Stakeholders in the nation’s corporate sector have urged operators within the private sector to  promote innovative and sustainable approaches that will uplift the educational standards for underprivileged children living in low-income communities.

 

According to them, private sector collaborations offer the advantage of diffusing emotional burdens, leading to more informed and intelligent decision-making, noting that the sector can, together, achieve much more to support the provision of sustainable education for the Nigerian youth.

 

The 2023 Transforming Education Summit, tagged ‘Enhancing Access and Quality Education in Africa’,  had visionaries, partners, corporate leaders, and esteemed diplomatic representatives,  converge at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, at The Special Foundation annual summit, to effect meaningful change in the realm of education.

 

Speaking at the event,  Founder of The Special Foundation, Mr. Seyi Akinwale said the event sought to redefine the trajectory of education and leadership, as “we build a formidable platform to confront societal challenges, proper solitaires and uphold the aspirations enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals”.

 

The summit, he added, aimed to chart innovative and sustainable approaches to uplift the educational standards for underprivileged children living in low-income communities.

 

“Founded several years ago, The Special Foundation’s mission is to raise Africa’s future leaders by tackling the educational crisis in our society through increased access to education. What’s truly rewarding is our journey from impacting a single child, nine years ago, to impacting over fifteen thousand children,  presently, while also continuing to educate more than four hundred children. This success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the institutions and individuals here today,” he stated.

 

The CEO of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, articulated the role of the private sector, noting that one of its responsibilities remains improving the lives of the underprivileged children.

 

“In societies where children reside in impoverished conditions, we, the privileged elite, are responsible for eradicating their suffering. It is not an act of benevolence but a solemn obligation,” he stated.

 

He continued, “A significant issue within the corporate sector is the pursuit of success at the expense of society. Some corporate actions inadvertently contribute to the creation of impoverished communities. Then, after achieving success, they attempt to ameliorate the problems they have indirectly caused. This approach raises concerns, and I believe that corporations must build their enterprises responsibly, avoiding the creation of slums and societal impoverishment.”

 

The CEO, Unity Bank, Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun emphasized the power of collaboration for the greater good, stating, “Individual efforts can be limiting, as we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges. Collaborations offer the advantage of diffusing emotional burdens, leading to more informed and intelligent decision-making. Together, we can achieve much more.”

 

Managing Director of EDC Fund Management Limited, a member of the Ecobank Group, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ogunmola said the organisation supports the promotion of quality education for youths as an avenue to create future leaders for both Nigeria and Africa. This, she said, is at the centre of the corporate social responsibility activities of the EDC.

 

Mrs. Ogunmola maintained that the initiative is ensuring that children who come from underserved communities are given the opportunity and a shot at making it in life.

 

“The value connection between us and TSF was instant. As one of the thriving asset management firms in Nigeria, we don’t just proffer top notch financial solutions to our clients but also promote financial inclusion in our society.  We recognize there is an urgent need to support the indigent in our communities to enable them to integrate with the larger society, where opportunity is available for everyone to thrive, especially the young people amongst us,” she added.

 

The summit also featured inspirational stories from beneficiaries of The Special Foundation’s Inspire Scholarship program, a captivating live performance by Seun Adesina and Sinmidele Ayodeji, and a thought-provoking call to action by Mr. Olakunle Soriyan, Chief Knowledge Officer of Kenneth Soriyan Research and Ideas LLC.

 

Other stakeholders present  were:  Board Chairman at African Philanthropy Forum, Gbenga Oyebode;  Founding Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, Asue Ighodalo;  MD of First E&P, Adeyemi Ademola; and MD, Credit Direct, Chukwuma Nwanze.