It was a day of dreams, deals, and deep emotions as the AKEM Foundation celebrated its 3rd Anniversary in grand style—splurging a whopping N5 million on five lucky entrepreneurs and launching them into a new league of business greatness!
Held in honour of the late Engr. Akinola and Madam Emiola Ogunsan—two lives that lit the way for many—the Foundation marked a bold pivot from education to entrepreneurship. The result? A pitch-fueled showdown that saw 48 applicants narrowed to five champions, who now hold the golden keys to scale and success.
Here’s the Big 5 who struck gold:
Aderibigbe Aderonke Marvellous, CEO of Matana Fashion World, emerged top with a jaw-dropping N1.5 million.
Oluwakemi Olaniyan, Founder of Nutraboom Nutrition, bagged N1.25 million.
Omotola Oreayo Olaifa, the visionary behind Anywash App, secured N1 million.
Mordi Comfort Olamide, CEO of The Flaming Lamp Media, shone bright with N750,000.
Joseph Akinwoleola, Director of The Inspired Elites Global Academy, wrapped up with N500,000.
And it didn’t stop there—each winner received an extra 10% bonus courtesy of the high-powered dignitaries who graced the event as prize presenters.
The star-studded guest list included:
AIG Adegoke Fayoade, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2
DIG Bode Adeleke (Retd), Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, and his wife, Mrs. Modupe Adeleke
AIG Lanre Bankole (Retd), Life Patron of AKEM Foundation
Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan
AIG Yetunde Longe (Retd), Former Force Secretary
CP Olorundare Jimoh Moshood, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command
DCP Akin Fakorede, Head, IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters
DCP Khan Salihu Usman, DC Administration, Lagos Command
ACP Mary Ayim, AC Administration, Lagos Command
ACP Abubakar Yakubu, Commander, MOPOL 63
ACP Yemisi Ojo, Area Commander, Area J
Hon. Babatunde Johnson, Executive Chairman, Orile Agege LCDA
Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Immediate Past Commissioner of Education, Lagos State
Mrs. Lai Koiki, Founder of Green Springs Schools
Hon. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel, Chairmanship Aspirant, Agege Local Government
CSP Shola Jejeloye, Commander, RRS Lagos
CSP Tunji Alapini, Commander, Special Protection Unit, Base 16 Ikeja
CSP Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, DPO, Festac Division
CSP Komolafe Solomon, DPO, Bode Thomas Division
CSP Ayo Elijah, DPO, Man Center Division
CSP Oke Akinwunmi, DPO, Ikeja Division
CSP Omotayo Adegbite, OC Anti-Crime, Zone 2
Mr. Eric and the Chinese Community
Prof. Albert Oikelume
Prof. Odidi
Mr. Theophilus Olaleye
Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Chairman of POCACOV, Lagos State
With tears, tributes, and tales of transformation, the Foundation’s CEO, Mr. Abiodun Ogunsan, declared: “We’re not just giving grants—we’re rewriting destinies. The seeds planted are growing into forests of hope.”
Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Chairman of the AKEM Foundation, echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the moral compass and values their parents left behind—not riches, but righteousness. “They gave us God, they gave us character—and now, we’re giving back to the world.”
The verdict? AKEM Foundation isn’t just a charity—it’s a beacon of hope, a movement of change, and a powerhouse of impact.
