The Sowore Foundation, founded by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, has awarded scholarships to 250 students studying Medicine, Nursing, Law and other disciplines, as part of its growing commitment to education and community development.
The scholarships were announced during activities marking the 2026 edition of the Foundation’s annual #ComeToKiribo Festival, held on January 1, 2026, in Kiribo, Ondo State. The event also brought together vulnerable members of society, artisans, students and athletes in a celebration that blended education, culture, sports and grassroots empowerment.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a major annual gathering, attracting participants from across Nigeria and, for the first time, neighbouring West African countries such as Ghana and the Republic of Benin. This growing reach has helped position Kiribo as a grassroots hub for intellectual exchange, athletics and community-driven development.
Speaking at the event, Sowore described the Kiribo Road Race as a historic symbol of resilience and innovation, noting that it is the first marathon race held anywhere in the world on January 1 every year.
“Today is the Kiribo Road Race. This is the first marathon race in the world held on January 1st, and it is powered by the Sowore Foundation. You can see runners from all over Nigeria and beyond. I even heard some Ghanaians are here,” he said.
According to Sowore, the road race and other sporting activities are designed to promote fitness, healthy living and collective responsibility within the community, while also sending a message to public authorities.
“It is about awakening the spirit of the community and ushering in the new year with good health. It is also to show that where the government has failed, we can succeed,” he added.
The 2026 festival also marked 21 years since the death of Mr. David Omoremilekun Sowore, Omoyele Sowore’s father, whose life of discipline, education and community service inspired the creation of the Sowore Foundation. Since his passing in 2005, the Sowore family has returned to Kiribo every January 1 to honour his legacy, a tradition that has become the heart of the annual festival.
Reflecting on his father’s influence, Sowore described him as an exceptional man who combined fatherhood, teaching and grassroots organising in ways that shaped many lives.
“For the past 20 years, we have reserved this day to honour the Sowore Foundation, which we started when my father passed away in 2005, right here at the Methodist Church,” he said.
Highlighting the expansion of the scholarship programme, Sowore announced a major increase in beneficiaries for 2026.
“This year, we have increased the number of people receiving scholarships to 200. Last year it was 100. With the anonymous support we’ve received, we’ve doubled it. Our priority is Medicine and Nursing,” he explained.
He also noted the deliberate inclusion of Law students, drawing from his personal experiences.
“This year, I added Law students because I have benefited a lot from lawyers. If you’re studying Law, you’ll get additional support because my life has always depended on lawyers,” he said.
Sowore stressed that the Foundation’s mission goes beyond supporting only students in higher institutions.
“This is not just the Sowore Foundation; it belongs to everyone. I encourage others to set up foundations to support young people who want to make something of their lives. We also support those who couldn’t go to school due to circumstances beyond their control. Our support is all-round,” he stated.
He recalled how his father raised nearly 20 children, turning his home into a learning centre built on discipline, curiosity and academic excellence. A committed Awoist, David Omoremilekun Sowore believed strongly in free and compulsory education, a principle that continues to guide the Foundation’s work.
What began as a small initiative in Kiribo has now expanded nationwide, reinforcing the Foundation’s belief that education remains the most powerful tool for social transformation.
At the 2026 festival, the Foundation awarded 250 scholarships across various fields, empowered 21 artisans with financial and material support, assisted 24 persons living with special needs, and disbursed over ₦20 million in cash prizes.
Academic competitions such as debates, quizzes and dictation contests rewarded outstanding participants with tablets and cash prizes, while consolation awards encouraged wider participation.
Sports activities provided the energetic backbone of the festival. The main road races, open to male and female athletes, featured prize money of up to ₦1 million for first place, alongside other rewards. Additional events included 5-kilometre races, swimming competitions, boat rowing, regatta displays, and fun runs for both juniors and seniors, ensuring inclusiveness across age groups and abilities.
Describing Kiribo as a village with big dreams, Sowore said consistent grassroots investment has placed the community firmly on the global map, proving that meaningful change can begin at the local level.
