By Esther Egbe
In a bid to support the less privileged Nigerian students, Infinity Foundation, in partnership with Ecowas Youth Council Leadership ,has funded elementary and tertiary education of no fewer than 10 students.
Founder Stephen Akintayo said the objective is to assist orphans and vulnerable children as well as mentor young minds across Nigeria.
National Daily gathered during the presentation of an award to Akintayo as the distinguished West African Young Personality of the year.
Akintayo revealed that by the end of the year, the foundation will reach out to at least 150 students who cannot afford their tuition fees.
Akintayo explained that they want to do far more than 150 students but if that will happen, we will need to be visible and need other people to donate. This year’s goal is $15,000 from me and we are hoping to raise donation of another $15,000, making $30,000.
Founder of Infinity added that frequently as the need arises for students who cannot afford school fees, the foundation will raise funds for them annually at the Silver Bird Gallery where they will bring successful individuals who talk to orphans.
“In the last nine years, the foundation has helped orphanage homes raise money and donate materials to them. We have worked with over 25 orphanage homes in the last nine years and now we want to turn it into an institution, a formals structured programme and take it to the next level,” he said.
Speaking on the motivation behind the project, Akintayo said, “The bursary is towards education because growing up, my mum used to take us to neighbours to borrow money to send me to school because she could not afford the money to pay school fees for the five of us.
“I told myself that if God will bless me, I will also assist the poor go to school. The last generation of great leaders in Nigeria were sponsored through school, however, that generation failed in replicating what they received. We cannot continue that way. So, as we are giving people money, we also have to let them know that as they receive, they should think of how to give others who are in need.”
Omotoyosi Salihu, general manager, Stephen Akintayo Consulting said Akintayo believes in education because with education, minds are broadened. Salihu added that if the youths are educated, there will be a better Nigeria since one of the lapses Nigeria has is Leadership.
“The criteria we used in picking these students include academic prowess, students whose parents cannot afford their tuition fees and people who can follow instructions. The whole idea of this award is to groom future leaders. Students also sent in essay of not less than 200 words,” she disclosed.
The president of ECOWAS Youth Council, Seun Ologun -William said that they are pleased with ECOWAS Youth Council Leadership in partnership with Mr Stephen Akintayo presented over N350,000 bursary award to the indigent students to inspire and motivate them to confront the worst in themselves in order to discover and claim the best in themselves.
He added that against the backdrop of the formulation principles of ECOWAS Youth Council, the hope of 20 indigent students in need of financial succour for their educational pursuit as a result of the circumstances of economic injustice in the country was revived.
“This philanthropic gesture will help raise young champions to take up leadership roles and responsibilities and wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism.
“While we appreciate Mr. Stephen Akintayo for partnering with the leadership of EYC in our quest to make the world a better place for all and build hope and confidence for the upcoming generation.
“We beseech the beneficiaries of the bursary to utilise this ample opportunity judiciously.”