The family of the late retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Terry Omatsola Okorodudu has announced plans to establish a scholarship scheme aimed at supporting students seeking tertiary education across Nigeria. His widow, Joan Isioma Okorodudu, alongside his son, Steven Bidemi Okorodudu, stated that the initiative was created to sustain the late military officer's lifelong commitment to education, youth empowerment, and national development.
Scholarship Programme Details
According to the family, the scholarship programme will provide financial support to students pursuing higher education in disciplines such as Medicine and Surgery, Engineering, Law, and other degree programmes. Among the first beneficiaries of the initiative are two children of Nigerian Air Force personnel, two students from Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangwe, Warri, and Abubarkar Hashimu Bashir, son of the late officer's former orderly, Flight Dispatcher Bashir Abubakar. Other pioneer beneficiaries include Edemadiden Prince Toju, Orevaoghene Orieka, and Oforodo Chisom Harmony.
Tribute to a Distinguished Military Officer
In a tribute, Yonwuren Media/Foundation described the late Okorodudu as a distinguished military officer whose career was defined by exemplary service, leadership, and immense contributions to national development. Born on August 27, 1955, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Okorodudu attended Federal Government College, Sokoto, before enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1975 as an Air Force potential pilot. He later trained at the Nigerian Air Force Primary Flying Wing in Kaduna and served as an operational pilot on Dornier 28-D-2 and G-222 aircraft.
During his distinguished military career, he held several strategic appointments, including Military Assistant to the Air Officer Commanding, Military Airlift Command; Operations Officer in the Presidential Air Fleet; Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; and Deputy Director of Plans at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters. He also served as Nigeria's Defence Attaché to Moscow, with concurrent accreditation to Ukraine, Belarus, and Georgia.
Okorodudu was widely recognised for promoting indigenous capacity in aircraft maintenance and engineering services. His contributions played a significant role in the establishment of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited (AETSL), a Federal Government-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Air Force.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Academically, he earned professional and academic qualifications from the Junior Staff College, Jaji; the Naval War College, Rhode Island, United States; and the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master's degree in Strategic Studies. The late Air Vice Marshal is remembered for his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian Air Force, the defence sector, and national development.
Foundation and Outreach Initiatives
In continuation of his enduring legacy and commitment to community development, the Board and Management of the AVM Terry Omatsola Okorodudu (Rtd.) Foundation cum Yonwuren Media also announced the commencement of programmes and outreach initiatives focused on education, welfare, human capital development, and socio-economic empowerment. According to the organisers, the Foundation will soon roll out several intervention programmes across Warri, Delta State, and neighbouring communities to support vulnerable groups and promote sustainable development.
A major highlight of the initiative will be the official launch of the AVM Terry Omatsola Okorodudu (Rtd.) Foundation cum Yonwuren Media Headquarters located at No. 27 Odion Road, Warri, Delta State. The launch event is expected to formally unveil the Foundation's mission, objectives, and strategic interventions while marking the commencement of its full operations.
Scholarships and Empowerment Programmes
As part of the activities, scholarships will be awarded to deserving students who have secured admission into tertiary institutions. The Foundation also plans to introduce empowerment programmes targeted at widows and vulnerable persons through financial support, skills acquisition, mentorship, and welfare initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic independence.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, representatives of the Foundation said: "The Foundation is committed to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and community development. Our goal is to create opportunities, restore hope, and provide sustainable support for those who need it most."
The Foundation further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, civil society organisations, corporate bodies, youth groups, and members of the public to support and participate in the forthcoming launch activities. According to the organisers, details regarding the date, time, and programme of events for the official launch of the Foundation headquarters will be announced through its official communication channels in due course. They added that the legacy of Air Vice Marshal Terry Omatsola Okorodudu (Rtd.) would continue to inspire excellence, service, and nation-building for generations to come.
