Nigerian-British actor, David Oyelowo, has granted leadership scholarship to five freed Chibok schoolgirls who were among those abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014.
The 41-year-old announced this on Instagram with a photo of the scholarship recipients.
He made the donation under the auspices of David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship in conjunction with the GEANCO Foundation which donates critical supplies to schools in Nigeria.
Speaking on the essence of the scholarship, Oyelowo said, “We cannot stand idly by while thousands of innocent girls remain under serious threat.
“With our help, these bright and resilient girls can blossom into Nigeria’s most inspiring leaders in government, education, business, entertainment, and so much more.
“That is what these Leadership scholarships are all about. We seek to nurture a generation of strong female trailblazers whose positive impact will be felt across Nigeria and around the world”.
The Hollywood actor’s scholarship scheme is aimed at providing life-changing scholarships to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality.
Oyelowo plays an active role in selecting recipients and raising money to ensure its continued success.
The scholarship, which started with preliminary plans in August 2015, has so far been funded by the likes of The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Participant Media and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.
The Oscar-nominated actor, born in England to Nigerian parents, is best known for his portrayal of Martin Luther King in the award-winning movie Selma in 2014.
He also played the role of a chess coach in Queen of Katwe in 2016 besides playing supporting roles in Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011.
Oyelowo recently starred as Harold Soyinka in the soon-to-be-released action comedy film Gringo.
