The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Pistis Foundation

  • Pistis Foundation awards scholarships to 214 students

    Pistis Foundation awards scholarships to 214 students

    The Pistis Foundation has once again reaffirmed its commitment to education and youth empowerment with the successful hosting of its annual Scholarship Award Ceremony, where 214 new scholars from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Abia, Delta, Rivers, and Enugu states were formally awarded academic scholarships that will support them until graduation from tertiary institutions.

    The ceremony opened with a Partners’ Fireside Chat, bringing together education experts and philanthropists to discuss the theme: “Optimising Last-Mile Education – Driving Impact through Philanthropy.”

    In his opening remarks, Mr. Leonard F. Thomas, Executive Director of Pistis Foundation, set the tone for the day.

    The panel featured inspiring voices, including Mr. Bimbo Ojenike, Co-founder and Lead of The Destiny Trust Foundation; Mrs. Bolanle Adewole, Executive Director of The Learning Place; and Mrs. Molade Adeniyi, CEO of Teach for Nigeria. The session, moderated by Mrs. Sowari Akosionu, explored how philanthropy can strengthen educational outcomes in underserved communities.

    The event also marked the official launch of the PF Scholars Mentorship Programme, now embedded within the Foundation’s education platform, Adopt-A-PF-Scholar (www.aaps.pistis foundation.org), designed to provide ongoing guidance and support for beneficiaries.

    Following the fireside chat, the Scholarship Award Ceremony commenced with strong attendance from the Foundation’s Board, management, partners, parents, scholars, and guests.

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    The 214 new scholars had distinguished themselves through a rigorous scholarship assessment process, joining returning beneficiaries to bring the total number of academic scholars for the 2025/2026 academic year to 347.

    The scholarships, valued at a discounted sum of about N137 million, represent a significant investment in Nigeria’s future leaders.

    The ceremony also featured the annual recognition of outstanding scholars from the 2024/2025 academic session.

    Awards were presented to the Best in English and Mathematics, as well as the Most Improved Scholars across primary and secondary categories.

    The highlight was the Scholar of the Year Award, which came with a cash prize of N100,000. Parents and students shared heartfelt testimonies, underscoring the transformative impact of the program on their lives.

    In his closing address, Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Founder and Board Chair of Pistis Foundation, urged scholars and their parents to remain committed to academic excellence, character development, and maximizing the opportunities provided by the Foundation.

  • Pistis Foundation, Asumah empower street kids through sports

    Pistis Foundation, Asumah empower street kids through sports

    The Pistis Foundation, in collaboration with the Asumah Brothers, has empowered 70 street children from economically challenged communities through sports and innovation projects.

    This initiative, which ran from June to September 2024, aimed to provide valuable skills and engagement through sports and technology training.

    Targeting children from the Kids-off-the-Street (KOTS) Shelter, Destiny Trust Home, and Jakande community, the project was designed to offer a productive and engaging holiday experience. It kicked off with an exciting football tournament on June 15 at the Pistis Conference Centre (PCC) football field, with 73 children and 55 adults in attendance at the opening ceremony. The event included a novelty match featuring 36 children, who were awarded medals for their participation.

    Over three months, 70 children participated in weekly football training sessions under the guidance of a dedicated volunteer coach and their hard work culminated in a championship match and awards ceremony on August 16. The Destiny Trust Foundation Boys Football Club (FC) and Girls FC secured the top positions, while Jakande Boys FC and KOTS Boys FC finished second and third, respectively.

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    In the girls’ category, KOTS Girls FC came in second, and Jakande Girls FC was third. Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were given to outstanding boys and girls, and the winning teams were rewarded for their performances.

    In addition, 23 children from the KOTS engaged in technology training; basic computing skills and proficiency in Microsoft programs. It was concluded with group projects.

    “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Sports and Innovation project,” said Leonard F. Thomas, Executive Director at Pistis Foundation. “Our collaboration with the Asumah Brothers has made a significant impact, empowering these children with both athletic and technological skills. We are committed to continuing this initiative and expanding its reach in the future.

  • Pistis Foundation, Asumah Brothers unite to empower street kids with sports

    Pistis Foundation, Asumah Brothers unite to empower street kids with sports

    Non-Governmental organizations Pistis Foundation in collaboration with The Asumah Brothers (TAB), has launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering street children through sports and innovation.

    This groundbreaking project, conducted as part of its Kids-Off-The-Streets (KOTS), is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

    In a statement signed by Mary Omange, Programs Manager, Partnerships Engagement, the initiative was inspired by the rising cases and negative effects of vulnerable children on the streets, and the desire of the Asumah Brothers to mitigate this, therefore, they have joined forces with the Pistis Foundation to stem the tide of street children, by creating a hybrid program that blends physical activity with technological education.

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    For five weeks, the initiative will provide comprehensive training in football, basic computing, digital literacy, and technology skills to children aged 8 to 16.

    The initiative will engage over 50 children from the streets, offering them a unique opportunity to learn and grow in a nurturing environment. Each week will feature a blend of physical training and technological workshops, with support from skilled coaches, volunteers, and mentors.

    Among the objectives of the exercise include mitigating the rising cases of street children through sporting activities as well as productively engaging the children by enhancing their physical health and fitness.

    “We believe in the potential of every child, including vulnerable children on the streets, and through this project, we aim to provide them with the tools and opportunities required to succeed. By combining sports with technology, we are not only reducing the rising cases of street children through sports and technology, but promoting a safer society, and paving the way for future innovators,” said Kehinde Asumah.