Foundation boosts education with N204m grant, new student housing

In a landmark commitment to educational development and youth empowerment, the Late Matthew Omodayo Owotuga Foundation has marked its 17th remembrance anniversary with a transformative N204 million impact investment.

Also, the highlight of this year’s remembrance is the official handover of the Bodunwa Elizabeth Omodayo Owotuga Hall to the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Ondo State with a modern, fully equipped 30-room student hostel, to alleviate student housing challenges and provide a conducive living environment that fosters academic focus and safety.

The Matthew Omodayo Owotuga Foundation is a non-profit organisation which focuses on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, seeking to create sustainable pathways for the less privileged in society.

In line with the Late Apostle’s vision of self-reliance and empowerment, the Foundation significantly scaled its financial grant programs this year: Entrepreneurial Grants (N186.7million): A massive injection of capital provided to local business owners. These are non-repayable grants intended to scale small and medium enterprises, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs.
Educational Scholarships (N10.3million): Financial support awarded to high-performing yet indigent students to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder their pursuit of higher education.

The Foundation hosted a regional Football Competition, investing N7 million into the event. The tournament served as a platform for discovering local talent and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth.
The total disbursement of N204,000,000 reflects the Foundation’s commitment to “Humanity First”—a principle lived by the Late Most Supreme Apostle Matthew Omodayo Owotuga, said by the chairman of the foundation, Most Rev Ap. Nelson Ogede .

Seventeen years later, our father’s transition continues to be a catalyst for progress, “We don’t just remember him through ceremonies, but through the lives changed at OAUSTECH, the businesses revived by our grants, and the students who can now stay in the classroom,” said by Agnes Ehinmowo (Nee Owotuga) the daughter.

In 2019, Omodayo Owotuga Foundation donated an orphanage to Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta and a 300-seater Ultra modern lecture theatre to Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) Okitipupa, Ondo State in 2024.

Iheanyi Nwachukwu

Iheanyi Nwachukwu, is a creative content writer with almost two decades journalism experience writing on banking, finance, capital markets, and tax. The multiple awards winning journalist is Assistant Editor, BusinessDay. Iheanyi holds BSc Degree in Economics from Imo State University; Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management from University of Lagos. Iheanyi has attended several work-related trainings including (i) Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (Pan African University, Lagos); (ii) News Agency Journalism (Indian Institute of Mass Communication {IIMC}, New Delhi, India); and (iii) Capital Markets Development and Regulations (International Law Institute {ILI} of Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA). Other trainings Iheanyi attended include: Economic/Political Risk Analysis (By Thomson Reuters Foundation); International Financial Journalism (IFJ) (By PMA Media Training, UK); Effective Business Writing Skills (By Phillips Consulting); Reporting on Corporate Governance (By International Finance Corporation (IFC) & Thomson Reuters Foundation UK); etc. In addition, he has participated in high-level economy & markets events in Dubai, South Africa, Morocco, and other African countries like Zambia, Ghana and Gambia.