AKEM Foundation Revives National Discourse on Parenting, Discipline and Values at 4th Anniversary
By Oki O. Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
Amid the glamour and philanthropic celebrations that marked the 4th Anniversary of AKEM Foundation in Lagos yesterday, one conversation stood out prominently above all others. That is the urgent need to restore values, discipline, and responsible parenting in Nigerian society.
This theme has remained consistent over the years as the Ogunsans often rehashed the link to their personal success and that of the Foundation to the strong moral upbringing handed down by their late parents, Engr. Akinola and Madam Emiola Ogunsan.
At this year’s edition, the message resonated strongly as speakers from different sectors of society, including security, academia, business, and ministry echoed the need for intentional parenting.
Leading the conversation, the Chairman of the AKEM Foundation, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan stated that ‘Our parents have the heart of gold. That’s what we have inherited from them, and we say that every year. We will sustain the legacy until young Nigerians are happy and the whole world becomes a better place.’
‘Good parenting is possible if you can create time, we must be intentional about parenting. And let me state that if we don’t parent well our children will not remember to do something like this’, he said.
MD/CEO of First Bank Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu indicated that ‘the heart that gives is the heart of gold. Everything that we have is useless if we don’t give out. We are going back with nothing, and the people will spend the money after us but when we give out on earth, the joy remains. I pray that the Spirit of God will be with this family and joy will perpetually be with them.’
The Managing Director/CEO of Infinity Paints Int’l Ltd, Mr. Sehinde Johnson stated: ‘I see AKEM Foundation as a double edged sword to empower lives and to honor parents. Even after their parents death, the Ogunsans still continue to honor them. I pray that they will be honored themselves.’
A Christian minister, Dr. Adegboyega Alabi indicated about good parenting, ‘We can take a cue from what has happened with this Foundation as intending parents or those who are already parenting. We must be looking at how we will impact the right values and attitudes in our children, especially in education, morality, relationships, communal living, usefulness not just to self but to family, society and the nation at large. That’s the essence of what we are learning today.’
‘The brains behind the foundation are celebrating their parents for the impact on their education, view of life, morality, and maturity. Many people don’t know the Dad and mom that’s being celebrated but they can see the testimonies in the life of Dr Ayo Ogunsan and his siblings.’
A senior Police officer, ACP Mary Ayim hailed the founders of the AKEM Foundation for their commitment to fostering good values and empowering society. ‘The Ogunsans have shown that their parents are very good parents and they showed them the way of the Lord. This is an example for us to be intentional about our children so that the legacy we leave behind will be one that will last for generations. I am proud of what they are doing and it is a motivation for us to do such. God bless the family.’
Madam May Ma from the Chinese community added: ‘We appreciate the AKEM Foundation for all the good work they do. We will continue to support.’
Dr. Mrs. Abiola Olorede nee Adebutu, Founder Diamed Hospital Lekki, stated: ‘Dr. Ayo is someone who amazes me every time because every aspect of life that he enters, he strives to excel there. I pray that the grace of God in the family will not cease.’
The Patron of AKEM Foundation, AIG Lanre Bankole (retd) shared: ‘I am very happy to be here today. This is a noble idea, thinking about immortalizing your parents and in the same vein helping the downtrodden to navigate their way in life. Dr. Ayo and siblings I thank you on behalf of all those that have benefited from this initiative and I know it will go from strength to strength.
AIG Hakeem Odumosu (retd) stated ‘I want to thank Dr. Ogunsan and his siblings for doing this. My prayer for them is that they will grow older in good health so that their children and grandchildren will do the same for them.’
Former Force Secretary, AIG Yetunde Longe (retd) said: ‘I was here when it all started and I am happy to be here today. I am happy that they have sustained it. This is what we should all strive for, and that is to be able to build a legacy.’
Immediate Past CP Admin, Force CID Annex Alagbon, CP Saadat Ismail (retd) added: ‘I want to congratulate the Ogunsans for sustaining this Foundation. I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless the family and uplift the foundation.’
