Dr. Remi Abere

The Transformative Power of Collaboration in Social Entrepreneurship In my journey to establish the Mwika Social Innovation Hub in Clarkston, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of collaboration on driving positive change. From cultivating partnerships to fostering synergies, collaboration has been the cornerstone of our efforts. As an ambassador for the Edwin Jarvis Cowork Club, I've had the privilege of initiating discussions with the Clarkston Community Center to propose collaborative initiatives. Today, I'm thrilled to see the Dream Big Youth Academy extending its educational offerings to our community's youth through capoeira Angola classes—a testament to our commitment to holistic development. But our journey doesn't end here. Another promising collaboration is on the horizon, promising even greater strides towards empowerment and advancement. In alignment with our ethos of inclusive entrepreneurship, I've engaged with the Office of Economic Development at the City of Clarkston, exploring avenues for mutual growth and prosperity. This experience reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of collaboration. By fostering alliances and leveraging collective expertise, we can catalyze positive change and foster an environment ripe for innovation and progress. Join us in championing collaboration as a catalyst for social impact and entrepreneurship. Together, let's build bridges, forge connections, and pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future. #SocialImpact #Collaboration #Entrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #ThoughtLeadership

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British Council Delegation Visits the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub A delegation from the British Council and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) recently visited the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) to strengthen collaboration and support initiatives aimed at enhancing youth employability and entrepreneurship. Led by Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of UGBS, the welcoming committee comprised heads of various departments and lecturers who acknowledged the significance of the partnership with the British Council in advancing educational and developmental goals. Discussing challenges related to employability, mindset, and entrepreneurship among young adults, Prof. Bawole mentioned financial constraints as a hindrance to development initiatives and expressed the need for collaborative efforts with the British Council to provide support. Emphasising UGBS's role in national development, he noted the importance of extending assistance to other universities to maximize their potential. Read more, https://lnkd.in/dU6B9it3 #UGBS #FCDO

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REGIONAL INTEGRATION AS ACCELERATOR FOR NIGERIAN DEVELOPMENT Back in the days when I was the Regional Coordinator, at HMG's Department for International Development (DFID) in South West Nigeria, my team and I designed a Regional Intervention, under the Regional Initiative Fund to provide support to facilitate Summits of the Heads of Civil Services of all six South Western states of Nigeria in an annual conference starting in 2010 and led by Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe the then, Head of Service of Lagos State Government and his colleagues at that time including Mr. Bunmi Famosaya of Ekiti, mni., Mrs Adekunle in Ogun state and others. It was primarily designed to avail the top echelon of the States’ Public Service the opportunity to share experiences on a series of Public Service Reforms to restore the effectiveness and efficiency of their civil services, as well as to plan for the replication and, or scaling up of regional best practice. This support came as a lesson's learning project, and preparation-for-scaling up after a separate but initiating programme of public service reforms which were first implemented in, and proved successful by the Lagos State Government, with the support and technical advisory capacity of DFID Nigeria.   The regional initiative, while it lasted, began the drive towards standardizing service delivery in the region, enhanced policy coordination, identifying common challenges and forging shared solutions, fostered social cohesion, and enhanced positive competition amongst the states in the region. The emphasis on standardizing service delivery, enhancing policy coordination, and fostering social cohesion through regional cooperation resonates with the idea that certain aspects of development can be more effectively addressed at the regional level. This approach acknowledges the diversity within Nigeria while recognizing the common challenges and opportunities that exist across regions. Indeed, Nigeria's geopolitical zones can serve as platforms for building political settlements, promoting social harmony, and addressing shared development objectives. By leveraging the strengths and resources within each region, there is potential to significantly reduce poverty, promote economic stability, and ultimately foster peace and prosperity for all citizens. As Nigeria considers restructuring, one would suggest that to make it easier to manage the country realistically, we must think of decentralizing certain functions and empowering regions to align to ensure more effective governance and development outcomes at the sub-national levels. This is reminiscent of the first republic when the 4 regions of Nigeria tried to outdo themselves in terms of bringing development to their people As we restructure Nigeria, we must seek to make it easier to manage.

