Our History
Our History; Where Dignity is Restored
The journey of SHOKESTA Development Initiative began with a single act of compassion in December 2015. During a heartfelt visit to the Ibadan Home for Motherless Babies—located beside the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan—Amb. Soyebi Oluwakemi Abiodun was deeply moved by the stories of infants who had tragically lost their mothers during childbirth. These children, though born into loss, deserved love, dignity, and a chance at life.
That visit, organized under the name Shokesta and Friends Initiative, sparked more than just a charitable gesture—it ignited a vision. What began as a moment of empathy quickly evolved into a mission for long-term social impact. Realizing the deep, often overlooked struggles faced by orphans, widows, and vulnerable women, Oluwakemi was determined to create something sustainable.
In time, the initiative matured into the Shokesta Development Initiative (SHOKESTA)—a registered non-profit organization focused not just on giving, but on empowerment, development, and transformation. SHOKESTA’s scope expanded beyond the walls of orphanages to include vocational training, educational support, youth empowerment, women’s advocacy, and community development.
Today, SHOKESTA has reached over 4,000 individuals across Nigeria, standing as a beacon of hope, resilience, and compassion. Its roots may lie in a single visit, but its impact is felt nationwide—proof that small beginnings can lead to powerful, lasting change.
