About
The Ovie Brume Foundation creates opportunities for young people attending public state schools to reach beyond their limits and find their place in the world.
At the heart of the Foundation are its Youth Centres in Lagos and Delta State, where young people can learn, explore and develop beyond the classroom. Through education, culture and creativity, livelihood and health, the Foundation exposes them to new ideas and experiences at critical stages in their lives.
More than providing programmes, the Foundation is a community of peers, educators and mentors. We offer consistent guidance, encouragement and support for our members and their families. Young people are given the space to explore, discover their abilities, and gain confidence and independence. With greater awareness of themselves and the possibilities around them, they are better equipped to make choices about what comes next.
This holistic approach has been at the heart of the Foundation since its inception. Today, our programmes, scholarships, internships and partnerships create possibilities for young people to move from learning into further education, from skills into livelihood, and from participation into leadership. These experiences help them pursue their aspirations and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Ovierhire Adeyemi Kesiena Brume was born in Lagos in 1973. He began his education at Corona School in Lagos before moving to Fettes College in Edinburgh. Ovie left his mark wherever he studied. At Fettes, he was discovered as an outstanding athlete, setting seven school records.
He went on to study Economics and Business Administration at the University of California, Berkeley. He excelled academically and on the rugby field, becoming a member of the U.S. Colleges Rugby All-Star team. He later attended Harvard Business School, where he was elected President of the Africa Business Club during his MBA studies.
In 2001, Ovie returned to Nigeria to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. He had bold ideas for the advancement of the country and its people and embarked on various projects in the communication, mining and petroleum industries. He believed unequivocally in Nigeria’s potential and that its future lay in its youth. But he was concerned that the country’s business and political leaders were not doing enough to nurture and support young people. He was aware that the opportunities he had been given were not available to many Nigerian youths and feared that, as a result, much of their promise might remain unrealised.
Ovie was also kind, gentle and compassionate. He was always ready to help, whether through counselling or sharing his business knowledge with anyone who asked. To his parents, he was also known as ‘Sunshine’. He had an ever-ready smile and loved the joyous and open spirit of children.
When Ovie died unexpectedly in December 2002 at the age of 29, his family carried forward his commitment to Nigeria’s development by establishing the Ovie Brume Foundation. The Youth Centre became central to this vision: a place where young people could find opportunities beyond those ordinarily available to them, discover talents they might not yet recognise and receive the encouragement and support to develop them. That founding belief in the potential of young people continues to shape the Foundation’s work today.
Creating an enabling environment where young people are able to reach their goals and give back to their communities.
Our vision is a society where young people are educated and empowered
This is of utmost importance in our relationship with the communities we serve. It
defines relationships among staff and with our partners. We teach this to our
members as part of our core values at the Foundation.
This applies to members of staff, the board and children of the youth centre. We
strive to inspire excellence in all who walk through our doors; in whatever it is they
do.
A key value for everyone in Ovie Brume Foundation is rights, particularly children’s
rights, freedom of expression and diversity. We expect staff, board members, clients,
and children to adopt this respectful attitude.
Professionalism in our approach to work and dealings with our clients – the highest
form of professionalism must be maintained. Doing the right thing, irrespective of
who it is. We believe this embodies excellence and Integrity.
We will serve our clients and children irrespective of their age, religion, economic
status, physical ability, ethnic group, and gender.
Our Mission
Creating an enabling environment where young people are able to reach their goals and give back to their communities.
Our vision is a society where young people are educated and empowered