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As the curtains draw to a close on the Connected Africa Summit 2024, profound discussions continue to resonate; indeed, the real essence lies in unlocking the latent potential within Africa's digital ecosystem, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital revolution. With concerted efforts and unwavering commitment, we can bridge the digital divide and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous Africa. Here's to shaping the future of a connected Africa and unleashing its limitless possibilities. #ConnectedAfricaSummit #DigitalTransformation #DigitalEconomy #Connectingdots #AfricaAgenda2063 #AfricaRising

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It was an absolute pleasure to have Dr Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, join Professor Chris Ogbechie, Dean, Lagos Business School, in class to discuss a case study about Stanbic IBTC with participants in the Owner-Manager Programme of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University and Strathmore Business School (SBS) Kenya. The case study, "Beyond the Buzzwords: Concrete Sustainability Measures in Corporate Strategy," highlights Stanbic IBTC Holding's holistic approach to incorporating ESG initiatives into its corporate strategy. Authored by Professor Chris Ogbechie (Dean, Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University and Segun Jones (Hub lead, Lagos Business School Management Hub) in collaboration with Dr. Demola Sogunle (the case protagonist), this case study provides an in-depth exploration of how sustainability is woven into Stanbic IBTC Holdings' corporate strategy, highlighting its extensive benefits. During the class session, Professor Ogbechie underscored the importance of sustainability for modern businesses, emphasizing that true success is now measured not just by revenue targets but by a company's commitment to environmental stewardship. Dr. Sogunle also echoed these sentiments, detailing Stanbic IBTC Holding's unwavering commitment to its ESG benchmarks. He underscored that the company's sustainability initiatives are meticulously designed to align with global best practices and recommendations. As part of its sustainability roadmap, Stanbic IBTC has planted 43,928 trees over the past three years, intending to reach 100,000 trees by 2025. Dr. Sogunle remarked, "Our motivation stems from our top leadership’s recognition of the critical interdependence between Stanbic IBTC's success and the welfare of the communities we serve. As market leaders in various sectors, with substantial trust in our Group, we have embraced sustainability in all its facets. We have set ambitious targets for ourselves, and based on our current progress, we are confident in our ability to achieve these goals." Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, faces many environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, oil spillages, deforestation, desertification, erosion, and flooding. In 2022, catastrophic floods affected 3.2 million people, resulting in over 600 deaths, displacing 100,000 people, and destroying over 300 hectares of farmland. By spearheading initiatives to protect the environment, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC aims not only to support the government's sustainability efforts but also to inspire other corporate organizations to make environmental conservation a top priority. Sign up on the Lagos Business School Management Hub website now and get notified when the case study is published: https://lnkd.in/durzcqn3

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Introducing Africa's premier Knowledge Business School - Knowledge Business Hub (KBH). At KBH, we're pioneering a paradigm shift. We're not just offering education; we're building a transformative system. Our mission is to guide tens of thousands of young individuals across Africa in recognizing their areas of expertise and empowering them to leverage that knowledge to create innovative digital solutions. These solutions not only enrich lives but also contribute to the betterment of society while fostering personal wealth creation. Through our programs, we aim to transition individuals from the traditional mindset of job seeking to that of job creation and from being mere consumers to proactive producers. By doing so, we actively support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (1, 4, 8 & 9), driving positive change on both local and global scales. In under a year, we've already impacted the lives of 753 individuals through our diverse offerings, including free trainings, our renowned Academy (KMA), comprehensive ebooks, and engaging online courses. And this is just the beginning. We remain dedicated to unveiling new ideas and initiatives to realize our vision and make a lasting social and global impact. Join us at Knowledge Business Hub , where knowledge meets opportunity, and together, let's shape the future of Africa's knowledge economy. Don't forget to follow us, like and share this post. #knowledgebusinesses #creatoreconomy #knowledgeeconomy #onlinebusiness #digitalbusiness #KBH #Africabusiness #sdgs #youngafricans #gloriadove

