Empowerment
Habeeb Okunola Foundation Empowers and Honours Women in Brampton for International Women’s Day 2026
The Habeeb Okunola Foundation (HOF) transformed a standard community gathering into a powerful launchpad for female entrepreneurship in Brampton, Canada, on the 13th of March 2026, delivering a high-impact celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. Far beyond a ceremonial event, the foundation, in partnership with Make Mee Elegant Foundation, the City of Brampton, and The Salvation Army, orchestrated a comprehensive day of skill-building and recognition designed to create tangible economic change for local women.
At the heart of the initiative was an intensive hands-on training session held within the welcoming walls of The Salvation Army’s Brampton premises. The room buzzed with creative energy as women from the local community immersed themselves in learning practical, marketable crafts. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they mastered the intricacies of crafting durable flip-flop slippers, the delicate art of cloth stoning to embellish fabrics, and the precise work of creating fancy key holders. The goal was clear: to provide these women with immediate, accessible tools to generate side income.
High Chief Dr Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, the founder of the foundation and President of CINI Holdings, who was represented by Mrs Kehinde Adelaja-Okoroafor was present to witness and coordinate the transformation firsthand. She articulated the driving philosophy behind the event, stating that for the founder of HOF, empowerment is the most meaningful expression of wealth. She further stressed that the objective was not just to teach a skill, but to ignite a transition, turning attendees from talented individuals into confident business owners who could leverage their newly acquired abilities to build sustainable livelihoods.
In a decisive move to bridge the gap between learning and earning, the foundation identified three exceptional students from the workshop and provided them with immediate start-up capital. This direct financial boost was met with visible joy and relief, ensuring that their newfound skills would not lie dormant but would instead be fueled into immediate entrepreneurial action.
The city’s leadership took significant notice of the foundation’s impactful work. His Worship, Mayor Patrick Brown, offered a ringing endorsement of HOF’s initiative, commending their choice to invest in Brampton’s women. He personally extended his gratitude to High Chief Okunola with an official letter of thanks, acknowledging the foundation’s exceptional contribution to the community and extending an invitation for a formal meeting in May 2026 to explore future avenues for partnership with the City of Brampton.
On the 14th of March momentum carried into the day with an awards ceremony, where the Deputy Mayor stood in for Mayor Brown to help spotlight the achievements of local heroines. The event honoured a selection of prominent Brampton women whose tireless efforts and significant impact have helped shape the community. This dual focus empowering the next wave of female entrepreneurs while celebrating established leaders perfectly encapsulated the shared mission of the Habeeb Okunola Foundation and Make Mee Elegant Foundation to champion the development and success of women at every stage of their journey. The event served as a powerful testament to what international collaboration and community-focused action can achieve in the pursuit of gender equality and economic empowerment.
Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, a prominent educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist with over fifty years of experience in Nigeria, formally launched the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada (AOFSAIC) at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, on May 16th, amidst community leaders and supporters like Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, Chief Victor Alonge, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Queen Esther Ejim, Chief Jumoke Abegunde and a host of others.
During her address, Yeye Folashade emphasized that the Canadian branch was established to extend her efforts in fostering economic independence among African women globally. She highlighted that the initiative seeks to help women acquire valuable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and crafts, enabling them to achieve financial stability and independence.
At the event, HRH Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, underscored the critical importance of artisans to economic growth. He stated, “Artisans are the backbone of a thriving economy, and their contributions to the informal sector are essential for national development.” He further noted that empowering women through such initiatives not only amplifies their voice but also promotes inclusive growth.
In her speech, Yeye Folashade noted that the association is already active in Nigeria, with numerous branches across major cities. She stressed that establishing a Canadian chapter, particularly in Brampton; home to over 12,000 Nigerian immigrants, is vital for extending opportunities to more women seeking self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial success. She added that expanding into Canada aligns with Nigeria’s national shift from conventional employment towards a more dynamic, skills-based economy driven by immigrant entrepreneurs.
Yeye Afolashade’s academic background includes secondary education at Queen Elizabeth School in Ilorin, followed by studies at the Federal College of Education in Kano State. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University. She began her career in Nigeria’s educational sector, mentoring students who now occupy leadership roles in various institutions.
Her organization collaborates with Nigerian government agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), supplying safe and quality learning and play materials to schools nationwide.
Her numerous awards include distinctions from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Security Watch Africa. She has been conferred chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorates, acknowledging her significant contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, and community development.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Yeye Afolashade mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and supports philanthropy through scholarships and community projects. She advocates for the marginalized, empowering women and youth, and continues to champion women’s advancement in Nigeria. In 2023, she was appointed the National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans in Nigeria, further emphasizing her dedication to women’s empowerment and discipline.
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