AKEM Foundation Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with N5 Million Business Grants to 5 Emerging Entrepreneurs

AKEM Foundation Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with N5 Million Business Grants to 5 Emerging Entrepreneurs

By Oki Samson

The AKEM Foundation marked its 3rd anniversary with a renewed focus on entrepreneurship empowerment, awarding a total of N5 million in business grants to five outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The event, held in Lagos, spotlighted the Foundation’s evolving mission to empower individuals through business and education, in memory of late Engr. Akinola and Madam Emiola Ogunsan.

Established by Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Mr. Abiodun Ogunsan, Mrs. Aduke Aina (née Ogunsan), and Mr. Folorunsho Ogunsan, the Foundation has focused on educational support in its first two years but is now expanding into entrepreneurship. According to the CEO, Mr. Abiodun Ogunsan, this shift underscores their commitment to becoming “Architects of Hope and Catalysts of Transformation.”

Winners of the AKEM Business Support Funding 3.0

Out of 48 applicants, five finalists emerged after a rigorous selection and business pitch competition:

• Star Prize (N1.5 million): Aderibigbe Aderonke Marvellous, CEO of Matana Fashion World

• 2nd Place (N1.25 million): Oluwakemi Olaniyan, Founder of Nutraboom Nutrition

• 3rd Place (N1 million): Omotola Oreayo Olaifa, Founder of Anywash App

• 4th Place (N750,000): Mordi Comfort Olamide, Founder of The Flaming Lamp Media

• 5th Place (N500,000): Joseph Akinwoleola, Director of The Inspired Elites Global Academy

Each winner also received a surprise 10% bonus on their prize, generously presented by dignitaries including AIG Adegoke Fayoade (Zone 2), DIG Bode Adeleke (rtd), AIG Lanre Bankole (rtd), Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan, and CP Olorundare Jimoh Moshood, among others.

Celebrating Impact and Legacy

Reflecting on the Foundation’s journey, Mr. Abiodun Ogunsan highlighted the tangible impacts made through education and now entrepreneurship. "The seeds you sowed through the AKEM Foundation have grown into a forest of change,” he noted. “It’s not just about the numbers, but the lives we’ve touched.”

Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, appreciated the presence of top dignitaries from security, education, business, and political sectors. He emphasized the moral values and integrity instilled by their late parents as the true legacy that birthed AKEM Foundation.

“Our parents didn’t leave behind much wealth, but they gave us a strong moral compass. That’s the foundation on which this organization stands today,” Dr. Ogunsan shared.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The anniversary event drew an array of notable guests, including DIG Bode Adeleke (rtd), AIG Adegoke Fayoade, AIG Yetunde Longe (rtd), CP Olorundare Jimoh Moshood, CSP Shola Jejeloye, CSP Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, Hon. Babatunde Johnson, Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel, Prof. Albert Oikelume, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, and Mrs. Lai Koiki, among many others.

As the Foundation looks ahead, the leadership reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift communities, transform lives, and honour the legacy of service and values passed down by their parents.