Odu’a Investment Company Limited and the Nigerian Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing (NPO) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost funding for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in South-West Nigeria. This partnership will concentrate on vital sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, fashion, and furniture manufacturing.
Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, Chairperson of NPO, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with partners across diverse interests, emphasizing that collective expertise leads to a broader impact. She highlighted the aim of unlocking skills and enhancing capacity-building, while fostering collaborations with the government to address high unemployment rates and associated social issues.
Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director/CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, underscored the importance of the partnership in achieving impact investing goals in the South-West region. He noted the focus on balancing economic development with social objectives, emphasizing the need to consider employment generation and environmental sustainability alongside profitability. The initiative aims to create jobs, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance local MSMEs’ capabilities through training and support.
This collaboration signifies a significant advancement towards driving economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability in South-West Nigeria, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to make a lasting, positive impact on the region’s economy and communities.