To honour individuals whose leadership, compassion and dedication to humanity have sparked a global ripple of impact, the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (HISD) has conferred its Honorary Doctorial and Ambassadorial awards on OVL Foundation board members.
The recognition ceremony which held in partnership with UNITA and the Federal Ministry of Education, took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event which came under the theme, ‘Celebrating excellence, humanity and global impact,’ the Registrar and CEO of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Prince Francis Origa said that the event has remained a platform for graduating their trained professional humanitarians as well as induction of their distinguished humanitarian fellows, who have advanced humanitarian development empowered communities, and championed excellence across diverse sectors.
While congratulating the awardees, Origa, who is a professor of humanitarianism as well as United Nations Scholar, said: “The recognition serves as a clarion call, to whom much is given, much is expected. This honour demands a renewed commitment to humanitarian service.”
Speaking also at the event, Co-founder and Chairman of the OVL Foundation, Victor Laniyan, described the event as a great one adding, “It is significant because for the first time we are having an event that involves all our advisory and trustees collectively under one roof. It reflects the act of service we have committed to for years.
Laniyan further said: “The honour deepens my sense of mission as well as amplifies my voice for the voiceless. It creates a greater responsibility for me to do even more.”
Similarly, Co-founder and CEO of OVL Foundation, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan emphasised the importance of the recognition for the entire OVL community, “Today, we are honoured to receive honorary doctoral and ambassadorial awards in recognition of the work done by the OVL Foundation over the past decade.”
Giving a brief a brief history of the foundation, she recalled it was founded in 2014 and officially registered in 2016 adding, “OVL Foundation has impacted over 5 million lives through education, empowerment, livelihood support, and humanitarian initiatives. The Foundation aims to double this impact within the next five years, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’’.
On the award, she said: “The reward for hard work is more work. This recognition means more responsibility, more impact, more ethical leadership, more social development.”
Highlighting some of the flagship achievements of the OVL Foundation, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyanal said they include; the Study Centre Initiative, now serving over 250 out-of-school children and replicated across multiple communities in the country.
Another project, she said is the Naija Youth Drive, training 6,000 youths in vocational, digital, and tech skills nationwide.
“There is the Farm-to-Community Initiative food support, organised in partnership with OVL Farms, as well as the continuous empowerment for widows and single mothers, alongside monthly Love Outreach events across the country.’’
Looking ahead, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan announced plans for the Foundation’s next five-year strategy, detailing how OVL intends to reach 5 million more beneficiaries by 2030.
On his part, newly inducted Humanitarian Ambassador, Victor Okhai, also expressed that the honour strengthens his resolve to speak for the marginalised,
“There are many who do not have a voice. This award gives me an even bigger platform to amplify their concerns for the betterment of society.”
Emphasising the vital roles NGOs like OVL Foundation play alongside government efforts, he said: “There are needs only organisations like OVL can meet, reaching the unreached, bringing community issues to the forefront, and driving sustainable change.
Speaking earlier, the keynote speaker Moses Abiola, described the ceremony as a celebration of Nigeria’s silent champions. Driving his points home, he said: “We are recognising individuals who selflessly empower humanity. These are people who inspire hope, providing education, opportunities, and support without expecting anything in return.”
He affirmed that the awards enhance the Foundation’s credibility and global standing, reinforcing the culture of volunteerism at its core.
