by Hauwa Gambo

FATE Foundation is holding its 2011 Annual Celebration & Entrepreneurial Awards ceremony at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos on 8 December. Gracing the event as special guest speaker is Mr Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc. The theme for this year’s event is ‘The Price, Prize and Pride of Entrepreneurship.

The ceremony, which was initiated in 2001, aims at rectifying the dearth of role models in the Nigerian society, and placing distinguished Nigerians and FATE Alumni on a pedestal as role models, owing to the belief that by celebrating these individuals in the society, it would rekindle a sense of value in Nigerians, especially the youths.

Past events have produced a retinue of outstanding entrepreneurs including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Group President Dangote Group; Mr. Tokunbo Talabi CEO, Superflux International; Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, CEO Sokao Chairs;  and Mr. John Momoh, CEO Channels Television among others. The event doubles as a graduation ceremony for participants of the Foundation’s Entrepreneurs Programmes. This year, the 15 fellows from the new division of the foundation, FATE Institute for Venture Design, which is in collaboration with Stanford Centre for Design Research, California, will be graduating as well after completing their programme at the Institute.

According to the Executive Director, Mrs. Osayi Alile Oruene, about the event, “We hope that through the Annual Celebration, we will make a real difference in impacting aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing domestic role models, and also creating awareness of what FATE Foundation is about.

The event will be graced by eminent personalities in the country from the private and public sectors.

Oluwapelumi