By Omowunmi Sanni

A non-governmental organisation, AKEM Foundation, has marked its fourth anniversary with a national discussion on parenting, discipline and values, alongside an empowerment programme that awarded more than N6 million in grants to five business start-ups.

The event, held in Lagos, brought together stakeholders from the security, academic, business, diplomatic, faith and civil society sectors to celebrate the foundation’s contributions to education, entrepreneurship and social development.

Founded by Dr Ayodele Ogunsan and his siblings, Abiodun, Aduke and Folorunsho Ogunsan, the foundation was established in honour of their late parents, Akinola Ogunsan and Madam Emiola Ogunsan, whose values of education, discipline, enterprise and compassion inspired the initiative.

From supporting four organisations in 2023, the foundation has expanded its interventions to include education, entrepreneurship and business empowerment by 2025.

The organisation said it has evolved into a structured humanitarian platform focused on education, social welfare, enterprise development, youth mentorship and community transformation.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the foundation, Dr Ogunsan, said the initiative was driven by the values and passions of their parents.

“One of my parents, my father, was passionate about education and the other, my mother, was passionate about entrepreneurship. So we started this journey by putting our resources together to help people who do not have opportunities to progress either academically or in sustaining their businesses,” he said.

Ogunsan explained that the grant process was conducted through an open competition.
According to him, the foundation received 71 applications, which were reduced to 46, then 21, before five finalists eventually emerged.

He disclosed that the first prize winner received N1.5 million, while the second, third, fourth and fifth prizes were N1.25 million, N1 million, N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr Abiodun Ogunsan, said the organisation remained committed to education, entrepreneurship and sustainable empowerment.

He noted that the foundation seeks to equip young people with the capacity to overcome challenges and contribute positively to their communities.

During the event, the five finalists presented their business ideas before a panel of judges and guests.

At the end of the competition, Adetolani Amokaye emerged the winner of the first prize, while Adeola Deborah Agboola came second. Nkechi Gift placed third, Ekom Gideon Fidelis came fourth, and Ajala Tiyinoluwa Busola finished fifth.

Patron of the foundation, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Lanre Bankole, commended the initiative, describing it as a meaningful way of preserving the memory of the founders’ parents while supporting vulnerable members of society.

He said the foundation had distinguished itself through its commitment to social impact and empowerment.