medical professionals, education stakeholders, and community leaders from within and outside Iwoland.

The atmosphere reflected unity, purpose, and a collective determination to uplift the vulnerable.

Royal Blessings and Endorsement
In his address, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Alhaji Liad Tella, expressed profound appreciation to the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, for his unwavering support, fatherly guidance, and royal blessings that paved the way for the successful unveiling of the Foundation.

Alhaji Tella explained that RRHF was established on the core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, and sincerity of purpose. He congratulated the Foundation’s Coordinator, Asiwaju Anifowose Rahman, for his passion and commitment to reducing hardship, empowering the less privileged through education, and restoring dignity to those who have nearly lost hope.

According to him, what began as a simple seed of compassion has grown into a tree of hope for many families. He noted that when a vision is divinely inspired, helpers emerge from every direction to bring it to fruition.

In his royal remarks, Oba Akanbi commended Asiwaju Rahman for his visionary contributions to the development of the Iwo community, describing the Foundation as a timely intervention that would reduce poverty, inspire hope, and foster a more caring society.

Chieftaincy Honour for UCH CMD
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title of Baasegun Ariwajoye of Iwoland on the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo.

Professor Otegbayo, while expressing his delight at being part of the historic occasion, described the Foundation as “the unveiling of hope and the institutionalization of compassion.”

He emphasized that society urgently needs structured and sustainable humanitarian interventions, particularly in a time when economic challenges continue to widen the gap between the privileged and the less privileged.
He commended the visionaries behind RRHF for transforming compassion into an enduring institution capable of making a measurable impact.

Members of the UCH management team present at the ceremony included Mrs. I.O. Olaleye, Acting Director of Administration; Mrs. Fawole, Head of General Administration; Mr. Akintola, Head of Transport; and Mrs. Obafunmilayo Adetuyibi, Head of Public Relations, among other dedicated staff members.

One of the most inspiring segments of the launch was the Academic Excellence Competition organized by the Foundation, underscoring its commitment to educational empowerment.

Olaniyan Abdulsomod Olawale of Muslim Comprehensive High School, Isokan, emerged as the Overall Best Student. He received a gold medal and a full scholarship to any public university of his choice in Nigeria.

Zakariyah Hameedah of Iwo Grammar School secured second position and was awarded full sponsorship for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB registration.

Taofeek Ajimoh of St. Anthony Catholic Grammar School, Iwo, came third and earned full sponsorship for WAEC and NECO registration.

Two other outstanding students — Adigun Oluwatoyin Esther of Baptist High School, Iwo, and Atilola Ameeroh Demilade of Anwar-ul-Islam Grammar School, Iwo, were also recognized for their commendable performances. Though they did not place among the top three, the Board of Trustees rewarded their efforts with gifts, reinforcing the Foundation’s belief that genuine effort deserves recognition.

In a further show of community solidarity, the Host of the Day, Engr. Alamu Akeem Adelani pledged to sponsor the WAEC and NECO fees of the two outstanding students on behalf of Omoba Dotun Babayemi (ODB), demonstrating a collective commitment to youth development.

Another heartwarming highlight of the event was the distribution of food items to members of the community. The outreach reflected the Foundation’s core mission — compassion, relief, and service to humanity.

Special appreciation was extended to the Executive Chairman of Iwo Local Government, members of the Executive Council, EAS officials, honourable councilors, the CEO of Coastline, and prominent sons and daughters of Iwo at home and in the diaspora, whose support contributed to the success of the event.

Speakers at the ceremony unanimously agreed that the Relief Radiant Hearts Foundation represents more than an organization; it stands as a symbol of unity, compassion, and collective responsibility.

With prayers of gratitude to Almighty Allah for a successful launch, stakeholders expressed optimism that the Foundation would continue to bridge social gaps, touch lives meaningfully, and inspire hope across communities.

As the curtain fell on the historic gathering at the Oluwo Palace, one message resonated clearly: the Relief Radiant Hearts Foundation has begun a transformative journey, one that promises to turn compassion into lasting impact and position Iwo as a beacon of structured humanitarian service in Nigeria.