By Femi Atolagbe
Former Ondo State Commissioner, Hon. Dayo Awude, has donated N1 million towards the rehabilitation and upgrading of the lawn tennis court at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure.
Awude made the donation during a visit to the school, saying the gesture was intended not only to support the institution but also to contribute to the sporting and social development of the wider Akure community.
The upgraded facility is expected to provide students with an improved environment for sporting activities while also serving as a recreational asset for members of the community.
Receiving the donation, the Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akoni John Adeniyi Oluyide, expressed appreciation to Awude, for identifying with the institution and contributing to the preservation of its legacy.
Oluyide described the donation as an example of responsible citizenship and a demonstration of commitment to community development.
He said Awude’s growing profile and contributions to society had continued to attract attention across Akure and Ondo State, describing him as a “true son of Akure”.
The principal added that the tennis project would have benefits beyond the school, as the upgraded court could become a valuable sporting facility for residents of Akure.
Explaining the motivation for the donation, Awude said his decision was driven by a sense of responsibility to his community, despite not being an alumnus of the school.
He described the intervention as social service and urged individuals not to wait until they had everything before contributing to the development of their communities.
Awude, who recalled his previous contributions to education and youth development during his years in public service, particularly at Adekunle Ajasin University and as Chairman of the Scholarship Board, said leadership should ultimately be measured by its positive impact on society.
He encouraged successful individuals, community leaders and other well-meaning citizens to embrace the culture of giving back, regardless of the scale of their resources.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ on caring for the hungry, thirsty and needy, Awude said acts of kindness and service to humanity should be seen as service to God.
He also called on his supporters and other stakeholders to support initiatives that promote education, sports and youth development.
According to him, the responsibility for developing Akure should not rest solely with government, as individuals, organisations and community leaders also have important roles to play in building a stronger society.
The event ended with a vote of thanks from Mr Taiwo Gold, who commended Awude for what he described as a remarkable gesture and his contributions to community development.
Gold described the donation as a worthwhile investment in the future of young people and expressed optimism that the upgraded lawn tennis facility would become a lasting legacy of service to the people of Akure.