How Philanthropist, Olufunke Jackson Marked Birthday With Financial Aid to Less Privileged – Physically Challenged, Traders and Elderly
By Bashorun Bolaji
The World Bank’s latest Poverty and Equity Brief has raised alarm over the escalating poverty levels in Nigeria, revealing that a staggering 75.5 percent of rural dwellers live below the poverty line as of May 2025.
The report highlights that around 30.9 percent of Nigerians survive on less than $2.15 a day, while 32.6 percent lack access to basic drinking water, 45.1 percent do not have adequate sanitation, and 39.4 percent are without electricity.
In Lagos, the commercial hub, the poverty rate stands 3.8% below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. Additionally, 36.3% of Lagos residents live below the national poverty line of $3.65 per day. The situation is similar in urban centers and even more dire in rural areas.
Amid these harsh economic realities, millions of Nigerians struggle to meet fundamental needs such as education, food, shelter, and healthcare. The physically challenged also face immense challenges in their daily lives, often lacking the support necessary to thrive.
It is this heartbreaking reality that inspired Olufunke Jackson, a compassionate Nigerian woman based in the United States, to set up her OJ Ile-Alayo Foundation to assist in her capacity and make life better for people.
While she may not be among the wealthiest Nigerians in diaspora, her generosity and commitment to helping others shine brightly. What she may lack in financial resources, she more than compensates with her unwavering passion for uplifting those affected by multidimensional poverty.
Unlike many affluent individuals who seek the spotlight through grand gestures, Olufunke has chosen a more humble path, making a significant impact through her philanthropic efforts without seeking attention.
Recently, Olufunke celebrated her birthday in the United States. Rather than hosting an extravagant party, she sent her hard-earned money back home to provide assistance to those in need on the streets of Lagos.
To ensure that aid reached the most deserving, officials from her OJ Ile-Alayo Foundation personally went out to identify and deliver direct donations to the truly less privileged. Beneficiaries included physically challenged individuals, widows, elderly, traders, and others facing hardships.
The heartfelt gratitude expressed by the beneficiaries was palpable, as they offered prayers for Olufunke and her foundation, wishing her a new year filled with joy and peace.
Olufunke Jackson’s OJ Ile-Alayo Foundation deserves the support of wealthy individuals in Nigeria to expand its reach and continue making a genuine difference. Her approach serves as a powerful example of how philanthropy can be meaningful and impactful, going beyond mere gestures to truly transform lives.
