Who is AfoCelia?

Dapo’s academic journey stands as a profound example of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to honoring his family’s values. At only 15, during a critical time in his academic life as he prepared for his GCSEs, 

Dapo lost his mother to cancer. This devastating loss, coupled with the financial strain it imposed, forced Dapo and his three teenaged sisters into daily challenges far beyond the scope of a typical teenager’s life. Basic needs became uncertain, and Dapo often faced the question of where his next meal would come from. But even amid these hardships, he clung firmly to the values his parents had instilled in him, especially the importance of education as a pathway to stability and opportunity. Determined to fulfill his parents' vision for him, and having the support and encouragement of his elder sisters,  Dapo pushed forward, completing his GCSEs and setting his sights on higher education as both a personal mission and a way to honor both of his parents legacies.

Dapo’s journey through higher education was no easier. Balancing his undergraduate studies with part-time work, he showed remarkable grit, navigating each hurdle with an unbreakable focus on his goals. He went on to complete a bachelor’s degree, a significant milestone given the obstacles he had overcome. His journey didn’t stop there; driven by a commitment to self-improvement and a desire to make a difference, Dapo went on to achieve a master’s degree. This accomplishment marked a momentous achievement, transforming him from a young boy with uncertain prospects to an educated man equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resolve to give back to his community.

Ijeoma similarly faced her own challenges. While pursuing her university studies, she supported her mother who was courageously battling cancer. Balancing her academic responsibilities with the emotional weight of her mother’s illness, Ijeoma displayed extraordinary resilience. She was blessed with both of her parents' presence at her graduation, a deeply meaningful moment that became even more poignant as her mother was discharged from the hospital to attend. She unfortunately passed away a few months later. Being the eldest of five children, Ijeoma was entrusted to care for her youngest siblings aged only 10 and 12 when their mother died.  She found herself not only to be a sister to them, but also as a mother.  Fortunately, Ijeoma had secured employment shortly before her mother’s passing, allowing her to support her family financially and provide care for her younger siblings. Her staunched emphasis was on education and the importance for all of her siblings to complete their school education and to honour the values their mother and father had instilled in all of them.  Together, IJeoma and Dapo leaned on each other’s strengths—Dapo’s entrepreneurial spirit and Ijeoma’s steadfastness—and helped to stabilise their families through this challenging period.

In tribute to their mothers, Cecelia and Afo, Dapo and Ijeoma  founded the AfoCelia Foundation. Inspired by the values their mothers instilled in them, they sought to honor their memory by extending educational opportunities to underprivileged children in Nigeria. 

The AfoCelia Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to learning by providing scholarships, school supplies, and targeted programs to children in need. Their work focuses on addressing systemic issues of poverty and inequality, empowering young people with the tools they need to build brighter futures. By supporting educational access, the foundation not only changes individual lives but also nurtures the next generation of skilled and knowledgeable leaders for Nigeria.

Through the AfoCelia Foundation, Dapo and  IJeoma honor their mothers’ legacies, demonstrating that education can be a force for transformation and uplift entire communities. Their story is a powerful reminder that, despite adversity, dedication to education and a commitment to service can create lasting change.