SGN Director-General, Dayo Awude Donates N1 Million to Upgrade OGSA Lawn Tennis Court
The Director General of the Sunshine Grassroots Network, Hon Dayo Awude has demonstrated his commitment to community development with a generous donation of N1 million towards the upgrading of the lawn tennis court at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure.
The gesture, according to the donor, who was a former Commissioner in Ondo State said the gesture is not merely an intervention for the school but a contribution to the social and sporting development of the entire Akure community.
Awude made the donation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during a visit to the premises of Oyemekun Grammar School, where he presented the sum to support the rehabilitation and enhancement of the institution’s lawn tennis facility. The project is expected to provide a better sporting environment for students while also serving as a recreational facility that can benefit members of the wider Akure community.
Receiving the donation, the Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akoni John Adeniyi Oluyide, expressed appreciation to Hon. Awude for identifying with the institution and contributing to the preservation of the legacy handed down by the forefathers. He described the gesture as a shining example of responsible citizenship and a demonstration of love for the community.
The Principal noted that the personality and rising profile of Hon. Dayo Awude have continued to attract attention across Akure and Ondo State, describing him as a true son of Akure whose contributions to society have continued to generate positive conversations. He stressed that the lawn tennis project would go beyond the school, as the upgraded facility could become a valuable sporting asset for the people of Akure.
Speaking on the motivation behind the donation, Awude explained that although he did not attend Oyemekun Grammar School, his intervention was driven by a deep sense of responsibility to his community. He described the initiative as social service, stressing that people should not wait until they have everything before giving back to society. According to him, every individual has something meaningful to contribute to the development of his or her community.
The former Commissioner recalled his contributions to education and youth development during his public service years, particularly his activities at Adekunle Ajasin University and his period as Chairman of the Scholarship Board. He noted that he had consistently encouraged his supporters and associates to remain committed to initiatives that improve the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing that leadership should be measured by the positive impact made on society.
Awude further encouraged successful individuals, community leaders and well-meaning citizens to embrace the culture of giving back to society in whatever capacity they can. Drawing inspiration from the teaching of Jesus Christ in the Bible concerning caring for the hungry, the thirsty and those in need, he said acts of kindness and service to humanity should be regarded as service to God Himself.
He also urged his supporters and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that promote education, sports and youth development. He emphasized that the development of Akure should not be left solely to government, saying individuals, organizations and community leaders all have important roles to play in building a stronger and more prosperous society.
The event ended with a vote of thanks and commendation from Mr. Taiwo Gold, who appreciated Hon. Dayo Awude for the remarkable gesture and for his numerous contributions to community development. He described the donation as a worthy investment in the future of young people and commended Awude for continuing to make meaningful contributions across Akure and beyond. The occasion therefore ended on a note of gratitude, with renewed optimism that the upgraded lawn tennis facility would become a lasting legacy of service to the people of Akure.
