By Augustine Ehikioya
For her impactful contributions to the wellbeing of the less privileged and specially taking away youths from crimes, Dr. Yeye Afolashade Shona on Friday received three awards from three different organizations.
While she got Golden Star Award for Empowerment and Community Development in Nigeria from Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference at a brief ceremony in Lagos State, she got another award from the Institute of Chartered Administrators and Researchers of Nigeria (ICARN) and honorary doctorate degree from the European American University.
Before Friday, Dr. Yeye Folashade Shona had received several awards from various organizations for her philanthropic nature.
Her husband, Engr. Victor Aluko, the same day, also received honorary doctorate degree from the European American University at the same occasion.
Speaking to Security Watch Africa (SWA) on the awards, Dr. Yeye Shona expressed appreciation for the awards as she charged more affluent Nigerians to do more for the less privileged in the society.
She said “You can’t satisfy everybody, but at the same time, just do your best and then leave the rest. You don’t allow people to go astray, like people doing what they should not do. For example, you might meet somebody that have been crying for food and you want to be preaching.
“The person will not listen to your preaching at that particular moment. After the food has been given, then the preaching can come in. So I look at whatever it is that is your challenge, even if I cannot do 100 %, the little I have, I will give first, and then get your attention and advise you don’t do this, don’t do that, it’s not good.”
On what motivated her to continue to reach out to the less privileged, she said “Actually, it’s just nature. A lot wanted to be like that, but eventually they will not be able to. So when you are born like that, you really train your mind to make sure everyone is happy.
While giving her advice to other well-to-do Nigerians, she noted that a lot have more than her, but are not ready to help others Nigerians.
She said “It’s something you have to train your mind to. A lot have, but they won’t even give you. Some will wait for that thing to get spoiled and then throw it away. They prefer throwing it away than giving you.
“So a lot of Nigerians have that money, what it takes to assist each other to get up there, but they won’t do it. So I encourage everyone to please, out of the little you have, to try as much as possible to sow into somebody’s life, then you can gain more soul to them.
“You can then be able to advise them what to do and where to do it. Although you might not be able to get everything out of them immediately, but you can still do your own part and leave the rest. Dr. Yeye Shona stated
Giving out the award of the Africa Security Awards and Conference, its International Coordinator, Mr. Patrick Agbambu, noted that Dr. Yeye Shona has been actively involved in non kinetic security.
Explaining that non kinetic security is providing security without carrying guns or without shooting guns, he said that Dr Shona has been providing security by taking care of those things that would originally have caused insecurity.
According to him, an international panel of judges looked into what she has been doing and qualified her for the award.
He said it was easier to convince the International Board, which is headed by Professor Henry Fauci of Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and the board chairman, General Nunu Joseph Mensa, the former chief of defense Staff of the Republic of Ghana.
“It was easier to convince them about who Doctor is, and then she was notified. And when we met her personally, we didn’t have need for any other thing to convince us, because she was so passionate about lives of human beings.
“She was so passionate about taking people out of things that could make them want to venture into crime, and that is one of our goals. And so I will say we met an ally who is quite supportive to ensure that people live right.” he stated.
Mr. Agbambu went on “So we are here to make a symbolic presentation of certificate to her, and crystal trophy to show the transparency of her heart while helping people, and a pen that shows that she can communicate effectively.”
A representative of the ICARN, while giving out the award, noted that Dr. Yeye Shona wears many caps as a philanthropist, employer of labor, business woman, educationist, commercial.
He described her as a woman of class, a queen, absolutely glamorous, among other attributes.
On his part, a representative of the European American University, which awarded the husband and wife with the Honorary Doctorate Degree said “As we are conferring both Chief Doctor, having gotten one from the Kingdom University, Florida, USA. She’s been conferred the second honorary doctorate awards, together with the husband, Engineer, Dr Aluko, a chartered engineer with current Nigerian Society of engineers, of course, chief doctor wearing many caps, going through many awards.
“Well, the blessings are so many. The blessings are here to be seen. This is an international award, European American University being represented in Dominica Central America is also represented in Dubai, also in London, also in some African countries.
“So as you have been awarded, your awards is not only local, it is a global award. Of course, when you get access to the website, both your names are there which can be accessed in different parts of the world. Congratulations to both of them.
“The certificates are there. They are authentic. This is a glorious moment for both chief doctor and chief engineer doctor. They are showcasing the blacks.
