Benjamin Omoike l Sunday, August 25, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – Over 300 first class graduates from various reputable Universities and Polytechnics across the world have, this year, benefitted from the Dr. D.K Olukoya Academic Award of Excellence.
On hand to present the awards to the beneficiaries on Sunday, during the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, with the theme: ‘Rearranged For Revival’, were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel and the Vice-Chancellor of the Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Ayolabi.
The event held at the MFM Prayer City, Kilometre 12, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way, Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu heaped praises on the graduates, describing them as an inspiration to other students and worthy ambassadors of the nation. He said, by their feat, they represented the hope of a brighter future for the Nigerian youth.
The General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles worldwide, Dr. Olukoya, who was visibly elated, said the awards represented his passion for youths and their success stories. He stated that rewarding graduates of tertiary institutions for their exemplary academic performance is part of his 70-point plan for youth development.
“As part of my passion for youths, I had a 70-point agenda to ensure their success in all their endeavours. The award is one, the MFM football team is another. To the glory of God, both are doing well now. This awards started in 2010, when we gave out 19 cars to first class graduates. By 2013, the number of first class graduates had risen to 77. We could no longer afford to give out cars, so we resorted to giving out cash awards.
“It had become so competitive that it was ’embarrassing’ in a particular University where they produced 10 graduates, among whom were eight MFM members. By 2015, the number had risen to 130. Of course the General Overseer couldn’t handle it alone any longer. So, naturally, I had to ask for assistance from other well meaning individuals to join me in keeping the dream alive.
“Now in 2019, we have over 300 deserving beneficiaries from various Universities and Institutions of higher learning across the world. From the U.K, to the U.S, across Europe, Nigeria and other parts of the African continent, we have students who have excelled in various fields of academic endeavour, to be honoured here today,” the G.O said.
Dr. Olukoya added that prior to this year, over 250 graduates had benefitted from the programme, and as such, there would be a compilation, a book showcasing these ‘generals’, called ‘University Generals’, to be launched soon.
“By the grace of God, we have been monitoring the activities of the previous graduates who had benefitted from these awards, as a follow up – and we’re happy to report that they’re doing well in their various fields – we have thus deemed it fit to publish a compilation, a book called ‘University Generals’, which will talk about these beneficiaries, their stories, all they went through to succeed and such matters. The book will be launched soon,” he concluded.
