QS. Muyideen Okunlola Kayode (MOK), a renowned philanthropist and founder of the MOK Foundation, has urged the Nigerian government to forge stronger partnerships with private individuals and organizations in grassroots philanthropy to tackle the country’s persistent development challenges.
Speaking at the Strategic Media Seminar organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sobi FM Chapel, in Ilorin on Wednesday, Kayode highlighted the limitations of government-led programs like the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.
“Despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy, we still grapple with poverty, inequality, and social injustice,” Kayode remarked. “Government programs, though well-intentioned, cannot sufficiently cater to the needs of all vulnerable groups. This is where private grassroots philanthropy becomes essential.”
The Role of Grassroots Philanthropy
Kayode praised the contributions of grassroots philanthropists, emphasizing their critical role in addressing gaps left by government initiatives.
However, he pointed out that a lack of coordination between government programs and private efforts often leads to inefficiencies and duplication.
He also emphasized the pivotal role of the media in fostering collaboration between stakeholders and amplifying the needs of underserved populations. “The media has a watchdog role that ensures transparency and effectiveness in social investment programs.
By fostering public awareness and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, the media can create a platform for impactful collaborations,” he stated.
MOK Foundation: A Case Study in Impactful Philanthropy
Kayode shared insights into the achievements of the MOK Foundation, which has supported over 29,000 people in Kwara State in the past 18 months. The foundation has leveraged local and mainstream media platforms to publicize its activities and keep the public informed.
“The MOK Foundation was born out of a desire to alleviate the financial burdens of individuals and groups.
The media has been instrumental in amplifying our efforts, and we look forward to a sustained partnership with media strategists,” he said.
A Call for Synergy
In his concluding remarks, Kayode called on the government to engage private philanthropists in developing coordinated frameworks to maximize the impact of social investment programs.
He emphasized that collaboration between government initiatives and grassroots philanthropists would minimize inefficiencies and ensure a more equitable society.
“Together, we can bridge the gap between government programs and private philanthropic gestures for the collective good of Nigerians,” Kayode concluded.
This call for action highlights the need for a unified approach to address Nigeria’s development challenges and create a society where no one is left behind.
Source:Newkwara Media