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Find, herein, a compilation of the most viable industries in Africa - for business and investment opportunities. In summary, these comprise: Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, FinTech, ICT, Health Care, and Manufacturing. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gYTExHt #AfricanGrowthMarkets #ImpactInvestment #InternationalTrade #FDI

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In this insightful clip from Innovation Storytellers Show, Niosha Kayhani, Director of International Programs and Commercial Products at Cubic, shares a fundamental lesson about nurturing collaboration through storytelling. 🎙️ Niosha emphasizes the importance of presenting projects as works in progress, rather than polished products, to encourage meaningful input and reduce the barrier for others to contribute their perspectives. By doing so, teams are more willing to engage, suggest improvements, and challenge the status quo. He touches on the fear that sometimes holds people back, but explains how embracing the right mindset and data-driven storytelling can help you navigate tricky waters and drive innovation forward. Learn how Niosha guided his team through these challenges to release a successful product—and why being willing to seek diverse opinions, challenge norms, and have tough conversations is key to organizational change. Tune in to hear more about fostering a culture that values open dialogue and collaboration! 👉 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dqd8RNUs #Technology #Future #Podcast #Innovation

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When it comes to business, knowledge and finance are two sides of the same coin. While accessing finance is key to growing a business, knowing how to access and deploy it is just as important. IFC. We help in securing both Neverlank Consultancy

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Introducing Africa's premier Knowledge Business School - Knowledge Business Hub (KBH). At KBH, we're pioneering a paradigm shift. We're not just offering education; we're building a transformative system. Our mission is to guide tens of thousands of young individuals across Africa in recognizing their areas of expertise and empowering them to leverage that knowledge to create innovative digital solutions. These solutions not only enrich lives but also contribute to the betterment of society while fostering personal wealth creation. Through our programs, we aim to transition individuals from the traditional mindset of job seeking to that of job creation and from being mere consumers to proactive producers. By doing so, we actively support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (1, 4, 8 & 9), driving positive change on both local and global scales. In under a year, we've already impacted the lives of 753 individuals through our diverse offerings, including free trainings, our renowned Academy (KMA), comprehensive ebooks, and engaging online courses. And this is just the beginning. We remain dedicated to unveiling new ideas and initiatives to realize our vision and make a lasting social and global impact. Join us at Knowledge Business Hub, where knowledge meets opportunity, and together, let's shape the future of Africa's knowledge economy. Don't forget to follow us, like and share this post. #knowledgebusinesses #creatoreconomy #knowledgeeconomy #onlinebusiness #digitalbusiness #KBH #Africabusiness #sdgs #youngafricans

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Reflecting on the Teach4SDGs Programme: A Journey Through African Union’s Vision and Youth Empowerment I am thrilled to share my ongoing experience with the Teach4SDGs Programme, an enlightening journey that will not only deepened my understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but will also equipped me with the tools to make a tangible impact in my community. From the rich history of the African Union (AU) to its ambitious objectives and vision, the workshop has been a treasure trove of knowledge. I’ve delved into the AU’s operational structure, gaining insights into its mechanisms for fostering continental unity and development. The seven aspirations of Agenda 2063 have particularly resonated with me, painting a picture of an Africa with a strong cultural identity, heritage, and shared values. The first and second ten-year implementation plans have outlined actionable steps towards this vision, emphasizing the importance of strategic frameworks and collective action. As a young African, the programme has underscored the critical role of youth in the implementation of these plans. It has been empowering to learn about the various pathways through which we can contribute to the continent’s progress, from policy advocacy to grassroots initiatives. The Teach4SDGs Programme is more than just a series of lectures and workshops; it’s a call to action for all of us to become architects of our future. I am excited to continue this journey and I encourage my everyone to join in this transformative experience. #Teach4SDGs #UnitedNations #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #AfricanUnion #Agenda2063 #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityImpact

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Real Estate & Sustainability. Did you know Real Estate sector contribute upto 42% of Green House Gases that drives climate change? Turn off that AC when you're leaving your home or office. It starts from little steps by all of us. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions.