Several currently serving senior law enforcement officers were also in attendance. Brig Gen A.O Owolabi, Commander of NA 9 Brigade shared: ‘I celebrate the Ogunsans and acknowledge what they have done to sustain the legacy of their parents. Their idea is targeting youths in a wonderful way. We should endeavor to key into it with our support.’
Air Commodore Imam, Commander of NAF 651 BSG stated that ‘sometimes ago I was discussing with Dr. Ogunsan and I told him that the reason for his success is his humility and Resilience, I have seen the third leg today which is his family. I congratulate them for doing this for our youths especially in this season where capital and mentoring is a challenge. I congratulate the winners.’
Commodore Adams Aliyu, Commander of NNS Beecroft shared: ‘I am pleasantly surprised that a Nigerian family will initiate this kind of foundation and be consistent. Your parents really impacted you and I will want to say that you have challenged us all. I look forward to seeing more than 5 people getting awards next year when we all put in our support.’
CP Fatai Tijani, the Lagos CP shared: ‘I am not surprised for what I am seeing here because Dr. Ayo Ogunsan who is the chairman of AKEM foundation is an impact-driven person. He impacts the lives of everyone who crosses his path. I pray that this foundation will go from strength to strength.’
Prince Ifalade Oyekan, the General Manager of LNSA hailed the family for the idea of AKEM Foundation noting that through the initiative, they are doing remarkably well for the youths in the society.’
CP Toyin Agbaminoja, CP of Western Port Authority Command added: ‘I want to congratulate Dr. Ayo Ogunsan and the family for this feat. Thank you for having feelings for the vulnerable in society. This is something I wish to replicate in my family too. I will always support this Foundation.’
Pastor Andrew Umoru prayed heartily for the family, ‘I pray that God will continue to protect this family. Those who do good to others have many who pray for them. Because they have been sustaining others, God will sustain them to do more.’
With the AKEM Foundation, the Ogunsans have shown that their family legacy is not merely the professional success of the siblings, but the visible bond, mutual honour, and collective responsibility they continue to demonstrate publicly.
Dignitaries drawn from the security sector, academia, business community, diplomacy, faith organizations, and civil society converged to celebrate with the Ogunsans include the MD/CEO of First Bank Nigeria Plc, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu; Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Sam Egube; Patron of AKEM Foundation, AIG Lanre Bankole (retd) and his Wife; Board Member of LSSTF, DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover (retd); DIG Bode Adeleke (retd) and his Wife, Mrs. Modupe, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (retd).
Others are AIG Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom; Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani; Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. A.O Owolabi; Commander, 651 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Mohammed Asuekome Imam; Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS BEECROFT, Naval Base Apapa, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu; CP Western Ports Authority Police Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja; CP Saadat Ismail Rtd; Comptroller, MMIA Command, Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Comptroller CC Christopher; General Manager, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan; DCP Bayo Suleiman; DCP Olugbenga Adeoye; DC Admin, Lagos Command, DCP Khan Salihu; ACP Aka Shittu; ACP Mary Ayim; Chief Security Officer, CSO to Governor of Lagos State, CSP Kunle Fagbemi; Commander, RRS Lagos, CSP Shola Jejeloye; DPO Man Center Division, CSP Ayo Elijah; DPO Denton Division, CSP Komolafe Solomon; DPO Lekki, CSP Owoseni; CSP Awe Kayode.
Also present are Founder/CEO, Diamed Hospital Lekki, Dr. Mrs. Abiola Olorede (nee Adebutu); Deputy Leader, Chinese Community, Mrs. May Ma; Territorial Director, South West, National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Ministry of Interior, Barr. Frank Dix Unuigboje; Founding Director, Centre for Digital Humanities, University of Lagos, (CEDHUL), Prof. Tunde Ope-Davies; Founder, Greenspring School, Mrs. Lai Koiki; MD/CEO, Infinity Paints Int’l Ltd, Pastor Johnson Sehinde; Founder, The Mantle Prayer Ministry, Pastor Isaac Olaomo; Consultant Ophthalmologist, MeCure, Dr. Sunday Alabi; SSA on Infrastructure to Lagos State Governor, Hon. Siji Adegoke; SSA to Lagos State Governor on Students’ Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, Comrade Kappo Olawale among other business and government persons.
