At the 2024 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), Sterling One Foundation, alongside other prominent partners, emphasized the urgent need for increased collaboration between the private and public sectors to drive investment in critical areas essential for national development.
Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, highlighted that over ₦3 billion has been invested to revitalize 50 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria. This significant investment followed a partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN).
Ibekwe shared during the summit, “For instance, the partnership between the MTN Foundation and PSHAN has resulted in over ₦3 billion invested into more than 50 PHCs nationwide. This is just one of the numerous impactful investments. Another example includes an investment of $1 million in startups. These examples illustrate the broader impact of our collective efforts.”
She underscored the need for greater synergy among private sector players, public institutions, and stakeholders to amplify the impact of such investments.
Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank Plc, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Increased collaboration is crucial for national progress. Initially, we were funding these initiatives alone, but now, many have joined in. There are ample opportunities in both business and economic sectors, and we have witnessed the benefits of effective partnerships. However, social impact often remains isolated.”
Weert Borner, the German Consul General in Lagos, acknowledged the challenges in achieving Social Development Goals (SDGs) but reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to these objectives. He added, “Germany recognizes the challenges in achieving the SDGs but remains dedicated to them. We have German companies here and are actively seeking further collaboration to enhance investment in Nigeria.”
This call for enhanced cooperation aims to bolster investment in key sectors, particularly healthcare, to drive sustainable development and address critical needs across the country.
