Social Entrepreneurs Urged To Drive Community Development

The publisher of Magastar Magazine, Megastar Man of the Decade Awards, Adeniyi Ifetayo, a renowned media consultant, has called on Nigerians to embrace social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for community development.

He made this appeal yesterday at the Magastar Magazine Awards ceremony in Abuja, which celebrated exceptional individuals and organisations during the prestigious Megastar Awards. The event highlighted transformative contributions to social impact and generational change.

The awards recognised individuals, organisations, and government agencies for their outstanding contributions to community development and national progress over the past decade.

Drawing inspiration from John F. Kennedy’s iconic call to action, Ifetayo emphasized the importance of asking how individuals can serve their communities rather than focusing on personal gain.

“Social enterprises go beyond profit-making. They aim to achieve social or environmental goals while uplifting marginalized groups,” Ifetayo remarked.

Highlighting key principles such as transparency, profit reinvestment, and a strong social mission, he encouraged individuals, organisations, and governments to prioritise social impact in their operations.

The event marked a decade of honouring individuals, corporate organisations, and government agencies that have made significant societal contributions. Past initiatives championed by Ifetayo include providing improved learning environments for over 200 pupils at LEA Primary School in Dutse Sokale and constructing modern restroom facilities for 2,000 students at Junior Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji Sokale, Abuja.

“This is a reminder that small efforts can lead to significant change,” he said, urging attendees to contribute to community development, regardless of their status.

The ceremony also underscored the role of young people in driving innovation and community transformation. Students from the University of Abuja attended the event, drawing inspiration from awardees who turned challenges into opportunities.

Reflecting on the awards’ origins, Ifetayo shared how the first ceremony, held in Shagamu a decade ago, focused on promoting creativity in fashion and music. Since then, the initiative has expanded to include various social impact projects, such as funding school fees and addressing public health crises like cholera outbreaks.

Despite challenges such as maintaining transparency and building trust, Ifetayo credited partnerships with organisations like Channels TV for sustaining the awards’ mission. This year’s recipients included the Pacesetter Group of Schools for their commitment to education and Indomie for its positive impact on Nigerian households.

“Every drop counts,” Ifetayo concluded, urging Nigerians to work toward a nation that inspires global admiration. The awards highlighted the transformative power of value-driven leadership and the potential of social enterprises to shape a brighter future for Nigeria.

The event also featured notable speakers, including Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation International, who advocated for sustainable social enterprise.

“By ensuring we take care of our children, we address insecurity at its root. Instant wealth often overshadows sustainable growth. Humble beginnings, like mine as a library attendant and errand boy, are the building blocks of a stable society,” Momodu remarked.

Nasarawa State attorney general, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, highlighted the state’s grassroots initiatives, including a national model skills acquisition centre.

“Social investment is essential for job creation and economic growth. We must prioritize sustainable development over chasing quick gains,” Magaji emphasised.

Other speakers, including Stephanie Busari and Lawrence Emmanuel, highlighted the power of small actions and collaboration in driving national progress.