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In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, effective tech governance is essential for driving productivity and achieving desired outcomes in both organisations and governments. By aligning technology initiatives with strategic goals, managing risks, engaging stakeholders, measuring performance, ensuring compliance, developing talent, and promoting continuous improvement, organisations can harness the power of technology to enhance productivity and create a competitive advantage. Authentic calls for tech governance are critical to ensure that technology is leveraged responsibly and effectively to support resource control values and overall robust productivity. #TechEMAvision https://g.co/kgs/KgLkSb https://lnkd.in/eEKNWA_P

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IFC report reveals major digital opportunities for Africa

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The transformation and innovation of technology will spur development in Africa in many fundamental ways, especially if governments choose to pursue those paths deliberately and diligently. #Africa #Technology #Innovation www.ntl.or.tz https://lnkd.in/eR4Uq2gs

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So, last week, I spent time with A4T Solar in Lagos building their skill set and knowledge and reviewing their policies on #safeguarding. Thanks for having me, and well done. I always forget to take pictures, but we did that in the end. We often make the mistake of assuming that only those in the humanitarian and development sectors should be concerned about #safeguarding. All front-facing businesses with staff providing any service to communities (regardless of vulnerability, IDPs, rural, etc) should have clear policies SEAH on prevention, reporting, and response. There is no need to pretend that this is not needed; it is and can cause serious reputational damage when it fails. Look forward to reviewing the updated policies. #SocialEnterprise #Solar #GreenEnergy #CleanEnergy #ShellFoundation

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If you missed what happened on Tech Trends this week, here’s a quick overview of what was featured. First was an MSME Stakeholders Engagement Series for Women-Led Enterprises organised by Jennifer Adighije, SSA to the President on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Digital Economy. It was a platform where esteemed female entrepreneurs like funke bucknor-obruthe, Banke Meshida-Lawal and Bukky George-Taylor among others to share their experiences and strategies for success. And there was my interview with Damian Eke, an assistant professor, School of Computer science at the University of Nottingham. We spoke about the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa. Tap on the link below to watch the episode. #msme #entrepreneurship #innovation #digitaleconomy #artificialintelligence #AIInAfrica #AI #ethicaluseofAI #responsibleuseofAI

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DalO Systems recently won a $20K grant from the Queens Economic Development Corporation. With those funds, they have been able to focus business development on Nigeria and gain a better understanding of waste management there. The Tamer Fund for Social Ventures portfolio member, founded by Cuthbert Ayo Onikute, '13GSAPP, collects and processes solid waste in cities of West Africa into products such as fertilizer, recyclable material, and energy. --- The Tamer Fund for Social Ventures provides seed grants to #nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid early-stage Columbia University-affiliated #social and #environmental ventures that are solving critical problems around the world. Learn more about the fund here: https://lnkd.in/eYzuBAz7

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☕ Come along to the CIE (Centre for International Education) Research Cafe next week to explore research into Holistic and Indigenous perspectives around education in Northcentral Nigeria. 🧃🎒🚸 The seminar will be hosted by Bukola Oyinloye from the University of York. 📆 When? 👉 Wednesday, 6th December, 3:30-5pm 📍 Where? 👉 EH19, Essex House 🎟️ Please register here: https://lnkd.in/eQn9SGWz Refreshments provided! 🍰 For more information about the research, please see below 👇 📑 This seminar shares findings from a study of rural African parents' perspectives on, and involvement in, schooling in two rural Yorùbá primary school-communities in North central Nigeria. The study employed an ethnographic approach, embedded within a situated Ọmọlúàbí moral ethics framework, and applied thematic and capabilitarian analyses within a Sen-Bourdieu conceptual framework. The seminar focuses on parents’ perspectives and reveals parents’ articulation of ethnotheories, or cultural beliefs about children’s lives, which transcended schooling and integrated other valued forms of learning: learning at home, Islamic schooling, and informal apprenticeships. Various capabilities were desired from these diverse forms of learning, and some limitations identified. Specific to schooling, parents constructed theirs and teachers’ roles in similar and notably different ways. The seminar invites participants to reflect on parental (and carer) ethnotheories, and the implications of the findings on schooling in rural African contexts.

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