The CEO and Founder of Kayokem International Foundation, Mrs. Oluwakemi Sanusi, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, shared her passion and the foundation’s commitment to driving empowerment and distribution programs for the less privileged across Nigeria.
Can you tell us about Kayokem International Foundation?
Kayokem International Foundation is dedicated to supporting less privileged individuals in society, those with limited opportunities and means of livelihood. We especially focus on people who have learned a skill or trade and need support to establish themselves and also paying children school Fees and Giving Raw Food’s to the vulnerables.
What is your vision for the Foundation?
My vision is to impact lives positively by empowering people and giving them the means to sustain a livelihood.
There’s a saying that behind every successful woman is a man. What is your take on this, and is your husband in support of the Foundation?
Yes, my husband supports me wholeheartedly. Sometimes, I assist people without informing him beforehand. But when he finds out, he always says, “I knew you would do that because it’s your passion.” That kind of support means a lot to me.
For the foundation to grow, which corporate bodies or government agencies are you looking to partner with for support?
Initially, we didn’t have any specific companies in mind until a friend introduced me to the Ministry of Trade and Investment in Ogun State. I submitted a letter of introduction requesting support, and the ministry referred us to some companies.
We wrote to about twenty companies across Ogun State for support. These include:
Fidson Healthcare Plc, Nutrition Foods Nigeria Limited, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited, Beloxxi Industries Limited, Viju Milk Nigeria Limited, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Scott Industries Limited, Dangote Group, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, OLAM Nigeria Limited, Eezee Group of Companies, International Breweries, WAMCO, Lafarge Cement, TGI Group Africa, GB Foods Manufacturing Nigeria Ltd,
Intercontinental Distilleries Ltd, Rite Foods Nigeria Ltd and Nestlé Nigeria.
Among these, which companies have responded to your request?
Only Beloxxi Industries at Agbara in Ogun State responded, and that was just a day before the program. Aside from them, none have responded. We understand that this is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We’re not forcing anyone; however, we believe it is their responsibility to give back to the communities where they operate.
Many of these companies manufacture their products in Ogun State, yet the state lacks in CSR initiatives because some individuals are using what meant for the Citizens to enrich themselves.
I know Dangote Industry are really trying in Lagos State but we want him to extend his hands of gesture to Ogun State too.
There’s so much hunger and hardship in the country. Children are out of school. Many graduates are unemployed. People want to start businesses but lack the capital. Sadly, some youths are resorting to selling their organs or eggs just to survive.
I started this foundation to help Nigerians in my own little way. Since we began, we’ve touched many lives, mostly from our personal resources. My family and I have made sacrifices to make this happen.
There was a time I was about to book a business class ticket to Nigeria. But when I saw the price, I told myself, “This is a 6-hour journey. Why spend so much when people are suffering back home?” I booked economy class and used the rest of the money to support people in Nigeria.
Sometimes I even use my personal contribution savings. But you know what? God has a way of rewarding people like us, and that’s something I’ve personally experienced.
It pains me that in Nigeria, our children lack basic educational materials, while in the school where my children study abroad, everything they need is provided by the government. That’s why I’m calling on the Ogun State Government and Nigeria Governent to support our poverty alleviation programs.
With help from corporate organizations, private companies, and kind individuals, we can reach more people. Our program is not limited to Ogun State alone. Beneficiaries have come from Ondo, Lagos, and even northern parts of Nigeria.
Some months ago, while attending a wedding in Ibadan, I had the opportunity to stay in the same hotel as His Excellency, Governor Adeleke of Osun State. I was so excited to potentially meet him and share our vision for Kayokem International Foundation but we were denied access to see him.
Who are the people you like to appreciate for this Foundation programme?
First and foremost, I would like to appreciate my dear husband and children for their unwavering sacrifices. I had never traveled alone without my children before, but for the first and second time, I had to leave them behind because of this Foundation. I thank God for His divine protection over them during my absence.
Secondly, I sincerely appreciate my dedicated staff, especially Ilesanmi Funmilayo. We began this vision together, and you have carried it with excellence, even in my absence.
To all our Volunteers, only God can truly reward you. Gold and silver I do not have, but I pray that your efforts will never go unnoticed. My heartfelt thanks go to the Head of Faaji FM, Mr. Dare, for believing in me and supporting this initiative, from the beneficiary selection and radio advertisements to the training, screening sessions, and the final event. Sir, I do not take your love and support for granted.
I also deeply appreciate His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Rasaq Jimoh Famuyiwa (Oni Papa Tilu Papa) for honoring our invitation and gracing the occasion with his presence.
To all my Family, Friends, and Spiritual Fathers and Mothers in the Lord, thank you for your prayers and support.
This marks my second visit to Nigeria this year for the program, and I’m grateful for your continuous encouragement.
Above all, it can only be God Almighty. To Him alone I give all the glory, honour, and adoration.