Nigerian-born British actor David Oyelowo offers scholarships to five of the freed Chibok girls

NIGERIAN-British actor David Oyelowo has granted leadership scholarships to five of the freed Chibok girls who were abducted by Boko Haram on April 14 2014 as part of a plan to enable them continue their education.

Four years ago, Boko Haram kidnapped 219 pupils from their boarding school Government Girls Secondary School Chibok in Borno State. Since then, over half of the girls have been released, while a few escaped but Boko Haram insists that some of the girls are married to its commanders and want to remain with the sect.

Some of the freed girls have been granted scholarships in the US, while most of them have continued their education in Nigeria. Mr Oyelowo, an Oscar-nominated actor, born in England to Nigerian parents, is best known for his portrayal of Martin Luther King in the award winning movie Selma in 2014.

Mr Oyelowo said: “I am proud to present the glorious recipients of the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship,. They survived terror at the hands of Boko Haram, now the journey toward their true destiny has begun.

“We cannot stand idly by while thousands of innocent girls remain under serious threat. With our help, these bright and resilient girls can blossom into Nigeria’s most inspiring leaders in government, education, business, entertainment, and so much more."

He added that he made the donation under the auspices of David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship in conjunction with the Geanco Foundation, which donates critical supplies to schools in Nigeria. His scholarship scheme is aimed at providing life-changing scholarships to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality.

“That is what these leadership scholarships are all about. We seek to nurture a generation of strong female trailblazers whose positive impact will be felt across Nigeria and around the world," Mr Oyelowo added.

Mr Oyelowo plays an active role in selecting its recipients and raising money to ensure its continued success. His scholarship, which started with preliminary plans in August 2015, has so far been funded by the likes of The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Participant Media and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.

Over the cause of his carrier, Mr Oyelowo has also played the role of a chess coach in Queen of Katwe in 2016 and acted a supporting role in the film Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011. He recently starred as Harold Soyinka in soon-to-be-released action comedy film called Gringo.