Press Releases

Fashola Charges Well To Do Nigerians To Imbibe The Grace To Give Generously
…As Chief Akanni Okoya donates vehicles, other items as part of 70th birthday

Jan 7, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Thursday urged well to do Nigerians to take a cue from foremost industrialist and Philanthropist, Chief Akanni Rasak Okoya (CON) by imbibing the grace to be able to give very generously as the businessman has always done.

According to Governor Fashola who spoke at the open grounds of the Lagos House, Ikeja while receiving several items including two brand new fully equipped Nissan Urvan Ambulance, 11 brand new incubators (English made) and 9 brand new 4X4 Ford Ranger Pick- Up vehicle fully equipped for Police use donated by Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya as part of his 70th birthday celebrations.

Other items donated by Chief Akanni Okoya include scholarship award to 40 students in selected institutions of higher learning in Lagos State, namely Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology and Lagos State Polytechnic with each student receiving N100, 000.00 annually, renovation and building of classrooms at Ikota Primary School in Eti-Osa Local Government Area as requested by the school and provisions to Orphanages, old People’s homes and handicap institutions within Lagos State to the tune of Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only (N4.5M) .

Governor Fashola said the gesture by Chief Okoya has once again reinforced his assertion that one can engage in public service without holding public office saying Chief Okoya has set an example as one who finds the grace to give so generously.

The Governor promised to ensure that the donated items are used to work on the most important areas of need of the people whom the donor is seeking to reach, promising that they will all get the message he intends to convey.

Said he: “This items will help us to continue in many ways to pursue what I refer to as our obligation to maintain social equilibrium to maintain a sound healthcare, education and empower the people to take them out of poverty”.

The Governor said there is a very strong but subtle lesson to be learnt about the strength of man’s communal life as typified by the high presence of family and friends at the event, adding that it is one which must be reinforced because it is stronger and far-reaching than the Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) which is being adopted from Europe and America.

While alluding to the fact that the story of Chief Akanni Okoya is that of rag to riches, the Governor said it conforms to his personal belief that success stories are often built on tribulations.

He added that it is the enduring spirit of man that overcomes tribulations and adversity thus making a success out of it and making such transformation worthy of celebration.

Governor Fashola said not only is Chief Akanni Okoya a very generous person, he is also a very law abiding citizen and one of the most tax compliant individual tax payers as evident by his winning many awards on tax compliant reward in Lagos State.

Speaking earlier while making the donations, Chief Okoya thanked Almighty Allah for making the day possible for him and his family. He also praised Allah for making his achievements in life possible.

He said it is in giving thanks to his Creator that he has donated the listed items to Lagos State Institutions.

The event was attended by many dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, members of the State Executive Council, State Commissioner of Police, Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, Chancellor of the Lagos State University, (LASU) Sir Molade Okoya Thomas, Chairman of Doyin Investment, Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman of the State Security Trust Fund, Chief Remi Makanjuola, wives, children and family members of the celebrant.