One of Nigeria’s foremost philanthropist and young entrepreneur Dr. Olakunle Churchill was recently hosted in Liberia after an overwhelming fire safety campaign at the Federal Fire Service In Abuja. With regards to these milestones, the Chairman of Big Churchill Foundation has opened up in this interview on all that transpired during the visit, the motive behind the fire charity donation, more insight about his foundation.
1. You recently met with the Liberian president and also became a chief in the country, tell us about that experience?
•My meeting with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was an honour and a very special moment in my life. Liberia was a pleasant experience, i was well hosted and celebrated by the people of the country.
I was one of the key note speakers at the KuKatornon Peace festival with the theme ” Let’s Maintain The Peace, promoting Non-violent Elections”, because of the forthcoming general elections. I spoke along side Vice-president Joseph Boakai.
We had a peace match at the Stadium in the capital city of Monrovia. I had a very successful meeting with President Sirleaf and her ministers. Some of the issues we talked about is our Agricultural Empowerment project and other philantropic issues. One of the highlights of the trip was when the Council of Chiefs of the Kamara community conferred me with a Chieftaincy title in a traditional ceremony. I was truly humbled by their benevolence, and warmth.
2. You were also in the country for your charity foundation. How do you fund the Big Church Foundation?
• During my visit to Liberia, i was able to visit the centre for the blind where we distributed medical eye glasses and other Items to them. We also went to some less privileged homes and communities to donate food stuffs and money to support them.This is our own little way of helping to alleviate the sad memories of the country’s civil war crisis.
The Big Church Foundation is funded from the 10% of all the revenue from the parent company – Big Church Group. It is a pledge we made at the early stage of the company to socially impact our immediate communities and the continent as a whole.
3. We heard reliably that you started your foundation from Malaysia
• It is quite unfortunate that people say what they dont know about. That information is misleading. The Big Church Foundation did not start in Malaysia, rather we conceptualised the idea of the foundation during my early days in Ghana. I do not have any ties with Malaysia or memories there. We have visited some African countries, and Liberia Is the latest country we visited for charity and peace movement.
4. So you have never lived in Malaysia?
• The truth is, I have never visited Malaysia let alone live there. I do not have or run any business in Malaysia. I may visit there some time in the future but not now, it is not a priority. I have lived in Ghana, Switzerland, Nigeria and a few other European countries because I have offices there, and operate my businesses within these regions.
5- What inspired you to be charitable?
• I come from a family that is very charitable. Grandma raised me,Grand mother is selfless and very passionate about giving. I also wish to see a world that is devoid of poverty and hunger, a world that is filled with happiness, joy and abundance.If God blesses someone, I feel it is important he or she extends his hand of love to the needy. Empowering people is very important to me. The desire to assist the poor or less priviledged is an integral part of me. I live by the mantra; “Giving Is Living”.
6- Is it every charitable work you do that you publicize?
• Well, funny enough 60% of my humanitarian activities are not publicized, or In the media. My several charity activities in Ghana and other African countries are usually behind the camera. Some of our activities you see or read In the media are a selected few to encourage others to support the cause, and also start to give back in their own way. We are not in it for fame or glory, but to inspire others In the private sectors to be socially responsible. It is also important to note also that our charity projects and activities tend to attract media attention, and we are grateful for their continued support.
