Tim Akano, the managing director of New Horizons Nigeria, has offered lifetime employment to a visually impaired corps member, Olayinka Akinbiyi as part of New Horizons’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards transforming Nigeria into a more inclusive society where physically challenged individuals are given equal opportunities.
Olayinka lost her sight completely at the age of two to measles and also lost her mother at birth. Despite these challenges, she remained determined and worked hard to complete her education, earning a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Benin in 2024.
She met with Mr Tim during his courtesy visit to the new NYSC state coordinator and was deeply moved by her resilience and as part of his commitment to empowering individuals through technology, he decided to support Olayinka by providing her with ICT skills.
New Horizons, an ICT institute awards over 20,000 ICT scholarships to students annually, some of which cover 100% of tuition and this initiative has been ongoing for the past 15 years.
The organisation is currently providing Olayinka with essential ICT skills, with plans to transfer her to a visually impaired school in Oshodi, to train the student with the skills she has learnt.
The company will not only provide the school with necessary resources but will also pay Olayinka’s salary for the rest of her life.
In the same vein, the Tim Akano Foundation recently launched by Mr Tim Akano has embarked on several projects.
One of the projects was the renovation of Baptist Day School, Oluponna, which was the primary school Mr Tim attended.
The foundation provided the school with a borehole; secured fence and writing materials and each of the 300 students also received a pair of uniforms.
Furthermore, the Tim Akano Foundation also established NYSC+ (PLUS), a scheme designed to mentor selected corps members from the time they arrive at the NYSC camp through their one-year mandatory service.
The program assists them in securing quality jobs or gaining university admission for further education after their service year.
In conclusion, Mr. Tim Akano in 2024 personally mentored 10 NYSC corps members, and all 10 have since been gainfully employed.
The scheme aims to groom the next generation of Nigerian leaders by equipping them with quality skills, the right vision, strong leadership traits, and a deep love for their country.
