The anniversary programme, which brought together government officials, beneficiaries, family members, guests and other stakeholders, was held to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Prince Michael Atobatele and reflect on the Foundation’s decade of humanitarian interventions.
A major highlight of the programme was the empowerment of 70 beneficiaries drawn from skills acquisition centres operated by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, Women Development and Poverty Alleviation.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Women Development and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Dada, commended PMAF for keeping the memory of Prince Michael Atobatele alive through initiatives that create opportunities and improve the lives of individuals and communities.
Dada stressed the importance of vocational training and economic empowerment in helping people become financially independent. She noted that the state government, through the Ministry, provides tuition-free vocational training at skills acquisition centres across the five administrative divisions of Lagos State.
According to her, the Ministry recently celebrated 6,190 graduates from its various skills acquisition programmes.
She described the empowerment of the 70 beneficiaries by PMAF as a valuable intervention that would enable the recipients to transform their newly acquired skills into productive ventures and sustainable livelihoods.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that acquiring a skill was only the first step, while commitment, discipline and determination were necessary to turn such skills into meaningful sources of income.
Dada also praised the Foundation for complementing the efforts of the Lagos State Government in the areas of skills development and poverty alleviation, while wishing the organisation continued growth and greater impact.
‘A Legacy of Giving’
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Michael Atobatele Foundation and Chairman of Greensprings School, Mrs. Lai Koiki, also commended the Foundation’s Founder, Princess Oluwatoyin Atobatele, for transforming the pain of losing her son into a platform for service to humanity.
Koiki said the Foundation had helped ensure that the memory of Prince Michael Atobatele remained associated not only with grief, but also with generosity, service and positive change.
She disclosed that the organisation had impacted more than 500 lives since its establishment, describing the achievement as a significant legacy built around the life of one individual.
Koiki commended Princess Atobatele and her daughters for their dedication to sustaining the Foundation’s activities, while also appreciating individuals and organisations that had supported its programmes over the years.
She encouraged beneficiaries and other participants to live purposeful lives, continue learning and seek opportunities to make positive contributions to their communities.
The trustee also urged the gathering to remain grateful for every new day and to live with eternity in view, noting that nobody is guaranteed tomorrow.
‘Live a Life of Impact’
The guest speaker, Olubunmi Ibitayo, popularly known as Eto’o Grace, urged Nigerians to pursue purposeful lives and make meaningful contributions to their families and communities.
Ibitayo, a life coach, Christian counsellor, educator and ordained pastor, said the 10th anniversary of Prince Michael Atobatele’s passing should go beyond mourning to celebrating a life worthy of remembrance.
Using the word “IMPACT” as the central theme of her presentation, Ibitayo described impact as a strong effect or influence on a person or thing.
She urged participants to live in a manner that positively influences others and creates a legacy that extends beyond their immediate circumstances.
According to her, true fulfilment should not be measured solely by material achievements but also by the lives touched and the positive difference made in society.
Foundation Extends Support to Mothers, Newborns
As part of activities marking the 10th anniversary, PMAF also organised an outreach programme for pregnant women, expectant mothers, new mothers and newborns at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.
The initiative provided support to women and newborns while reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to compassion, kindness and service to humanity.
Speaking during the outreach, Princess Oluwatoyin Atobatele urged Nigerians to look beyond their personal difficulties and extend assistance to people in need, regardless of the size of their resources.
She emphasised that generosity should not be limited to people who have abundance, noting that individuals facing their own challenges could still make a positive difference in someone else’s life.
Atobatele said the Foundation’s commitment to humanitarian service was inspired by the values embodied by her late son, Prince Michael Atobatele, in whose memory the organisation was established.
The 10th anniversary celebration therefore served not only as a remembrance of Prince Michael Atobatele but also as a reaffirmation of the Foundation’s commitment to turning his memory into a lasting force for good.
Through its empowerment programmes, skills development initiatives and community outreach, PMAF continues to pursue a legacy centred on service, compassion, self-reliance and positive impact on society.