The Leke Abejide Foundation Impact
By J.O. Abel‑Ontop
Long before he entered elective office, Rt Hon Leke Joseph Abejide had already established himself as a man driven by service, purpose, and a genuine desire to uplift the vulnerable. At the heart of this early commitment was the Leke Abejide Foundation, an NGO that became the launching pad for his lifelong dedication to education, welfare, and community empowerment. Over the years, the foundation has grown into a powerful force for positive change. Its work enriched and amplified by Abejide’s political ascendancy and ever‑expanding public influence.
A Foundation Born of Compassion
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The Leke Abejide Foundation was conceived as a non‑partisan humanitarian organisation focused on addressing critical human needs, especially those affecting widows, orphans, students, and other vulnerable groups. From its earliest days, the foundation’s mission was clear: to alleviate hardship and build capacity among ordinary citizens who lacked access to basic social support.
Even in its formative years, the Foundation demonstrated bold commitments:
It launched a Yagba empowerment initiative that disbursed millions of naira to petty traders across the 34 wards of Yagba Federal Constituency, stimulating grassroots commerce and reducing poverty.
It introduced free tuition education for students at ALU and Igbo‑Ero secondary schools, hiring teachers to improve learning outcomes without fees.
The Foundation invested over ₦40 million in paying WAEC examination fees for students across Yagba, ensuring many young people could complete their secondary education without financial barriers.
It facilitated health interventions including immunisation coverage for young children and prenatal support for mothers, improving community health indices.
Community‑building initiatives such as collaborative youth sports tournaments helped nurture talent and foster unity.
These programmes demonstrate that the Foundation’s impact pre‑dated Abejide’s entry into the National Assembly, setting the stage for a public service career grounded in empathy and strategic empowerment.
Expansion Through Political Influence
Since winning election to the House of Representatives in 2019 and securing re‑election in 2023, Abejide’s foundation work has not only continued but expanded in scale, scope, and impact — now leveraging his political platform to reach even more beneficiaries.
Empowerment and Economic Growth
In late 2024, the Foundation disbursed a ₦100 million interest‑free loan scheme in partnership with cooperative societies across Yagba Federal Constituency. This initiative was designed to boost nano and micro‑businesses, stimulate local commerce, and foster financial inclusion among women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The financial support was distributed to cooperatives in Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro, with the intention of strengthening local economic activities and creating opportunities for families to increase their incomes.
Supporting Widows and Vulnerable Households
A cornerstone of the Foundation’s yearly activities has been humanitarian outreach to widows and vulnerable residents, with food items, clothing and support materials distributed widely across the constituency. Over the years, tens of thousands of widows have been reached through this programme, reflecting Abejide’s commitment to sustaining dignity and support for people often overlooked by traditional social services.
Education Beyond Constituency Borders
Abejide’s educational support through the Foundation has also grown beyond his immediate constituency. By 2025, his foundation had paid WAEC and NECO registration fees for students not only in Yagba but extended to neighbouring federal constituencies, dramatically widening access to educational certification and opportunities for youth.
Bridging Philanthropy with Public Policy
The impact of the Leke Abejide Foundation cannot be seen in isolation from his political leadership. His time in parliament has allowed for synergy between grassroots work and national policy influence:
His role as Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise has influenced economic legislative reforms, including the landmark Nigerian Customs Service Act and improved oversight of border management.
Abejide’s programme delivery from educational support to empowerment loans often aligns with broader national agendas focused on job creation, youth development, economic inclusion, and improved access to social services.
This blending of philanthropy and public office has enhanced the Foundation’s ability to reach more beneficiaries and offer more structured support designed to reinforce both individual wellbeing and collective progress.
Recognition of Impact
The effectiveness of Abejide’s approach through the Foundation and his legislative work has not gone unnoticed. He has received awards and honours that recognise both his humanitarian service and legislative excellence, further affirming the credibility and reach of his dual role as public servant and community champion.
A Legacy of Intentional Impact
The story of the Leke Abejide Foundation is ultimately a story of purposeful investment in people — beginning long before his political career, and strengthened by it. It represents the conviction that leadership is about service; that change begins with individuals; and that sustainable development requires both compassion and strategy.
From paying school fees and supporting business growth, to empowering women entrepreneurs and cushioning vulnerable households, the Foundation’s work reflects Abejide’s enduring belief that impact is measured in human lives transformed, not headlines gained.
In a political era where many seek office for power, Leke Abejide has consistently used his position for empowerment, dignity and opportunity, grounding his legacy in real people’s progress and collective wellbeing.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 15TH 2026)
