The VOA Foundation Story
When I was young, I wanted to be a Philanthropist and the Health Minister of Nigeria. How could this be? I grew up in a multi family and common neighborhood. But as kids, we seemed happy and content for the most part. That was what we knew. At the age of 6, my mom started her restaurant business to fend for her 5 children as a single parent. During my secondary school days that began at 11 years old, we went to school by public transport and God help you if you get to school late! After school, our means of transportation was by feet as I and my friends walked back to our various homes rain or shine joyfully. We felt blessed to have had the opportunity to go to school.
For me as a kid, my education was very important to me and seemed like the only way I could have changed my story. So I faced my studies. As a child, I assured my mom not to worry that I would be educated ‘all the way’. I loved sciences and mathematics. As a kid, I would memorize words in the dictionary when I was bored.
I am thankful for the values instilled in me despite my humble beginnings, faith in God and the education received while growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. After my secondary school, I transitioned to the UK and continued my studies there without my parents. As a teenager, I had to take ‘adult’ decisions for myself. At such early age, I had to navigate a whole new world without parental guidance. It was quite traumatic and scary but I had to survive. This girl from a public school in Lagos went from A/Levels to a PhD degree academically. For me, I had to defy the odds especially as a girl child. With all these experiences in life, I realized how one could be part of the many problems life throws at you or become part of the solution. I chose the latter.
It’s time to give back to next generations and help other young people to dream and experience the unique doors that education can open.
With over 20 years of working with various Biotech and major Pharmaceutical companies globally, I am now in entering my zone of genius by creating this charity. It’s time to be more intentional and hope you will join us in your desire to be part of the solution by collaborating with and sponsoring another child’s education. Let’s give them the power to re-write their own stories too.
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Olabisi Adekoya
Our Vision
Empowering society via STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programs for students and graduates
Aims & Objectives
1. STEAM Projects for awareness and empower the community
2. Provide mentorship programs for students and graduates
3. Scholarship to higher education (based on merit)
Areas of Focus
Board of Directors
Advisers
Jessica Kofo Agboola-Yianoma
Dr. Eluem Blyden
Dr. Olubunmi Olorundami
Lt. Col. (ret) Eric Kofi Amissah