We are deeply honoured to announce that the Victoria & James Akinleye Foundation has been awarded the Commendation of Merit by the International Council for Community Development. This prestigious recognition celebrates our cross-border approach to sustainable development and our commitment to transparency and community participation.
A Night to Remember
The award was presented at a ceremony in Ottawa, Canada, where our founder, Pastor Yemisi Wole-Akinleye, delivered the keynote address on the importance of diaspora-led development. "This award belongs to our communities," she said. "It is their resilience, their ideas, and their hard work that make everything possible."
What the Judges Said
The judging panel highlighted three key strengths of the Foundation: our community-led programme design, our transparent financial reporting, and our innovative cross-border partnership model that connects Canadian donors and expertise with Nigerian community needs.
"The VJA Foundation represents a new generation of African-led nonprofits that are redefining what international development can look like," said Dr. Margaret Chen, Chair of the Awards Committee.
Thank You
This recognition would not have been possible without the support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. We remain committed to our mission of empowering communities and transforming lives — one family, one school, one village at a time.