Kunle Adelabu
-As first two beneficiaries announced
The Smart Oluwole Apejoye Foundation, established in honour of the late public analyst and philanthropist, has been unveiled.
The Foundation will focus on supporting the less privileged’s education and wellbeing, and also partake in nation building through social commentary and active political engagements.
The daughter of late Apejoye who died last year, disclosed this, while unveiling the foundation with a memorial lecture at the Bobby’s Bar and Hotel, Ebute – Iga, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
The first two beneficiaries of the Foundation’s educational programme, were announced at the unveiling event.
She said that the foundation aims at carrying out activities in continuation of his father’s work and legacy.
The daughter of the deceased, Olamide Apejoye, unveiling the foundation, said: “The Foundation will primarily offer support to less privileged students to further their education, through yearly endowment funds; offer support to vulnerable individuals through grants and gifts; and contribute to nation building social commentary and active political involvement. All this she said, are a continuation of her father’s work and legacy during his lifetime”.
The wife of the deceased, Idowu Oluwole-Apejoye, talked more about the foundation’s mission and went ahead to reveal the first set of beneficiaries; which included 2 students from Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere, Lagos.
Otunba Femi Davies, a media expert who delivered the keynote address on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Barr. Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, extolled Smart Oluwole Apejoye and touched on his political ideologies which are always at loggerheads on.
Public Affairs analyst, Barrister Jide Ologun, spoke on the theme, ‘Today’s Youth and Challenges of Good Governance’. He went ahead to charge the students in attendance on taking leadership positions early in life.
He also tasked those in attendance on being active citizens in nation building, as the deceased was in his lifetime.
Pastor Mrs. Olanike Rotimi-Andu , the second speaker, spoke on ‘Education as a tool of molding a better Society’. She drew on her experience as a lecturer at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUTECH) and admonished the younger attendees on the importance of education and how anyone can be anything they want through education.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, sent a powerful delegation with his staff of office to grace the occasion. The delegation included Chief Solomon Ayanilowo, the Oluwo of Igbogbo Kingdom; Chief Moshood Adeniyi, the Baale of Oreyo and Mr. Kehinde Adekoya, Secretary to the Oba of Igbogbo.
Life And Times Of Late Smart Oluwole Apejoye
Mr Smart Oluwole Apejoye was born in June 1964, to the family of Christopher Ewenla Apejoye of Akotogbo town in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, and Mrs Ajoke Aauli Ogunyemi of Iberoko town, Badagry, Lagos State.
He was born into a loving Christian family and was the eldest child in the family of six children.
Educational Background
Smart attended Christ the King Primary School, Orodu Ajegunle, for his First School Leaving Certificate before proceeding to Progress College, Agege, Lagos. He had his tertiary education in College of Information Technology (CITA), Akure, where he studied Computer Science. He then pursued an Advanced Diploma, Commercial & Industrial Law at the University of Lagos. He went further to do a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. He coupled his higher education in many short courses virtually and physically in his chosen profession of Banking, Immigration Consultancy and Public Speaking.
Work Experience
Late Smart Apejoye started his work career with the Nigerian Breweries Plc, immediately after his school certificate. He also worked with West African Food Supply Company, the Presidency Technical Committee on Privatisation (TCPC) now the Bureau of Public Enterprises and United Bank for Africa (UBA).
After leaving the public work environment, he embraced consultancy in several fields such as Partner, Dudu Consulting Nigeria Ltd.
He also worked with the team that privatized the Sheraton Hotels and Abuja International Hotel.
He was CEO, Rebut Consulting Nigeria Limited which deals in consultancy services on immigration, travel and tours.
Apejoye carried out consultancy services on education for the University of Lagos Staff School, Akoka, and NEPA Staff School, Egbin, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
He was the Managing Director, Rebut Nigeria Limited.
Smart Oluwole Apejoye was also the Managing Director, Rebut Farms Nigeria Limited, where he passionately carried out his farming business.
Social And Communal Life
As a Christian, late Smart Apejoye believed in God and was committed to the services of God in his own little way.
As a member of the community where he lived, his impact and personal contributions to the community were felt.
He belonged to the following clubs and associations :
-New Dawn Support Group
-Love and Peace Club (Patron)
-Civil Service Club, Ikorodu.
He was a member of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA).
A well – regarded public Speaker, political analyst and commentator, his thoughts and convictions pertained to progressive development of his environment.
He was married to Mrs, Idowu Oluwole Apejoye and the relationship is blessed with children.
Smart was a friend, father, adviser and counselor to many and would be remembered for his good deeds.
