In a world where success often leads to distance from one’s roots, Engineer Oladimeji Faizol Awofusi stands as a beacon of humility and purpose. Known for his dual roles as the founder of Helping Hand Community and the chief executive officer, CEO of Faceman Entertainment, Awofusi’s life is defined not only by professional achievements but also by a deep-seated passion for giving back to the community that shaped him.
Born and raised in Epetedo, a neighborhood nestled in Lagos Island, Awofusi’s early years were shaped by the everyday challenges of growing up in one of Nigeria’s bustling city centers. “I know what it’s like to go back to school without enough supplies,” he says. “That experience stuck with me, and I always promised myself I would come back and change that story for other kids.”
His journey took a transformative turn when he moved to the United States, where he attended Saint Joseph High School in Brooklyn, New York, and earned his diploma. It was during these formative years in Brooklyn that Awofusi’s world expanded, exposing him to both opportunities and a broader perspective on community service.
Returning to Nigeria for higher education, he pursued a degree in Computer Science from Tai Solarin University. It was a path that not only deepened his technical knowledge but also reinforced his desire to solve problems, not just with machines, but in people’s lives.
In 2021, Awofusi established Helping Hand Community, though he is quick to clarify that the organization’s roots run deeper. “We started officially in 2023, but we’ve been active since 2021,” he explains. The foundation’s focus is clear: making the return to school a moment of joy rather than anxiety for underprivileged children. “Every September, we distribute school supplies to children as they prepare for a new academic session,” he says. “It’s a simple act, but it can change everything for a child.”
The first outreach began in his beloved Lagos Island, precisely in Epetedo. “That was our first back-to-school drive, and I remember the looks on the children’s faces, excitement, gratitude, and hope,” he recalls with emotion. The following year, the initiative moved to Freedom Park, expanding both its reach and its impact. And for 2025, Awofusi has even bigger plans. “We are already in direct talks with Nigeria chess in the slum Guinness world record holder Tunde Onakoya to introduce a chess class during the next drive. We want to inspire kids to think strategically and believe in their mental capacity.”
Tunde onakoya
In May 2025, Awofusi returned to his educational roots in a particularly symbolic gesture. He visited his first ever primary school, Abu Mosque International School, now renamed Abmos Private School, located on Lagos Island, to supply school materials to the current students. “Going back there was emotional,” he shared. “That’s where my academic journey began. Giving back to that very school was like completing a circle.”
But Helping Hand Community isn’t limited to school supplies. The foundation has provided free JAMB forms, Nigeria’s university entrance examination, for students in need. “Last year, we went to Onitolo High School and gave out forms. This year, we visited Stadium Senior High School and did the same,” he shares. The gesture, though seemingly small, removes a significant barrier for many Nigerian youths hoping to pursue higher education.
Perhaps one of the most notable achievements came when the organization renovated Dolphin High School in just three weeks. “We wrote to the Lagos State Government and got the go-ahead,” he says. “It wasn’t easy, government correspondence takes time, but we were determined. The students deserved a better learning environment, and we made it happen.”
Awofusi also has his eyes set on a bigger dream: a computer training center in Lagos schools. “We want to teach students digital design and basic programming. These are skills they can use to change their futures,” he says. For him, empowerment goes beyond charity, it’s about creating a ripple effect of change through knowledge.
His decision to leave the United States and settle permanently in Nigeria surprises many, especially considering he has two children living in the U.S. “But Nigeria is my home,” he says firmly. “I had to come back because my heart is here. My mission is here. The impact I want to make, it starts in Lagos.”
In addition to his humanitarian work, Awofusi is the CEO of Faceman Entertainment, a venture that channels his creativity and interest in media and production. A trained sound engineer, he finds harmony in both his technical skills and his passion for community development. “Faceman allows me to tell stories, to amplify voices. Helping Hand allows me to give hope. Together, they complete me.”
Of course, the road hasn’t been without its challenges. Navigating government bureaucracy has been particularly taxing. “Sometimes we write letters and don’t hear back for months,” he admits. “But we keep pushing. We’re not here for applause; we’re here for impact.”
As September 2025 approaches, Awofusi and his team are already preparing for their largest outreach yet. With plans to incorporate educational games, art, and strategic thinking activities like chess, the event promises to be more than a handout, it will be an experience that shapes young minds.
For Awofusi, it’s all about legacy. “I want these kids to look back someday and say, ‘Someone believed in me. Someone showed up when it mattered.’ If I can be that someone, then I’ve done my job.”
In a society that often measures success by wealth or fame, Engineer Oladimeji Faizol Awofusi redefines it through service and sacrifice. His story is not just one of personal triumph, but a blueprint for community transformation, proof that giving back isn’t just a choice, but a responsibility. From the crowded streets of Epetedo to the classrooms of Dolphin High School and now back to the halls of his first primary school, his mission continues, one helping hand at a time.
