The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean28 Swimming Academy, Akinrodoye Dare Samuel, popularly known as ‘Coach Dreh’, has received an award from the Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit.
This award bestowed on him was tagged, “Youth Impact Award For Social Change,” in recognition of his outstanding commitment to driving awareness and inspiring positive change in the society.
Presenting the award yesterday at the Muson Centre in Lagos, the Chairman, Lagos NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, through the Summit Coordinator, Segun McMedal, said that the award was a well deserved one especially on his remarkable feat of swimming across the Lagos Lagoon to promote mental health awareness.
According to McMedal, the campaign has deeply resonated with communities and brought much needed attention to critical issues such as mental health, suicide prevention and depression.
He said, “Through your courageous effort, you have not only highlighted the importance of these topics but also, inspired many to seek help and embrace hope. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
In response to the award, Coach Dreh appreciated the recognition while stating that, it reflects the impact of the 11.8 kilometers swim across the Third Mainland Bridge to raise awareness for mental health.
He said, “It was a privilege to accept this recognition at the Youth Impact for Change at the 9th Lagos Digital and PR Summit hosted by Upticomm in partnership with the Lagos NIPR and convener of the summit, President & CEO of Upticomm Marketing Company, Mr. Segun McMedal, alongside Chairman, Lagos NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, and the Senior Special Assistant to president Tinubu on Digital Communication, Strategy/New Media O’tega Ogra on this day.”
He dedicated the achievement to everyone battling mental health challenges while encouraging every young man/woman who needs and begins to write his/her name in history.
He said, “As you strive hard to become someone of value in your society.
their will be challenges and sometimes it could be a person or system that will deter you from doing so. Writing your name with a pen might not be your best bet. you might have to engrave it.”
“Together, we can break the stigma and create a more supportive community. Thank you for believing in the cause.”
