The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has celebrated and honoured Engr. David Olusegun Okanlawon, the founder of the Olusegun Okanlawon Foundation with a national outstanding leadership award in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The event which held on Tuesday, 20th April, 2021, the student organization recognized the philanthropist as “an icon of humanity and societal development”, citing his immense contribution in the field of philanthropism.
Engr Okanlawon who hails from Ibarapa is known for his philanthropy gesture within and outside Oyo State through his foundation OOF.
While talking about the criteria for his nomination for the award, the National Deputy senate President of the Association, Comrade Ibrahim Adams Isah mentioned that seventy- eight (78) out of 108 one hundred eight and Students Union President of various institutions voted for Engineer Okanlawon.
“The National body of NAPS did not share the ideology of selling awards to politicians. This belittle our students bodies and we are also aware of it, so we have come to stay to change the narrative. In all sense of objectivity, over 100 president voted and 78 voted that the OOF founder should be awarded.
“His Charismatic leadership acumen, fervent and continuous productive contributions towards youth empowerment and support projects and well above all support for the less privileged in our society, all aimed at nation building” are the qualities that stood him out for the award” he said.
Engr Olusegun Okanlawon in his speech thanked the student body for giving a close eye on the activities of his foundation. He eiterated that education is key to solving half of the problems in the country and that is why it has been top of his plan to always support educational projects amongst other activities he foundation engages.
“I never thought that some people somewhere are looking at what we have been doing, which is the genesis of today’s recognition. I want to assure you that this is a motivation for us to continue from where we are.
“More so, I will continue to say that I am not a fan of award, so I appreciate you for being sincere especially in the presence of the media to courageously mentioned that the award is not bought.”
The NAPS representatives who highlighted both ongoing and forthcoming activities of the association got the blessings of Engr. Okanlawon as he promised a full time scholarship for an indigent student. He also promised to support their “feed a soul” programme and their forthcoming security summit.
Present at the event are the National Deputy Senate President, Comrade Ibrahim Adams Isah, Director of Travels and Exchange, Comrade Muritala Mohammed, and Director of Gender Lady Comrade Mercy Benson.
