Odili (l) handing a plaque to the Olowu (m) while a chief looks on
The Olowu of Owu,Oba( Prof )Saka Matemilola has said that retirement from service should not be regarded as a death sentence but an opportunity to give back to humanity.
The monarch spoke while receiving, members of the Phenomenal Strides Foundation,PSF in his palace last Friday.
The foundation led by its Founder/CEO,Ibiba Odili,a retired official of the National Drug Law Enforcement paid a courtesy visit to the Olowu to intimate him with its activities .
Said he,“ retirement is not a sentence to death, but an opportunity to sharpen one’s mental acuity and to build a lasting legacy of impact for humanity.”*
He congratulated the founder on her retirement from service and commended her for her passion for community development, which he observed had been evident long before her retirement, and prayed for divine resources and virtues to enable her to achieve above and beyond.
His Majesty also expressed his willingness to collaborate with PSF, particularly on women empowerment initiatives under the aegis, one of his signature development initiatives. Emphasizing the role of faith in service, he remarked that *“Religion is not only about communicating with God, but also about helping humanity—one person at a time—just as PSF has begun.”*
Speaking earlier, Odili explained that the purpose of the NGO’s first ever visit was to officially notify His Majesty of PSF’s work and to seek his fatherly counsel, royal blessings, and guidance as the foundation advances its mission.
She described His Majesty as a foremost development practitioner with a huge heart for community transformation, through his numerous service platforms which includes the Solace Foundation on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Advocacy, which she is also a foundational member.
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Highlighting the foundation’s vision, Odili noted that PSF was established to strengthen families, promote community cohesion, bolster harmony, and empower youth, women, and children who significantly remain the backbone of community and national development.
She also stressed the need for more collaborative efforts in reducing risky behaviours, which are alarmingly escalating and complicating substance abuse and other risky behaviours.
She further pledged the Foundation’s readiness to support His Royal Majesty on enhancing different areas of community development.
The visit ended on a note of mutual commitment to partnership, empowerment, and community transformation.
