memorial skills acquisition grant
The Doyin Ogunbiyi Memorial Skills Acquisition Grant (DOMSAG) was established in loving memory of Deaconess Doyin Ogunbiyi, JP, (1954-2024), a woman whose life exemplified service, empowerment, and commitment to community development. This grant carries forward her legacy by supporting Nigerians who aspire to acquire practical or digital skills that can transform their lives, enable them to earn a sustainable living, achieve financial independence, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.The grant recognizes that many Nigerians possess tremendous potential but lack the financial resources to access quality skills training or the tools necessary to turn their abilities into viable livelihoods. By addressing this gap, which was a mission Deaconess Doyin Ogunbiyi lived for, this initiative carries on her legacy by creating pathways for people to become self-reliant, economically empowered, and positioned to uplift others in their communities.The Doyin Ogunbiyi Memorial Skills Acquisition Grant is managed and administered by the Doyin Ogunbiyi Family Trust, and Reachout Integrated Africa.
Contact us
We welcome your questions, inquiries, and expressions of interest in the Doyin Ogunbiyi Memorial Skills Acquisition Grant.For Partnership and Support
If you are interested in supporting this initiative through donations, mentorship, or partnership opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Your contribution can help us expand our reach and transform more lives. We look forward to working together to honour Deaconess Doyin Ogunbiyi's legacy through empowerment.For General Inquiries
Whether you have questions about eligibility, application requirements, selection criteria, or the grant timeline, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing clear information and support to all who reach out. We typically respond to all inquiries within 48 hours. If you don't hear from us within this timeframe, please feel free to follow up.
☎: +234 (906) 387-0621
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MRS. DOYINSOLA OGUNBIYI (NEE ADESINA)
March 25, 1954 – November 11, 2024Early Life and Education
Deaconess Doyinsola Ogunbiyi, JP, was born Adedoyinsola Annunciata Adesina on March 25, 1954, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, into a family deeply rooted in education and service. She was the 5th child of seven and the 3rd daughter of Chief Samuel Adeboye Adesina and Mrs. Georgietta Abeke Adesina, both seasoned educationists who instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, learning, and leadership from an early age.She pursued her early education at St. Peter Clavers School, Itesi, Abeokuta, before proceeding to St. Louis Girls' Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan, where she earned her West African School Certificate in 1972. She furthered her studies at Baptist High School, Iwo, obtaining a Higher School Certificate in 1973.Her passion for communication and media led her to earn a Professional Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication at Fleet Street, London in 1980, and afterwards, a Certificate in Production Techniques from TV College, Jos. She later obtained a Master's Degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1993, solidifying her expertise in public relations and corporate communication.Trailblazing Career and Achievements
Deaconess Doyinsola Ogunbiyi was a trailblazer in the fields of communication, public relations, and image management. Her career began in 1974 as a Production Assistant at WNTV/WNBS Ibadan - the first television station in Africa. She later gained international experience as an Editorial Assistant at BBC Publishing and News of the World Newspaper in London.Upon returning to Nigeria, she joined the programmes department at NTA Abeokuta in 1981 as the Head of the Presentation Unit, overseeing media productions and broadcast management. During her time at NTA, she was a newscaster and on-air presenter, producing and presenting programmes like Kiddies Forum and Achievers, among others.She later transitioned into public relations and corporate administration, serving as the Assistant Controller of Public Relations and later the Public Relations Manager at the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC).Government Service
Her expertise in media and governance earned her several key appointments in the Ogun State Government, where she served as a State Commissioner in three ministries:- Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports & Culture (1996-1997)
- Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Development (1997-1998)
- Commissioner for Works & Housing (1998-1999)She was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ogun State Television (OGTV) and later served as the Managing Director of the Gateway Tourism Development Commission (GTDC). She was also a Board Member of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).Entrepreneurship and Consultancy
As an entrepreneur and consultant, she founded Cedar Communications, a public relations and media consultancy firm, and was the Chief Executive of Doyin Adesina Enterprises. She also founded Reach-Out Integrated (ROI), a social welfare and community development organization with footprints in 43 African countries.Pioneering Roles and Firsts
