1984 AFCON silver medal winner and former Super Super star, Paul Lucky Okoku, has been honoured by Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association (SFCOBA) for his immense contribution to the body.
Nollywood veteran actor and St. Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association (SFCOBA), pryesident, Patrick Doyle, announced the Distinguished Conquerors’ (DC) Award to Paul Okoku at the 2024 fundraising event of the St. Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association.
The award was accompanied by the presentation of a commemorative plaque, highlighting Okoku’s remarkable contributions and achievements.
The event took place in Arlington, Virginia, United States of America, celebrating his enduring legacy and commitment to the institution, association and community.
Doyle flew in from Nigeria for the occasion which serves as a platform for the association members to raise funds for the support of Finbarr’s scholarships, buildings, renovations and other projects.
“The Conquerors. Distinguished Conqueror Award presented to Paul Lucky Okoku, in recognition of your benevolence and outstanding support for the development and transformation of Saint Fibarr’s College Akoka, Lagos and raising the profile and effectiveness of SFCOBA,” the award plaque reads.
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Okoku was also honored with a certificate of recognition in 2019, presented by Nathaniel Ogedegbe, the then President of the St. Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association North America (SFCOBA).
The recognition acknowledged Okoku as one of the founding members of SFCOBA North America, a testament to his role in fostering unity and development among alumni.
Today, SFCOBA North America continues to flourish, honoring the legacy of St. Finbarr’s College by fostering unity among its members and spearheading impactful initiatives to support the institution’s growth and development.
Okoku, a renowned ex-international footballer and founder of the Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation (GTCF), has been widely recognized for his exceptional humanitarian efforts.
The Rotary Club of Lagos Mainland also honoyred him with the distinguished Rotary Humanitarian Merit Service Award for his impactful contributions to society.
The old pupils association of St. Paul’s Nursery and Primary School in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, presented him with an award in recognition of his remarkable support for the school and its students.
The award ceremony took place during the donation of modern chairs and tables, generously provided by Okoku through his Greater Tomorrow Children’s Fund. Representatives of the association commended him for his unwavering dedication to improving the welfare and development of the school’s pupils.
The Mainland Local Government Educational Authority honoured Okoku with a merit “Shield” award for his significant efforts in transforming the lives of children within the Mainland Local Government area.
Presenting the awards during a lavish ceremony at the headquarters of the Local Government Education Authority in Yaba, the Executive-Secretary of the LGEA, Lawrence Adetona said the shield award, which is the highest recognition bestowed by the government on deserving and outstanding personalities, who have supported the drive to improve the lives of children in the society was given to the likes of Stephen Keshi, Paul Okoku and Godwin Odiye because of their support to pupils of St Paul’s Catholic School, Ebute Metta.
Recalling that the trio donated laptops and a generator set to their former Primary School, Adetona said this gesture has already boosted the quality of education at the school.
He added Okoku also sponsored the annual inter-house sports of the school and fed the children during Children’s Day and World Hunger Day celebration.
A 1984 Nations Cup silver medalist, Okoku’s tireless commitment to philanthropy and community service continues to inspire and uplift countless lives.
These accolades are just a few of the many honors bestowed upon Okoku, highlighting his enduring dedication to making a profound difference in the lives of others and creating a brighter future for generations to come.
Okoku epitomises goodwill, a rallying force for development and progress who places a premium on quality education. Earlier this year, the former midfielder mobilised his former national team colleagues to award a full scholarship to Abdul Rahman Jeje, son of late Ali Jeje, to whom he was vice captain in the national U-20 team over 40 years ago.
Before playing for the senior national team, Okoku was a the vice captain of Nigeria’s historic Under-21 team, which was the first time a national team represented the country in any FIFA organized World Cup tournament in football history of Nigeria. The U-21 team represented Africa at the FIFA World Cup championship in Mexico that year.
Okoku is an integral supporter of Nigerian football teams and has consistently canvassed opportunities for indigenous coaches.
He is alsk is a staunch advocate of welfare for children and the less privileged ones, which he has spearheaded through the Greater Tomorrow Children Foundation, which he founded and launched at a well attended ceremony in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
Being conferred with the Distinguished Conquerors Award (DC) by his alma mater St Finbarrs Old Boys Association is seen by fans and followers as a deserved reward for his efforts towards humanity and the game of soccer.