IT’S DOUBLE GRACES FOR AKEM FOUNDATION AS ORGANIZATION CELEBRATES 2ND YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
From Four (4) NGOs and schools that benefited at inception last year to Eight (8) this year and the promise of 16 next year, the story of the AKEM Foundation is a story of doubles. This is a source of gratitude to God for the Four (4) children of two lovebirds, late Engr. Akinola and Madam Emiola whose lives have continued to impact lives beyond their demise with the immortalization of their names by the establishment of the AKEM brand in 2023, Trek Africa Newspaper can report.
Led by the graceful firstborn cum graced leader, Dr. Ayodele alongside his siblings, Abiodun, Aduke, and Folorunso have kept the Ogunsan flag flying so much that the name commands attention in the society today. More than that, the singular decision to always recall fond memories with their late father and mother with societal impact is something that others want to execute in their own lives. That’s the spirit!
Top personalities gathered for them today Saturday 27th April at the Civic Center, Lagos as they celebrated AKEM Foundation 2.0 signifying the 2nd year Anniversary of the charity organization. They include the father of the day, Assistant Inspector-General, AIG Community Policing, AIG Ari Mohammed Ali; AIG Sikiru Bankole (retd); Wife of the Lagos CP, Dr. Mrs. Adekemi Fayoade.
Others are CP Ishola of Ports Authority; CP Ronke Okunade of General Investigation Alagbon; DC Operations, Lagos Command, DCP Fatai Tijani; DCP Olugbenga Adeoye; Commander MOPOL 2, ACP Ola Jide Agboola; Commander MOPOL 49, ACP Abubakar Yakubu; Commander MOPOL 20, ACP Bayo Suleiman; Commander, MOPOL 22, ACP Ibiye Braide; National Coordinator, POCACOV, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi; DPO Alausa, CSP Tokunbo Abaniwonda; DPO Ikeja, CSP Akinkunmi Oke. Yet others are the MD/CEO of Lagos Bus Service, Mr Idowu Oguntona and his Wife; CEO of Badinson Security, Mr Matthew Ibadin; Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Nosa; Pst and Pst Mrs. Ayeni; Pst Mrs. Oluwi, and Pst. Andrew Umoru who gave the message; Mrs Idowu Oguntona, Mr. Degbola Lewis of LSSTF; Madam May of the Chinese community, Mr. Merlin of Vertigo Group, compere, Tope Ojeme, members of the Young Executive Forum, the Wonder Skills orchestra, and several more people.
Some of the NGOs and schools that benefitted from AKEM Foundation this year and have been assured that they are already on the beneficiary list of the charity organization include Christ Light Mission for the Deaf, Heritage Homes, Synergy Care Development Initiative, GEM Foundation International, WALL Foundation, Citadel of Grace Orphanage, Best Spring Orphanage, Smiles Initiative for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Samdok Schools, and RACO Orphanage.
L-R: CP General Investigation Alagbon, CP Ronke Okunade and CP Ishola of Ports Authority
During the course of the program, Madam May of the Chinese community who earlier gave financial support to the organization also announced a scholarship for 2 young brilliant Nigerians who will be ready to compete for the slots which will be opened on AKEM Foundation website.
Further, AIG Sikiru Bankole (retd) and ACP Braide were decorated as Life Patron and Patron respectively while Dr. Ayo Ogunsan’s immediate younger brother, Mr. Abiodun Ogunsan was announced as the CEO of the organization for the next 2 years.
In his address at the occasion, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan noted ‘one leader (I call them one though two because God said two shall become one. The gift of this two people is what moulded me. It is what formed the inspiration for the kind of leadership I get from others.
The father of the day, AIG Mohammed Ari Ali said: ‘there are two people you cannot replace in your life – your father and mother. They are next only but to God alone. We should reflect on what they have been to us. It is their discipline that got us here.’
In his remarks, The MD/CEO of Lagos Bus Service Limited, Mr. Idowu Oguntona reiterated the importance of minimizing the disparity in the society noting that, ‘looking at this foundation, the Ogunsans wants to reach out to the indigent ones in the society who doesn’t have the opportunity to go through school.’
The Commissioner of Police in charge of Ports Authority, CP Ishola hinted: ‘A wise man uses people as his base of wealth. Dr. Ayo Ogunsan is an accomplished man. He is a man I relate with awesome respect. He is full of positive vibes and a positive influence on others by inspiring others to good works.
Pastor Bola Olayinka said: ‘It is a privilege to be a friend to Dr. Ayo Ogunsan who is also a board member of our NGO which is a benefiary of AKEM Foundation. We give glory to God for the likes of Dr. Ayo Ogunsan who has been helpful to us even before the creation of AKEM Foundation. An author said that there are 4 things to do in life – to live, to love, to learn, and to leave a legacy. All these 4 are found in AKEM Foundation.’
The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Nosa prayed ‘our prayer is that this foundation will continue to go from strength to strength. You will never know a better yesterday. You will always find help. Your children will always meet with help wherever they go.’
The event was melodiously interluded by the sweet, inspirational tunes of the Wonder Skills orchestra.
