By Modupe Gbadeyanka
At least 30 girls will benefit from a 12-month mentoring programme at the Methodist Girls High School (MGHS), Yaba, Lagos, in 2023.
This is an initiative of family, friends and mentees of Mrs Ibukun Awosika, a renowned African entrepreneur, international leader, author, and businesswoman.
This programme was established to honour the former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and founder of the Chair Centre Group for her 60th birthday.
On Thursday, December 22, 2022, her associates unveiled the newly built Ibukun Awosika Sports Centre at MGHS, and she could not hide her joy for the honour bestowed on her.
“I am beyond enthralled that my friends, family and mentees who know how much my alma mater means to me went all out to give in my name; this is the ultimate honour. I also appreciate my sisters for always being there for me.
“All I ever wanted was to live a fulfilling life and make it easier for the next generation to walk through the path that I walked and do greater things than I have done. I am grateful for passing through this school which taught me many things, and for the relationships, I built here.
“I am in awe of this gift, and I am making a commitment to ensure that I make available whatever is required to keep this facility running for the future generation,” Mrs Awosika enthused.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of What’s On Media, Ms Chichi Nwoko, said, “It’s a privilege to be celebrating Mrs Awosika today.
“To honour her as she marks her 60th birthday, we – her family, friends and mentees decided to join resources as a group, and we have successfully used the resources to build a sports centre at the Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, in her name.
“Just like Mrs Awosika, who was also an athlete as a student at MGHS, we believe that this initiative will enable young girls to build confidence and the spirit of sportsmanship to lead the future generation.
“We are truly delighted to honour her life and her positive contributions to the communities around her through the gift of impact.”
On his part, the chief executive of GEMSTONE Group, Mr Fela Durotoye, said, “We are grateful for the depth of Mrs Awosika’s wisdom. I am delighted that we are flagging off the commissioning of this beautiful sports centre with a relay race, which symbolises how Mrs Awosika has prepared the next generation for a greater run. I am also proud of the women she has mentored.
Mrs Awosika has been fruitful and has empowered the next generation. We can’t but express our gratitude for the gift of Mrs Awosika to our generation.”
Adedapo Adesanya