“Of course, they’ve done great works in entrepreneurship. While the husband is an engineer, a thoroughbred engineer, a petroleum engineer, he’s also a chemical engineer. He’s also into geology. He has done a lot of researches in geology. He has done a lot of researches in seismology.
“Of course, the wife too is a woman of many parts. She has achieved greatly, a lot of awards which you cannot realize, everything today. Of course, this is a great moment for all of them. Congratulations.” he stated
The National Woman Leader of the Association of Skilled Artisans of Nigeria, Dr. Jumoke Aborode, noted that Dr. Shona has done wonderfully well to women in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
She added “As I speak with you, we have a center in southwest that she has put together. We have lots of industrial machines, sewing machines there, women come there, learn free of charge, and we give them certificate of the organization.
“And we also introduce them to Ministry of Commerce to get the trade test. Honestly, her type is rare. She’s a real gem.
“There was a time she came up with a sensitization on security, how we secure our environment without policeman, that we should shun carelessness when we are outside our home.” she said
Dr Yeye Shona’s citation read at the event stated that “An accomplished entrepreneur and business executive with over 2 decades experience in Business Startup and Transformation, Leadership and People Development, and fostering innovative solutions in Education Management
“Forward thinking CEO with proven track record of leadership and achievement. Proactive in driving organizational growth and fostering innovative solutions. Assertive in decision-making and adept at building strong, motivated teams. Committed to delivering exceptional results and standing out in competitive markers
On her experience, it listed her as CEO DLA-Toys and Children Playground Equipment Limited July 2013-Present
Successfully established one of the Nigeria’s leading Toys and Playground Equipment company known for delivering high quality products
Directed the implementation of company Policies and strategies to increase market share
Negotiated contracts with vendors resulting in favorable terms that maximize value for the company
Facilitated strategic planning sessions to develop long-term goals and objectives for the organization.
Developed comprehensive risk management strategies focused on mitigating potential threats to operations
Utilized cutting-edge technology solutions to streamline administrative tasks while increasing accuracy of results
Spearheaded efforts to create a positive work environment where employees felt valued as individuals.
Managed executive-level relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment on strategic objectives.
Engaged with external partners to identify opportunities for partnerships or joint ventures that would benefit the company’s bottom line.
Created innovative solutions for complex business problems, driving organizational growth and efficiency.
Parts of her Recognitions & Awards included Oodua Special Recognition Award lle- Ife 2024, Regional peace Award in September 2024, Award of recognition from Ikeja Junior High School in March 2023, Award of recognition from Ikeja Senior High School in September 2023
Others are Crime Reporters Associations of Nigeria (CRAN) 2023 Sterling Award in December 2023, Award of Excellence from Ogo Bariga, Doctor of philosophy in Social Works and Humanities (Honours Causa) in the year 2023, National Matrun of female Artisans in 2023, Award of recognition from Lagos state ministry of Education International Day for persons with Disability in December 2021.
Citation of her husband, stated: Engr. Victor Aluko is a Business Development Executive, and an accomplished Chartered Engineer registered with The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Victor attended multiple universities in Nigeria and obtained a Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering. He also earned a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Strategic Management from the University of Houston, Victoria in Texas, USA. Victor is an alumni of Jones Graduate School of Business. Rice University, USA and Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria
With three decades of practice in the energy, oil, and gas sector, Victor has managed operations, and several projects related to sustainable technology, reducing carbon footprints and improving energy efficiency in multiple countries including Nigeria, USA, China, Kuwait and Baudi Arabia among others
Victor Aluko is the Chairman and CEO of Avonix Nigeria Limited and Avonix Media Productions Lenided. He is the visioner and Executive Producer of the flagship courtroom show. The Justice Court, which airs on some national television channels in Nigeria and United Kingdom.
His contributions to humanity, achievements in academics and his professional career have earned him several recognition and awards both locally and internationally. Victor Aluko is a loving husband and an amiable father. He is also a member of the prestigious Ikoyi club where he engages in golf and swimming during his leisure time.
“The European American University having seen the achievements of Engr. Victor Aluko his excellent contributions and his best practices in Engineering, Oil Exploration and Production Technology to the development of the nation’s economy and for the benefit of humanity in general with pure mind in Business Management.
“Therefore, the senate is pleased to confer on him today, Doctor of Science (D.Sc), in Entrepreneur, Petroleum Resources Management and Corporate Governance, Honoris Causa, with all rights and privileges of the University.” it stated.
