Oma Life Rescue Foundation has called on government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners and well‑meaning Nigerians to see inclusive education and poverty reduction as a shared national duty.
The Foundation’s Founder, Dr. Omanibe Ameh-Sanusi, made the call at the official launch of the “A Million Dream” Educational Scholarship Project Foundation in Abuja.
Ameh-Sanusi urged the government, and stakeholders to partner with the foundation in nation building, improved education and poverty reduction.
“Touching human lives is a national and collective responsibility of a single organisation or sector alone.
According to her, “This initiative cannot and should not belong to the Oma Life Rescue Foundation alone.
“It is a national priority that belongs to every Nigerian who believes that no child’s dream should end because of poverty”.
She noted that the scholarship programme targets 100,000 beneficiaries annually for the next 10 years that cuts across all six geopolitical zones.
“With 30% allocated to basic education, 50% to secondary education, and 20% to tertiary institutions thus creating a continuous support pathway from early schooling through to university graduation.
She outlined that partners may contribute through scholarships, mentorship, learning resources, technical support, policy backing or funding.
The Foundation confirmed further engagements with relevant ministries and agencies to formalise partnerships and roll out the first phase of the scheme.
In a keynote address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro reframed the challenge as more than an education issue.
“This is not only an education problem; it is a poverty problem. A child does not fall out of school, a household falls, and the child falls with it,” he said.
The Minister explained that the initiative aligns with the One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction System (OHOPRS) established under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will help identify beneficiaries across all zones.
He noted that the initiative prioritises those hardest to reach, not easiest to find, and outlined clear roles: government provides policy, legitimacy, and coordination.
“Organisations like Oma Life Rescue Foundation bring proximity and trust adding that A Million Dream must mean one million changed lives not one million ceremonies,” he said.
He added that a million dreams must mean one million changed lives and not one million ceremonies.
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr. Adefolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, FCT Health and Environment Secretariat, said the initiative represents a critical shift from short‑term interventions to sustained nation‑building.
She commended Ameh-Sanusi for her compassion and commitment to human capital development, reaffirming the initiatives alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.
Addressing some students present directly, she said: “Some of you want to be doctors, some lawyers, some engineers and while adults will open doors, you must do your part to succeed.
“Let today show you that your dreams are not just possible, they are already being built.
“But you must do your part: no one can write your exams for you. We can open doors and stand with you but the work is yours to do.’’
Dr. Sanusi Jejeola, chairman/CEO of Jejeola properties Nigeria Ltd in his goodwill message said scholarship programme reflects deep compassion, clear vision, and a genuine commitment to transforming lives through education.
“Providing science students and all learners with access to quality education is more than support.
“It is giving hope, opening doors of opportunity, and empowering the next generation to become responsible leaders and agents of positive change.
“I firmly believe that sustainable development begins with investing in people,” he said.
NAN reports that guests were drawn from policy‑making circles, public agencies, civil society and different secondary schools across the FCT.
The launch event also featured a student debate on the theme “Education is the Most Powerful Tool for Nation Building”, underscoring the link between inclusive learning and national development.
