Toyosi Akure, Nigerian-born United States based philanthropist, needs little introduction among the people of Yagba in Kogi State, his place of birth.
Through his pet project, Toyosi Akure-BAO Foundation, the young lad who rose from a humble background has touched many lives since his shift of base from motherland Nigeria to the United States of America. In less than a decade, he has shown an uncommon disposition to the amelioration of the suffering masses he left back home. From donation of cash and food items to widows; school uniforms to school pupils to payment of school leaving certificate examination fees and scholarships, water infrastructure, among others, his impact on humanity in his local Yagba West Council, has earned him commendations from al quarters.
Recently, the foundation rehabilitated boreholes in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Council headquarters and donated a power generator machine to boost water borehole in Igbaruku-Okeri. He also made cash donation to Ejiba community to enhance security within the locality and Yagba West at large. Igbaruku-Okeri and Ejiba communities are located in the Area Council. Specifically, the visit by the representatives of the Foundation to Ejiba was sequel a recent attack by criminals during which some members of the community were abducted.
On behalf of the Foundation, Chief Akure Bao, who stood in for his son, Toyosi, presented the undisclosed amount of cash donation to the Elejiba of Ejiba, Oba Stephen Olajide Arosanyin. Chief Akure Bao commiserated with the Ejiba traditional council over the attack on the community by people of defiant characters under the guise of unknown gunmen. He further urged the community to be self-vigilant while calling on the local government council and state government to come to the aid of the people of Ejiba community, stressing the importance of Ejiba community to agricultural and food production in Kogi State.
Oba Arosanyin expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the thoughtful contribution, acknowledging the importance of community support in overcoming challenges.
“We appreciate the Toyosi Akure Foundation for their thoughtful contribution to our community in this trying time. This donation demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to supporting the community’s well-being and safety. The funds will contribute to strengthening security measures, ensuring a more secure environment for residents. This act of kindness serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to follow in the footsteps of the Toyosi Akure Foundation”.
Exactly a year ago, the Foundation paid Common Entrance and Basic Six Evaluation Examinations Registration Fees for all the indigents primary six pupils writing the examinations in the local government.
During the flag off of the payment and inauguration of the implementation committee, Akure noted that he was inspired by the saying that “education is the best legacy that can be given to a child”. He assured that the Foundation would make it a duty to support parents and pupils in the public primary school education sector on yearly basis.
Less than three months after, in August 2023, the Foundation followed up with the joint Summer Class and Scholarship Awards.
Aside from the scholarships, a total of 6000 books, school bags, mathematical sets and other writing materials were distributed to participants. In addition, he paid school fees for two categories of students, JSS One and SSS Three.
Explaining the rationale behind the gesture, Mr Akure said the summer classes initiative was designed to keep the kids busy, away from career threatening exuberances that are common amongst students during the holidays.
“Our foundation has done this to engage the students positively and prepare them academically for their new classes thereby enhancing their performance towards academic excellence in Kogi State. We have equally taken up the responsibility of distribution of writing materials to participants and scholarships to the best performing students in each category of JSS One and SSS One. To God be the glory. The promise has been fulfilled”, he added.
Meanwhile, the rising profile of Toyosi Akure is the reason mouths have started wagging as to what exactly does he want. Political Office? From wider views and opinions sampled amongst some critical stakeholders in the political configuration of Yagba, the answers to the question are rooted in other questions, as follows: What does qualification for political representation entail?
A school of opinion holds it that some of the qualities that make a good elected leader include identifying such a candidate as one not after self enrichment and does not have the tendency to abuse power. On the other hand, is he guided by the understanding of Nigeria constitution and basic tenets of democracy?
Does he have a good moral compass and is he a good listener?
Another school of thought posited that a dependable representative is one who appreciates the importance of collaboration with the stakeholders and other elected officials to take actions that only protect the interests, prosperity, and well-being of all constituents.
Yet another places premium on the need to elect only leaders who are competent and have the ability to lead and make good decisions based on their antecedents.
Speaking with journalists through phone conversation, Mr Akure reiterated his imbued belief in service to humanity and giving back to the people of his place of birth, from his hard-earned resources and the opportunity provided him by Almighty God. He however refused to be dragged into the politics of 2027 in Nigeria. He also dissociated his philantropies from politics. He said while he’s contented with concentrating on his thriving businesses in America, his focus is on the development of Yagbaland and the wellbeing of his people back home. He however did not rule out the possibility to serve the people in whatever capacity and whenever called upon to do so.
“Gratitude for the big difference made by small acts of kindness. Our foundation may be small, but the impact it has is immeasurable. Thank you to everyone who has supported our cause and helped us create positive change in our community.
The key factors I wish to be highlighted about me include my philanthropic efforts through the Toyosi Akure-BAO Foundation, such as providing support for education, water infrastructure, security, and community well-being in Yagba. Additionally, I wish this will address the speculation about my potential interest in political office, emphasizing my focus on serving my community and developing Yagbaland through my philanthropic work rather than engaging in politics at the moment”, he said
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