#Nigeria #Lagos #O'Shaughnessy Ventures #Israel Goodnews #AKHIN Africa

O'Shaughnessy Ventures Supports Nigerian Children's Rehabilitation

On June 6, 2025, O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV), a notable investment firm dedicated to empowering creative projects, announced its decision to award a remarkable $100,000 O'Shaughnessy Fellowship to Israel Goodnews Balogun. Based in Lagos State, Nigeria, Balogun is known for his unwavering commitment to aiding homeless and at-risk youth.

Balogun plans to utilize this generous funding to establish a rehabilitation village aimed at providing resources for approximately 200 homeless children who are currently out of school. The envisioned vocational learning center will go beyond traditional schooling, offering vital training and mentorship to facilitate the reintegration of these children into society as self-sufficient adults. Additionally, the facility is set to implement a sustainable agricultural system that will ensure daily food supply for its residents, addressing immediate nutritional needs while simultaneously instilling agricultural skills.

This initiative is particularly meaningful considering Balogun's own challenging history. Having experienced over a decade of homelessness himself, he founded AKHIN Africa in 2019 with the goal of supporting youth in precarious situations. The impact of his efforts has already been significant; under Balogun's guidance, AKHIN Africa has rescued more than 100 individuals from homelessness and has established support centers across three states in Nigeria. Recognizing his contributions, OSV previously granted him a $10,000 O'Shaughnessy Grant in 2024.

Balogun's academic achievements are equally inspiring. Despite not being able to read English until he was 22 years old, he has obtained two master’s degrees from the University of Ibadan, showcasing his dedication to education as a pathway for achieving a better life. His life’s work has been centered around reducing youth homelessness and broadening educational access, making him a fitting recipient of this fellowship.

Jim O'Shaughnessy, the founder and CEO of OSV, expressed his admiration for Balogun’s inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a beacon of hope for countless vulnerable youth in Nigeria. "Israel's journey from homelessness to today is exactly the kind of transformative story we're here to support at OSV. I have no doubt that he will continue to deliver a meaningful impact for Nigeria's most vulnerable youth," he stated.

In response to the fellowship award, Balogun remarked, "Changing the story of millions of homeless children around Nigeria began with a call from the OSV Fellowships team. That single moment marked the beginning of a new era for us and every child still waiting for a chance."

About the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships Program

Launched in 2023, the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program aims to discover and empower gifted innovators worldwide. Each selected fellow receives a substantial $100,000 grant and access to OSV's extensive network of experts and potential partners. In 2025, OSV is set to award 12 fellowships, alongside 20 additional O'Shaughnessy Grants of $10,000 each for promising innovators across various fields.

Balogun is the seventh fellow recognized this year, with applications for the next fellowship cycle scheduled to reopen on January 1, 2026. Interested parties can stay updated by visiting the OSV website.

About O'Shaughnessy Ventures

OSV is a pioneering creative investment firm founded by Jim O'Shaughnessy, known for his impactful work in quantitative investing and authoring several insightful books. The firm is dedicated to financially empowering creators and innovators by fostering an environment that supports the growth of transformative ideas. OSV aims to make investing accessible to all, irrespective of background or previous education, thereby propelling creative visions into reality.

For further details, please visit the OSV website.