Society Gists

Adedolapo Osuntuyi, Executive Director of the Dolly Children Foundation, earned the African Humanitarian Award in the “Education Champion” category on January 26, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

The award celebrates her unrelenting commitment to empowering poor children in Africa via education.

The African Humanitarian Awards, hosted on January 26, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, honor those who have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes across the continent.

The “Education Champion” category recognizes those who have exhibited a strong dedication to improving educational opportunities for underserved populations. Under Osuntuyi’s direction, the Dolly Children Foundation has improved the lives of nearly 23,000 children in 29 communities throughout four Nigerian states.

The foundation’s extensive projects include scholarship programs, free summer camps, and literacy clubs. It also acts as a venue for leaders and stakeholders to collaborate on new solutions to Africa’s educational inequities.

The foundation’s initiatives aim to close the educational gap by providing reading materials, enrolling out-of-school children, delivering supplemental tutoring, empowering instructors, and improving educational infrastructure.

Reflecting on the recognition, Osuntuyi stated, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind due to race, class, or ethnicity.

Education is the bedrock of development, and we will continue to create equal opportunities for all underserved African children.” Osuntuyi’s passion for child empowerment stems from personal experiences within her family, motivating her to address and bridge existing educational inequalities.

Her academic background includes a degree in Botany from Lagos State University and a Master’s in Child Health & Social Care from the University of Central Lancashire, UK.

She is also a fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education and community development.

The African Humanitarian Awards aim to inspire a culture of philanthropy and service, recognizing individuals who empower communities and drive positive change across the continent. Osuntuyi’s recognition as an “Education Champion” underscores her significant impact on child education in Africa.