Growing Discourse on Philanthropy in Nigeria
Recently there has been a spike in narratives around philanthropy – the word, the main players and their activities in Nigeria. This burgeoning term borders on the desire to promote the well-being of others, expressed in particular through the generous donation of money and other items to good causes.
Philanthropic efforts aim to solve problems, close development gaps and ensure that no one is left behind. The problem to be solved can be big or small, the method simple or complicated, but the goal is always the same, to do good. That’s the whole point of philanthropy – to do good.
The world of philanthropy is growing. It is becoming increasingly dynamic, complex and technology-driven as a result of drastic advances in technology and global pandemics. Despite these changes, there are real reasons more and more people are engaging in philanthropy as a work of life. Whether these reasons are altruistic or not is a different story. Philanthropy is done by people for people and a large part of it on people.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, boasts of a few low-key and unassuming philanthropists who have been active in this space and continue to remain relevant. Tunde Folawiyo and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede are exemplary in this regard.
In 2020, following the creation of the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF or the Fund) a nonprofit organization run by the private sector, born out of a partnership between the Global citizen, an international rights organization, and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), two directors, Tunde Folawiyo and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede have mobilized the sum of 500 million naira each to set up the fund under the wise management of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
Today, the Fund has put in place all the governance structures necessary to achieve its main objectives of supporting vulnerable Nigerians, strengthening the health sector and re-skilling the workforce for a post-pandemic era. . He maintains a proper sense of transparency, accountability and accountability at all times. This should come as no surprise to any observer, as the duo are made up of senior executives and technocrats with a deep understanding of ethics, corporate governance and best practices.
Governed by a statutory board composed of experienced and reputable board members – Tunde Folawiyo (chairman), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Uche Orji and Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli – donations are mobilized from ordinary citizens, philanthropists, donor organizations, businesses and government. The funds collected are managed independently by the NSIA and audited by KPMG ensure that all contributions are administered in a responsible manner in order to have the greatest possible impact in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and to mitigate its effects. Grant administration is performed by Waterhouse Coopers Award while monitoring and evaluation is carried out by KPMG.
This unique initiative proved itself once again at the recently concluded fundraising event on the theme “Give a handâ€Where more than 40 individuals and companies (at home and in the diaspora) have been tagged “Guardians of the NSSFâ€Raised and raised the sum of 100 million naira. This is the first of many activities planned to galvanize action by well-meaning individuals and businesses to join the good cause of vaccinating more Nigerians against the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible. At this event, tutors such as Oando, Ernest & Young, Channels TV, Heights Access Nigeria, SO&U, Emadeb Energy, Ardova, Wellbeing Foundation, Sparkle, Coronation Group, Stanbic IBTC Holding, KPMG has also pledged its support, in kind and in cash, for this initiative.
Hailing the leadership of the NSSF for its determination to champion vaccine advocacy in Nigeria, the group’s CEO, Oando, Wale tinubu while promising the sum of N20m, said
“If there’s anything COVID-19 has brought to the world, it’s all more we can do when we come together as a collective. How quickly this collective has stood up to fight the pandemic and in doing so protect the most vulnerable among us is truly uplifting. Well done and we will continue to support your work to have a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. ”
The NSSF is now well established and N111 billion has been raised so far. We need to build on that and grow the fund towards its goal of N2 billion per year. The funds will be used to reduce inequalities in immunization and ensure that Nigerians are well informed about the need for the vaccine, re-skill the workforce and support vulnerable Nigerians.
The fund can only achieve its objective through active collaboration with others, which is why it works with carefully selected partners such as the National Agency for the Development of Primary Health Care (NPHCDA) to ensure equitable distribution and application of vaccines as well as adequate education and awareness on the benefits of getting vaccinated.
This is the flincher, Nigerians from all walks of life can support Nigeria through the NSSF. Well-meaning and philanthropic individuals, businesses, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, public sector institutions and international donor agencies can donate to NSSF. No amount is too small or too large. It is quick and easy to support the NSSF by pledging your support and actively making a difference, in the following ways:
- MAKE A DONATION: Support the NSSF movement by donating HERE. All donations will be used to purchase vaccines and organize immunization education programs.
- TO SHARE: Spread the NSSF’s message on social media and WhatsApp.
- COMMITMENT: Become an advocate for our mission and pledge to support the fund.
- SUPPORT FOR COMPANIES: Business support is essential to the Nigerians’ vaccination mission.
The calm and gentle duo continue to persevere. Tunde Folawiyo, a descendant of the famous Folawiyo family in Lagos Nigeria, is the president of Global Citizen Nigeria. He has been honored with various positions that allow him to implement various initiatives to foster the success of African youth. With her work as a Goodwill Ambassador and her involvement as a member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s World Fellowship, a global network of philanthropists focused on fostering youth development, Tunde Folawiyo has made great strides in promoting promotion of the leaders of tomorrow.
An impact philanthropist, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is the founder and president of the African Governance Initiative, an independent non-profit association that promotes good governance in Africa. AIG partners with Oxford UniversityBlavatnik School of Government, for scholarships that send qualified Africans to Oxford for masters in public policy and scholarships for senior officials. The African Governance Initiative (AIG) partnership is expected to last five years, from 2017/18 to 2021/22. He is the first African co-chair of the Global Business Coalition on health (GBC Health) and the president of Friends of the Global Fund – Africa (Friends Africa).
Folawiyo and Aig-Imoukhuede are genuine philanthropists. They understand the value of working with others to achieve set goals. Compassion, collaboration and cooperation are at the heart of their actions.
To learn more about the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF),
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