Ashiru urges stakeholders to leverage philanthropy for job creation

By Sodiq Adelakun

Group Chairman of Odua Investment Company Limited and Summit Chairperson, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, on Friday called on stakeholders to harness the power of philanthropy as a tool to tackle unemployment and drive economic growth in South-West Nigeria.

He made this known at the maiden edition of the South West Philanthropy Summit, held in Lagos.

Speaking to a cross-section of public and private sector participants, Otunba Ashiru emphasised the Summit’s core objective of spotlighting philanthropy’s role in economic transformation.

“The South West Philanthropy Summit aims to provide a platform to discuss ideas with the potential to contribute exponentially to philanthropy, especially in ways that can help address the problem of unemployment in the region,” he stated.

Highlighting the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Ashiru noted that their support through targeted philanthropic investments could deliver real change.

“Given the role of MSMEs in any economy, this mandate presents a remarkable opportunity to effect economic change across the country.”

He continued: “It was therefore very clear to us when we started engaging the NPO that there are significant shared interests between both entities, and that we share a common mission to deliver economic growth.”

The Chairperson also expressed optimism about the region’s potential to attract global attention and investment through philanthropy.

Also, Ashiru reiterated the importance of developing localized solutions, drawing inspiration from other emerging economies.

“In the end, we should develop and adapt homegrown models that seek to replicate the successes recorded in other emerging and developing countries across the world,” he said.