Landmark Celebration At OVL Foundation As IHSD Confers Honorary Doctoral, Ambassadorial Awards On CEO, Board Members
OVL Foundation, an award-winning humanitarian organisation dedicated to advancing social development across Nigeria, recently celebrated a historic milestone recognising its humanitarian excellence following the conferment of Honorary Doctoral Degrees and Humanitarian Ambassadorial Awards on its CEO and other distinguished members of its Board and Advisory Council by the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD).
The conferment, organised exclusively for exceptional individuals whose works exemplify service, leadership, and transformational impact, was handled by the apex Humanitarian institute in Nigeria, IHSD, in partnership with UNITA and the Federal Ministry of Education.
This special honour reflects the Foundation’s commitment to excellence, compassion, and sustainable community empowerment.
Honorary Doctorate Awardees include: Dr. Victor Laniyan, Co-founder & Chairman, OVL Foundation; Dr. Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Co-founder & CEO, OVL Foundation; Olufemi Ayodele, Board Advisory Member, OVL Foundation and Jude Igundunase, Board Advisory Member.
While the Humanitarian Ambassadorial Awardees were Dr. Victor Okhai, Board Advisory Member; Oluwakayode Alakunle, Board Advisory Member and Oyinlola Babatunde, Board Member.
Speaking at the conferment ceremony, Victor Laniyan, Co-founder and Chairman of the OVL Foundation, described the event as profoundly meaningful. In his words, “It’s 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.”
He added that the honour deepens his sense of mission. Besides, “It amplifies my voice for the voiceless. It creates a greater responsibility for me to do even more.”
On her part, Dr Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Co-founder and CEO, 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.”
Founded in 2014 and officially registered in 2016, 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).
She noted, “The reward for hard work is more work. This recognition means more responsibility, more impact, more ethical leadership, more social development.”
She also highlighted flagship achievements of the OVL Foundation, including the Study Centre Initiative, now serving over 250 out-of-school children and replicated across multiple communities in the country.
Another project 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, Dr 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.
Dr. Victor Okhai, newly inducted Humanitarian Ambassador, 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.”
He emphasised the vital roles NGOs like OVL Foundation play alongside government efforts, “There are needs only organisations like OVL can meet, reaching the unreached, bringing community issues to the forefront, and driving sustainable change.”
The keynote speaker, Moses Abiola, described the ceremony as a celebration of Nigeria’s silent champions. His words, “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.
Speaking from the official perspective, Prince Francis Origa, PhD, United Nations Scholar and CEO of IHSD, revealed that the ceremony is more than an award, “ It is a recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity. These honourees were not scouted; their lives and work speak for themselves.”
He added that the recognition serves as a clarion call, “To whom much is given, much is expected. This honour demands a renewed commitment to humanitarian service.”
OVL Foundation is a Nigerian-based humanitarian organisation committed to transforming lives through education, empowerment, healthcare, and community development. Since its inception, the foundation has impacted millions across underserved communities, working through strategic partnerships with local and international groups.
