As part of his commitment towards building human capacity through educational empowerment, Dr Oludare Akande has commenced a multimillion naira scholarship/bursary scheme for indigent students from Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.
The scheme, Dare Akande Human Empowerment and Leadership Projects (DA-HELP) commenced with the presentation of cash gifts to 35 indigent students in Iseyin on Saturday evening.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Akande is the Chairman, Bellagio Technologies, LLC Chicago, US, Bellagio Consulting Nigeria Limited and Chairman, Monte Carlo Tax and Financial Services LLC, Florida US.
NAN reports that the first batch of the scheme has beneficiaries drawn across Nigeria higher schools of learning, who had a CGPA of 3.5 and above in their respective course of study.
Akande, who was represented by Mr Christopher Ayantoye, urged beneficiaries to be more focused in their pursuit of academic and moral excellence, saying it was the only way for them to excel in life.
He pledged not to relent in continuation of rendering assistance to the youths, saying it has been a part of him from time immemorial.
Akande restated his commitment to the success of other programs in the educational objective of DA-HELP which included extramural classes for SS 2 and 3 students in the area.
He listed other programmes as train- the -trainers workshops to enhance students performance in WAEC/NECO and JAMB as well as counseling/guidance talk-shop for school certificate holders.
Akande also expressed commitment to the realization of American Polytechnic of Nigeria(APN) located in Wasinmi area of Oyo State.
He added that students would on completion of the institution also benefit from Student Work Program (SWP) in lieu of tuition payment at APN.
Akande pledged that the second phase of the award would soon be held to reach hundreds of indigent students from Oke-Ogun whose academic performance is far above average in various higher institutions.
He thanked Gov. Seyi Makinde for his continued support and for evolving fresh initiatives towards educational development in the state.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to NAN, expressed appreciation for the gesture which they described as first in the history of the zone.
They said it was the first time an individual who was not in any elective position would consider giving out cash gift of that magnitude to support them.
They prayed that God continue to bless Akande, promising to be his pillar of support at every point in time.
NAN also reports that Akande, the President, Tower Bridge Real Estate & Development LLC, Chief Executive Officer, DAS Media Nigeria Ltd is the founder of the proposed American Polytechnic of Nigeria(APN) Wasimi in Oyo State.
