A community leader and philanthropist, Otunba Lana Ephraim Akintan, continues to inspire change in Ogun State through his Human Rights Foundation.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that the nonagenarian established the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF) in August 2024 to give the voiceless a voice and protect the vulnerable from injustice.
The foundation celebrated its first anniversary over the weekend with a lecture themed ‘Advocacy and dialogue for sustainable human rights’, which drew more than 700 participants from across the state.
The anniversary lecture, delivered by former Chairman, Campaign for Democracy (CD), Ogun State, Comrade ‘Lanre Ogunyinka, emphasised collective responsibility in promoting justice and civic consciousness.
Representatives of security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, vigilante group and community groups like Agbekoya and IBD Hunters Association, attended the event alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups.
In recognition of his lifelong service, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Yewa North branch, honoured Otunba Akintan with a Lifetime Patron Award for his outstanding contributions to humanity and community development.
The foundation also distributed 1,000 notebooks to four local schools and donated sports kits to a youth football team.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation’s official website – www.olakhurf.org – and a human rights roadmap aimed at promoting education, advocacy and dialogue on civic duties and justice.
The Oloja of Oja-Odan, Oba Adetunji Olowobese and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oja-Odan, CSP Esther, lauded Otunba Akintan’s pefforts in shaping civic values, describing him as a beacon of justice and compassion whose legacy continues to inspire the generation yet unborn.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oja-Odan, CSP Esther, also applauded the foundation’s leadership and its impact on the town’s civic culture.