Overview
Heroes Dreams Alive (HDA) Foundation is a nonpolitical, nonprofit and nongovernmental body committed to realizing the dreams of Fallen Heroes over their children through advocacy, mentorship and promoting opportunities for the Children of Fallen Heroes.
Meet Our Founder
The Founder and Executive Director of the HDA Foundation, Olatayo Lola Emmanuel Esq., is the daughter of a fallen hero, NWO Emmanuel Kayode Oloye, who served in the Nigerian Navy until his untimely demise in active service. Olatayo was only 12 years old when her father passed away, leaving her to be raised by her widowed mother with the support of family, friends, and military aid schemes.
Olatayo faced significant challenges after her WAEC and JAMB results came out well but lacked direction on how to further her education. During this period, Olatayo found solace in writing, especially poetry, which she used to express her grief over her father’s death. While her peers were gaining admission to universities, Olatayo remained at home, feeling the profound absence of her father. She penned a tribute to fallen heroes, which eloquently described the journey and sacrifices of military personnel.
Encouraged by her mother, Olatayo presented her tribute to the Defence Headquarters Veterans Affairs Division, who then invited her to recite it at the Armed Forces’ Fallen Heroes Commemoration church service on January 8, 2017. Her performance moved the audience, including the then Vice President, His Excellency, Professor Oluleke Oluyemi Osibanjo. In his speech, he assured that the sacrifices of fallen heroes would never be forgotten. After the event, Olatayo shared her educational predicament with the Vice President, who subsequently awarded her a scholarship to study law at Benson Idahosa University.
While in her second year at the university, Olatayo became concerned about other children of fallen heroes who were talented but lacked opportunities. She realized that many missed out on military scholarships due to age restrictions and at some points, the question begged to be asked if the fallen hero’s sacrifice is truly remembered? These issues inspired Olatayo to establish HDA Foundation. After obtaining her LLB degree, she began advocating for the children of fallen heroes on TVC News breakfast and has since supported seven families through her foundation. She paused the foundation’s activities in 2023 to complete the mandatory one-year program at the Nigerian Law School.
On March 5, 2024, Olatayo Lola Emmanuel was called to the Nigerian Bar, fulfilling her father’s dream of becoming a lawyer. HDA Foundation continues to honor the dreams of Fallen Heroes by providing support and opportunities to their children.
Why we do what we Do
A military man is first and foremost a servant to his duty, often placing his allegiance above his own family. His dreams and aspirations take a backseat to his service. HDA exists to support the children of fallen military personnel because these heroes were also parents, whose ultimate dream was the success and well-being of their children.
HDA’s mission is to protect the children of fallen heroes from the adverse effects of their circumstances and provide them with fair opportunities to thrive in life.
Our Aims & Objectives
To advocate and provide scholarships and sponsorship for the social welfare i.e. academic and economic empowerment of Children of Fallen Heroes.
To offer mentorship and personal development programs for the Children of Fallen Heroes to become refined men and women.
To engage Children of Fallen Heroes in positive extra-curricular activities through community development services and volunteerism.
To source for internship and employment opportunities for children of Fallen Heroes.
To create awareness and sensitize organizations, schools, and other enterprises of the impact of: Heroes’ sacrifices particularly on their children.
Our Areas of Work
Advocacy.
Mentorship.
Academic Support.
Skill Acquisition.
Internships.
Volunteerism (CDS).
Employment opportunities