At the Lil & Fred Okotie Foundation, we believe every child deserves a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. Through annual scholarships and academic support programs, we are lighting the path for future leaders—one student at a time.
Sometime around the early 1930’s, the Late Pa Okotie Esikighre (a Baptist Deacon, Organist, & Primary School Headmaster) was a member of the Old Eku Baptist Church. His pastor , the late Rev. Owhonana announced in church, one Sunday, that the church was in need of a piece of land. He voluntarily gave up his land to the church at no cost with the philosophy of, “As long as this land is being used for God’s work, they can have it for free”. That was his spiritual theory when it came to giving to God‘s kingdom.
Our long-term vision is to build a sustainable system of scholarship funding, institutional support, and infrastructural development that extends far beyond annual awards. By investing in people and projects like the construction of a 400-seater multipurpose lecture theatre, we aim to foster academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership development. Through our work, we hope to inspire others, families, individuals, and organizations to join hands with us in raising labourers for the harvest field and preserving a godly legacy for future generations.
Lil & Fred Okotie Foundation gives scholarship awards to 50 graduate & postgraduate students from Baptist Theological Seminary, Eku, Delta State, Nigeria, on 3rd October, 2024, the 7th Edition & 7th Year in a row. Each year, the Lil & Fred Okotie Foundation gathers to celebrate the bright minds and resilient spirits of students who have earned scholarships through hard work and determination.
When I got admission into the seminary in 2017, I was able to pay for my first year because I had saved up some money from farming. In 2018, due to the flooding in my village, i had no produce to sell to give me funds for my fees and even feeding became so hard. That same year, the scholarship scheme was introduced to us and it was the answer to my prayers. For the past 3years I have been a recipient of the scholarship and this brings me and my family so much joy.
Money discouraged me from picking the Seminary form in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, funds were still unavailable but I took the form by faith. I borrowed money to pay my first-year fees and was still praying about how I would pay for the remaining 3 years when God used the Diaspora Scholarship to answer my prayers. Just as God is using you to fulfill his will in the life of his people who He uses to equip others, generational blessing will be your portion in Jesus name.
I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Baptist Theological Seminary Eku, Diaspora Fund. Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges, but has also helped me realize the value of education. My studies in Baptist Theological Seminary Eku, so far would not been possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like your organization. Thank you forthis opportunity!
We’re on a mission to unlock potential and build a brighter tomorrow but we can’t do it alone. Whether you’re a donor, mentor, volunteer, or educator, there’s a place for you in our story.