In the course of implementing its developmental programmes, the Act Foundation, a grant making non-profit organisation has lifted the living standards of a total of 220.000 Nigerians.
Since inception the Act Foundation has collaborated with 49 organisations which organisations are implementing 75 unique initiatives in 36 states of Nigeria, the Federal capital territory and South Africa.
“Our journey to social development is guided by zeal to promote sustainability in programmes geared towards bridging social and economic deficit”, Tunde Folawiye, chairman of the Foundation, said at the 3rd breakfast dialogue themed, “Social and Global Impact: Engaging for Growth,” held recently in Lagos.
Folawiye said the organisation promotes broad-base participation and partnership with other institutions the building sustainable communities and providing innovative solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
He said the organisation provides grants to support local, national and regional non-profits, working to address challenges and associated vulnerabilities across the African continent.
“A considerable amount of our work cuts across the areas of health, entrepreneurship, environment and leadership, fully recognizing that these core areas directly impact the bulk of developmental lapses on our continent,” Folawiye said.
According to him, the landscape for non-profit organisation is constantly evolving, growing and developing, and that last year witnessed an increase in the number of organisations in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Herbert Wigwe, group managing director/CEO, Access Bank, said growth in the developmental sector plays an integral role in helping multi- sector organisations to thrive and find new growth prospect.
He said the bank through its polo tournament in the UK has taken 13,000 children off the streets, adding that in the next two years, the bank would have built 150 hostels and 300 classrooms.
Wigwe stressed that growth in the developmental sector plays an integral role in helping multi-sector organisations to thrive and find new growth prospect. He admitted that strategic partnerships help to scale organisations, for example the partnership between Act Foundation and Access Bank as partnered with well over 47 organisations to drive social impact across communities in the continent.
“Access bank Plc is committed to ensuring that we realize Africa of our dreams and Africa in which the future generations are secured. The support that we are giving and will continue to give to Act Foundation is a way of showing the world that we are dedicated to improving the standard of living of Africans by contributing immensely to the economic and social growth,” Wigwe said.
Delivering a keynote address, Austin Okere, founder, Computer Warehouse Group and entrepreneur-in-residence, the Asso Leadership Academy, identified five forces that drive sustainable growth. These include organisation, population, social political environment, power and profit.
He said that without effective leadership, it would not be possible to achieve social economic development in the country.
