Foundation Honours Chief Ojugbana at 85 with Education Support for 100 Vulnerable Children
By August Obi
Lagos — In a move that underscores the impact of purposeful philanthropy, the Les Ojugbana Foundation has announced the sponsorship of 100 underprivileged children for the General Certificate Examination (GCE), as part of activities marking the 85th birthday of Chief F. E. Ojugbana (Ogbuefi).
The initiative, in partnership with the Street-to-School Initiative, is designed to return out-of-school children to the classroom and equip them with the academic qualifications needed to rebuild their futures.
For many of the beneficiaries, whose lives have been defined by hardship and limited access to education, the programme offers a renewed opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue better prospects.
Chief Ojugbana, a noble son of the Asaba Kingdom and descendant of its revered founder, Nnebisi, is widely respected for his contributions to business, leadership, and community development. As Founder and Chairman of Madec Associates, he has worked extensively with both private sector organisations and government agencies, leading strategic consulting engagements that have strengthened institutions across Nigeria.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is also known for his longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes, a legacy that continues through the Les Ojugbana Foundation.
The foundation’s interventions span education, women’s empowerment, and housing support. Through its programmes, women receive seed funding and business support to help them achieve financial independence, while families of sponsored children benefit from improved living conditions through housing initiatives.
His family has also distinguished itself across various fields. Alongside his wife, Chief Mrs. E. B. Ojugbana, he has raised accomplished children, including Mandy Brown Ojugbana, a multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter and media personality, and Les Ojugbana, founder of the foundation. Les, a former high-ranking professional British and European mixed martial arts champion, has transitioned into business and social impact, and is also the founder of FarmAfrik.org, an agricultural enterprise based in Lagos.
Speaking on the collaboration, Founder of the Street-to-School Initiative, Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo, said the support would significantly expand access to education for children who have been excluded from the system.
She noted that the initiative has grown to impact over 6,000 children, providing free primary education as well as opportunities for beneficiaries to sit for external examinations such as WAEC and GCE.
According to her, the organisation operates in Lagos and Kwara States and continues to partner with organisations including the Les Ojugbana Foundation, Akande Alasaro Foundation, and BMA Foundation to sustain its programmes.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s belief that every child deserves access to education and the chance to succeed, noting that the latest intervention would restore hope to its beneficiaries.
For the 100 children selected, the sponsorship represents a turning point—an opportunity to rewrite their stories and build a more secure future.
As Chief Ojugbana marks his 85th birthday, the initiative reflects a legacy rooted not only in achievement, but in a deep and enduring commitment to uplifting others.