The Alice Aniebo Soile Foundation (TAASF) was formally inaugurated in Lagos on Friday August 1st, attracting a diverse array of distinguished guests from Nigeria and abroad.
The ceremony, held at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, brought together notable figures such as the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi, who served as the Royal Father of the Day; Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (publishers of the Tribune titles); and Dr. Samuel Onafowokan, the Asiwaju of Remoland.
Also in attendance were the Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Dr. Ronke Soyombo, Registrar of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Dr Kunle Hamilton, veteran journalist and CEO, Virgin Outdoor Limited; as well as other special guests.
Numerous participants joined the event either physically or virtually from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States via Zoom.
In his remarks, the Akarigbo praised the late Mrs. Alice Aniebo Soile, whose life of service inspired the creation of the Foundation. He commended her son, Professor David Lai Soile, a UK-based academic, for his foresight and commitment.
The monarch pledged full support and encouraged others, both present and online, to contribute to the cause. “There’s no greater impact than providing access to quality education,” he said. “This duty rests not only on the government but on all of us.”
Referencing the enduring influence of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Oba Ajayi lauded Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu for her unwavering dedication in maintaining its vision and noted that similar perseverance would be essential for the AASF to thrive.
Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu, represented by Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, Editor of Saturday Tribune, echoed these sentiments. She celebrated Mrs. Soile’s contributions to Ogun State and described the Foundation as a noble way to transform remembrance into action.
She said, “The Foundation’s emphasis on education, health, and social welfare reflects the timeless values Mrs. Soile cherished. These are not merely commendable goals—they are driving forces that mold lives, shape communities, and influence nations.”
Drawing on her medical background and decades of experience leading the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Awolowo Dosumu praised Prof. Soile’s dedication:
“Enduring ventures like this require a clear vision, strong leadership, and dependable partnerships. Establishing a foundation is like planting a seed. With integrity as its root and commitment as its water, it will grow and produce lasting impact.”
She added: “Today, we are here not just to launch a new organisation but to pay homage to a life built on compassion and service. The late Mrs. Alice Aniebo Soile was a beacon of kindness and devotion. Through silent sacrifices, firm principles, and a giving heart, she changed lives in immeasurable ways. Her family deserves commendation for turning her memory into meaningful service.
“This foundation, with its focus areas, is poised to uplift lives and sow seeds of change. These aren’t mere causes—they are the foundation of a better tomorrow.
“To Prof. David Soile, a fellow healthcare professional, I salute your drive. Sustaining a legacy like this, as I’ve learned over three decades, demands resilience and clarity of mission.
“Think of it as nurturing a tree. It needs care, patience, and safeguarding. But once rooted in values and sustained with resolve, it will benefit generations to come.
“As you move forward, build coalitions, involve communities, adapt when necessary, but stay true to your goals. You’re not just preserving the past—you’re crafting the future. May this Foundation grow stronger with courage and grace, and may it never lose sight of its purpose.”
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by Hon. Dipo Odebowale, NIDCOM’s Lagos Coordinator, also commended Prof. Soile’s initiative. She described the foundation as a shining example of how the Nigerian diaspora can give back meaningfully.
“This intervention will greatly benefit underprivileged people in the areas of education, health, and grassroots development. It supports and enhances national progress,” she said.
Dr. Ronke Soyombo of TRCN offered her commendation but also urged a broader perspective:
“While infrastructure is vital, let’s also prioritise teacher training and well-being to truly elevate education standards.”
Delivering the keynote speech, Prof. Tunde Ogunsanwo of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, gave a historical overview of formal education in Nigeria—from the missionary and colonial periods to the transformative policies of leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose free education program opened doors for countless Nigerians, including himself.
He lamented the present state of Nigeria’s educational system, citing crumbling buildings and overcrowded classrooms. “We must stop apportioning blame and start taking action. Reviving education is a duty we all share—not just in Remoland, but nationwide,” he asserted.
In his speech, Prof. David Lai Soile, President of the Foundation, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and called for continued collaboration. He highlighted the necessity for every Nigerian—regardless of status—to contribute toward improving education across Remoland, Ogun State, and the country at large.
He spoke fondly of his mother’s lifelong dedication to learning, recounting how she made a lasting difference in the lives of numerous young people.
“Education is the finest legacy we can bequeath to future generations,” he said. “And it’s a responsibility we must all embrace.”
Mrs. Alice Aniebo Soile, who died in 2013 at the age of 90, was a passionate and selfless educator celebrated for her unwavering service to education and community empowerment.