Deaconess Doyinsola Ogunbiyi broke numerous barriers and achieved several historic "firsts" in her career:- First Woman Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
- First Female Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Ogun State
- First Woman to represent Ogun State in the National Council of NIPR
- First Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State
- First Woman to serve as Commissioner for Works and Housing in Ogun State
- First Woman to chair the Board of Directors of Ogun State Television (OGTV)
- First Chairman of the Ogun State Board of Technical and Vocational Education
- First Woman Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) party in Ogun StateHer leadership and professional influence were widely recognized in Nigeria, and she paved the way for women in public administration, media, and corporate governance.Professional Memberships and Thought Leadership
Deaconess Ogunbiyi was a Fellow of multiple prestigious institutions, including:- Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR)
- Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (FNITAD)
- Nigerian Institute of Chartered Administrators (FNICAdmin)
- Nigerian Institute of Entrepreneurs (FIOE)She was also a member of:- Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM)
- Nigerian Union of Journalists (MNUJ)Public Speaking and Presentations
She was a sought-after public speaker, delivering presentations on media, leadership, women empowerment, and economic development, with notable talks including:- The Total Woman in a Depressed Economy (Federal Ministries & Parastatals)
- Network and Relationship Building (Women Leadership Conference)
- Commercialization of NIPOST - Its Pains and Gains (World Post Day)
- Woman Arise (1st African Women Summit, Abuja)She also pioneered the broadcast of Christian Literature on Radio (OGBC), which she read and recorded herself.Awards and Recognition
Deaconess Ogunbiyi's impact in media, public relations, governance, and social development earned her numerous awards, including:- Ogun State VIP Sport Personality Award
- PSR Woman of Merit Gold Award
- The Amazon Distinguished Woman of Excellence Award
- Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Most Outstanding PR Professional of the Year Award
- Ogun State Government Meritorious Service Award for her role as Commissioner for Works and Housing
- Distinguished Personality Award by Bowen University Ogun Students Association
- Selfless Service Award (Jamido Motherless Babies Home - Lifetime Matron)
- Award of Excellence (NAOSS of FUNAAB)
- Distinguished Person Merit Award (NAOSS of Babcock University)
- Service Award (JCI MAPOLY Chapter as Matron)
- Award of Excellence (Rotary Club of Lagos Central)
- Special Recognition Award (OGTV)
- Award of Excellence (Kampala/Adire Manufacturers Association)Community Service and Volunteer Work
She was deeply committed to social welfare, youth development, and women's empowerment. She initiated and participated in several community programs, including:- Founder of Neighborhood Christian Youth Club (NCYC)
- Visioneer of Show of Talents by the Disabled
- Convener of The Voice of Ogun Women
- Advisory roles for various organizations supporting women and childrenShe was a mentor and adviser to many professional and student organizations, including:- Public Relations Students Association (PURSA), Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
- National Joint Association of Disabled Persons (JONAPWD), Ogun State Chapter
- Sapphire Set of Babcock University, Ilishan-RemoPersonal Life and Legacy
Beyond her professional and public life, Mrs. Doyin Ogunbiyi was a woman of deep faith, serving as a Deaconess in The Church and remaining a devoted member of The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) until her passing. She was widely respected for her compassion, humility, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.She was an avid reader, writer, traveler, cook, and music lover. She was known to be an icon of culture and fashion, always adorned in her signature Kampala/Adire and traditional necklace. She had a real and fearless character and drove with deep passion whatever she set her heart and mind to. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, balancing her professional success with a strong commitment to family and community.Survived By:
Children:
- Oluwatosin
- Oluwatobiloba
- Boluwatife
- OlaoluwaGrandchildren:
- Daniel
- Emmanuel
- Oluwafiorehan
- Dara
- DoriIn Memoriam
Deaconess Doyin Ogunbiyi, JP, was a remarkable woman of excellence, a pioneer in public relations, a champion for women and youth empowerment, and a visionary leader in governance and media. Her life was marked by groundbreaking achievements, unwavering dedication to service, and a deep passion for community development. In 2025, she was posthumously inducted into the prestigious Egba Hall of Fame, a lasting recognition of her life and legacy. Her portrait now graces the Egba Museum within the Alake of Egbaland’s Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She truly earned her place in the Who Is Who of Women Hall of Fame in Nigeria.She leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Her name is forever etched in Nigeria's history as a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate for progress.Rest in peace, Deaconess Doyinsola Ogunbiyi. Your legacy lives on.