YASA Foundation to Unveil Humanitarian Initiatives on November 14 in Lagos

…As Founder, Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, says foundation will prioritise disability inclusion, healthcare, education and empowerment of vulnerable groups

A Philanthropist and Founder of YASA Foundation, Yeye (Dr) Afolashade Shona-Aluko, has announced plans to unveil and officially launch the Foundation on November 14, 2026, in Lagos, with a commitment to promoting disability inclusion, empowering vulnerable groups and improving the welfare of underserved communities.

The Founder who is the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, disclosed this during a Press Conference held in Lagos ahead of the ceremony scheduled to hold at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, by 11:00 a.m.

Yeye Shona-Aluko said, the Foundation was established out of the conviction that everyone deserves dignity, respect, equal opportunities and the chance to live a meaningful life, irrespective of physical condition, economic circumstances or social background.

She noted that persons with disabilities, vulnerable children, youth, women, elderly and underserved communities continue to face challenges limiting their access to healthcare, education, protection and economic opportunities, hence the need to support them by giving them sense of belonging.

According to her, the Foundation is determined to contribute to building a society where no one is left behind because of disability, poverty or other personal challenges.

She explained that its interventions would focus on major areas, including healthcare, rehabilitation and assistive support; inclusive education, skills development and livelihood opportunities; protection and advocacy; disability inclusion and social awareness; as well as partnerships and institutional sustainability.

“YASA Foundation would work towards improving access to healthcare services, rehabilitation programmes and assistive devices for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals. We would also promote vocational training, skills acquisition and sustainable livelihood opportunities to enable disadvantaged individuals to become economically independent” she added.

On its commitment to humanitarian interventions, Yeye Shona-Aluko disclosed that the Foundation had previously organised health outreach programmes across Lagos State, providing physiotherapy and speech therapy support for children with cerebral palsy, training persons with disabilities particularly those who are visually impaired on Tye and Dye, perfume making, soap making and others.

She maintained that the Foundation had also distributed white canes to persons with visual impairments as part of efforts to improve their mobility and independence.

Yeye Shona-Aluko who shared her personal experience with persons with disabilities explained that the experiences informed her decision to establish a structured organisation capable of sustaining and expanding her humanitarian interventions across the Country, for many more people to benefit.

The Entrepreneur stressed that the Foundation was not established merely to make promises but to translate its vision into practical programmes capable of touching lives, raising hope and creating lasting social impact.

She, however, emphasised that achieving the objectives of the Foundation, it would require commitment, accountability and collaboration with government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, traditional institutions, civil society groups and philanthropists.

Speaking on the Launch of YASA Foundation, Yeye Bobajiro Oodua said, though she has been into humanitarian service for years, but thought of expanding the scope to touch many more vulnerable people, hence, the event would formally unveil the Foundation, its identity, present its vision and strategic direction, and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to explore areas of collaboration.

She noted that the gathering would attract government representatives, traditional rulers, development partners, philanthropists, advocates for women and children, disability inclusion champions and other distinguished personalities from within and outside the Country.

Yeye Shona-Aluko called on governments at all levels, corporate organisations, international development agencies, religious institutions and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Foundation through programme sponsorship, technical assistance, capacity building and strategic partnerships.

She particularly urged corporate organisations to regard inclusion as an essential component of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

She also appealed to government institutions to strengthen collaboration in developing policies and programmes that protect vulnerable populations and promote equal opportunities.

Yeye Shona-Aluko further called on the media to partner with the Foundation by amplifying the voices, achievements and challenges of persons with disabilities, vulnerable children, disadvantaged women and older persons.

“Media organisations have an important role to play in shaping public perception and promoting positive attitudes towards vulnerable groups. Journalists need to write stories that promote dignity rather than pity, empowerment rather than dependency, and inclusion rather than discrimination, as the true measure of a society should not be determined only by the achievements of privileged individuals but also by how it treats vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community” she said.

She reiterated that YASA Foundation was committed to helping build a society where children with disabilities could pursue their dreams, vulnerable women could access economic opportunities and elderly could enjoy dignity and care.

The Yeye Bobajiro Oodua appealed to Nigerians and organisations to join the Foundation in its mission to restore hope, create opportunities, empower lives and promote a more inclusive society, where No One is Left Behind.