Odu’a, NPO hold summit on Philanthropy
…aim to create jobs and enhance MSMEs Growth
Odua Investment Company Limited in collaboration with Nigeria Philanthropy Office (NPO) have held an inaugural summit on philanthropy.
The summit, South West Philanthropy summit was held in Lagos yesterday and had in attendance Governor of Lagos State, members of the Board of directors of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chairperson, Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing (NPO), Rev Bunmi Jenyo, Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Osun State, Mrs Abike Dabiri Erewa, OON, Chairman, NIDCOM, amongst others.
The summit was organized on the backdrop of a partnership between NPO, a private-led coordinating office within the Office of the Vice President and Odu’a Investment focusing on driving philanthropic support for MSMEs as well as creating jobs for the teeming youths in the region in months to come.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stressed the need to transition from spontaneous acts of kindness to strategic, measurable, and sustainable initiatives.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted the critical role of private-sector philanthropy in complementing government efforts, particularly in addressing youth unemployment, women’s empowerment, and job creation.
He urged philanthropists, private sector leaders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to adopt a more structured and data-driven approach to giving, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to maximise impact.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Odua and Chairperson of the summit called for the development of home grown models to promote MSMEs capacity and growth through philanthropy, social and impact investment.
Ashiru emphasized that Philanthropy is a great tool for driving economic and social impact across the world, he pointed out, that in Nigeria, there is an opportunity to better leverage philanthropy in these areas.
In her remarks, Mrs Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke , Chairperson, Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing (NPO) disclosed that since the inauguration of NPO last year by Vice President Kashim Shetima, the office has established eight strategic partnerships.
Ekiyor-Solanke also revealed that the organisation has built powerful based philanthropic platform saying that “am happy that all our activities has been funded by Nigerian capital.
She further noted that NPO has secured grants from 100 companies to support job creation and economic growth in Nigeria, particularly within the MSME sector saying that NPO is geared towards generating one million jobs directly and indirectly within the MSME ecosystem.
She said NPO aims to mobilize $200 million in philanthropic support for MSMEs, particularly women-led businesses.
In his keynote speech, the Chairman of Airtel Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, noted misaligned values, national laws and policy constraints, quality and scope of interventions, as well as public perceptions and trust as the challenges facing the private sector.
He, however, advocated for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil societies to create impact, partnership, and opportunities.
