EVENTS
OLEEF Launch Event
Benin royal family unveils foundation to assist indigents
Benin royal family has unveiled the Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation (OLEEF) aimed at assisting indigent students in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The foundation, which was unveiled on Wednesday, promised to assist each student with N100,000 scholarship, as well as disclosed plans to establish a skill acquisition centre for women at Amagba, a suburb of Benin City.
The foundation, a non-profit organisation, was established in memory of Oloi Evbagharu Janet Erediauwa, the Queen Consort of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin, who joined her ancestors in 2016.
INTERNATIONAL RURAL WOMEN'S DAY WITH OLEEF
PRESS STATEMENT
Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation Partners with Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation to Provide Free Eye Surgeries for 100 Beneficiaries in Edo State.
The Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation, in collaboration with Ministry for Health, Edo State and the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation, is set to provide free cataract surgeries and comprehensive eye care services for 100 beneficiaries across communities in Edo State. The medical outreach programme will take place from 10am to 4pm on Thursday March 12 2026.l at the Madona Hall of St Paul Catholic Church, 30 Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State.
In a joint statement, both foundations and the State Health Ministry announced that the initiative aims to improve access to quality eye care for vulnerable and underserved populations, while addressing the growing burden of avoidable blindness caused by cataracts and other preventable eye conditions.
This humanitarian gesture is being organized in honor of Her Royal Highness Oloi (Queen) Evbagharu Erediauwa (the Obarisiuwa N’Erie), who passed on on August 20, 2016. Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa was one of the beloved wives of His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa. Seven years later, to preserve and celebrate the Queen’s enduring legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to community well-being, the Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation (OLEEF) was established.
Besides the free cataract surgeries, 100 free prescription glasses will be offered for school children while 200 reading glasses will be provided for adult beneficiaries after screening at the event. There will also be free post-surgery medication for the beneficiaries.
Since its inception, the Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift the less privileged through a range of impactful programs. It has provided educational support to underprivileged children, empowered rural women, and championed initiatives that promote the welfare and development of the girl child. These interventions have touched lives across Edo State and beyond, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to social upliftment and sustainable community growth.
The upcoming free cataract surgery and eye care program further reflects the Foundation’s continuing dedication to humanitarian service and to the ideals of love, empathy, and generosity that the late Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa embodied throughout her lifetime.
Members of the public are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to access free medical evaluation, treatment, and surgeries, which will be conducted by a team of qualified ophthalmologists and medical volunteers led by the Chief Surgeon, Dr. Mejuya Okorodudu.