By Esther Onyegbula

The family of late retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Terry Omatsola Okorodudu has announced a scholarship scheme for students seeking tertiary education, as part of efforts to preserve his legacy of service, excellence and commitment to human capital development.

The initiative, unveiled by his widow, Mrs Joan Isioma Okorodudu, and only son, Bidemi Steven Okorodudu, will provide educational support to deserving students across Nigeria, irrespective of gender, ethnic background or social status.

According to the family, the scholarship programme will be implemented through the AVM Terry Omatsola Okorodudu (Rtd.) Foundation cum Yonwuren Media, which is also set to commence a range of community development, empowerment and welfare initiatives.

Among the first beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme are two children of Nigerian Air Force personnel, two students from Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangwe, Warri, as well as children of individuals who worked closely with the late military officer during his years of service.

Notable recipients include Edemadiden Prince Toju, Abubarkar Hashimu Bashir, Orevaoghene Orieka, and Oforodo Chisom Harmony.

The family stated that the scholarship programme was conceived in line with the late AVM Okorodudu’s lifelong belief in education as a tool for personal advancement and national development.

They said: “AVM Terry Okorodudu’s estate will continue to give back to society by helping young people gain access to quality education at all levels, with both male and female awardees from across the country, regardless of background, benefiting from the scholarship scheme.”
Top among the beneficiaries are a daughter of Sergeant Oforodo and the son of the late officer’s personal orderly, FD Bashir Abubakar, whose son, Abubarkar Hashimu Bashir, is among the award recipients.

The announcement came as Yonwuren Media/Foundation paid glowing tribute to the late AVM Okorodudu, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished military officers whose life embodied discipline, patriotism, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to national development.

Born on August 27, 1955, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, AVM Okorodudu traced his roots to Itsekiri, Okpe and Ijaw ancestry. His military journey began after his admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1975 as an Air Force Potential Pilot.

He subsequently underwent flight training at the Nigerian Air Force Primary Flying Wing in Kaduna and rose through the ranks to become one of the nation’s respected aviators, serving as an operational pilot on the Dornier 28-D-2 and G-222 aircraft.

Throughout his career, he occupied several strategic positions, 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 Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.

His career also saw him serve at the Defence Intelligence Agency and Defence Headquarters before his appointment as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Moscow in 2006, with concurrent accreditation to Ukraine, Belarus and Georgia.

The Foundation noted that one of his most significant contributions to national development was his role in promoting indigenous aerospace capacity through the establishment of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited (AETSL).
As Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, he championed the development of local expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair and engineering services, helping to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign technical support.

Associates and admirers described him as “a visionary leader whose foresight transformed ideas into institutions and whose service continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s defence and aviation sectors.”

In continuation of his ideals, the Foundation announced plans to officially launch its headquarters at No. 27 Odion Road, Warri, Delta State, where its programmes and strategic interventions will be unveiled.

The Foundation said its activities would focus on education, welfare, human capital development and socio-economic empowerment across Warri and surrounding communities.

Beyond the scholarship programme, it disclosed plans to introduce empowerment initiatives for widows and vulnerable groups through financial assistance, mentorship, welfare support and skills acquisition opportunities aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic independence.

Speaking on the vision of the organisation, 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 also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, civil society organisations, corporate bodies and members of the public to partner with it in advancing its mission of community development and social impact.

It added that details of the official launch ceremony and related activities would be announced through its communication channels in due course.

The scholarship scheme is expected to support students pursuing various degree programmes, including medicine and surgery, engineering, law and other professional disciplines, while advancing the late AVM Okorodudu’s enduring legacy of service, education and nation-building.