Akin Fatunke of Exxon Mobil, Ndidi Nwuneli, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Bekeme Masade, and Chude Jideonwo are some of the speakers and panelists that graced Development Dialogue 2015, a conference for social entrepreneurs and non-profits hosted by Ideation Hub in Lagos.

The president, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina was represented by the Country Director, Dr. Ousman Dore, who delivered the keynote address – “Spurring Africa’s Development by Social Innovation and Leadership”. He expounded on how African countries are still yet to translate growth into poverty alleviation.

The event attracted a cross-section of great minds and innovators in the social space and of course, a lot of practical, experiential wisdom was shared on related topics. You need not miss out of all that learning though, as we have got you covered. See a selection of quotes from the event below:

‘Social innovation describes a novel solution to a social problem. These innovations can exist in both public and private sectors’ – Ndidi Nwuneli, LEAP Africa

‘Practitioners in the social sector have their mission statements and values listed out, but not so much structure. We need to think through long term processes in order to scale. Passion cannot sustain us; we MUST invest in scalable processes’ – Ndidi Nwuneli

‘Apart from attending seminars and conferences like this one, you learn a lot from your networks. This is alternative education; build strong networks and be in a learning mode always’ – Mosun Layode ED, WIMBIZ

‘NGOs need to collaborate and speak with one voice to get the government to listen to them and then, they will move forward’ – Akin Olukiran, Institute of Voluntary Sector Management (IVSM)

‘Craft your social vision aptly and be known for something’ – Adebola Deji-Kurunmi, Ideation Hub

‘Have a clear vision; let the impact you want to make be clear from the start. Your strategic partnerships are the collaborations you need; the need for financial aid is way down the line’ – Adenike Adeyemi, Fate Foundation

‘Don’t let your focus be on funding to start with; focus first on processes, data, and your mission’ – Chude Jideonwo, Red Media

‘Funding is like a demon spirit! You may lose your very essence if you chase after it; the blind pursuit of funding will cripple your creativity’ – Chude Jideonwo, Red Media

‘If you have a mission, you do not need permission’ – Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Andela

‘Stay where you are and prove that you can do something. Clarify yourself first before even seeking partnerships’ – Iyin Aboyeji

‘Forget about funding; nobody will fund nothing. Start at your own level’ – Dele Osunmakinde, Enterprising Nigeria.

‘Lack of professionalism is the hallmark of many non-profits. Set out to do yours right by setting up systems and structures; build your staff capacity, and transition from social innovation to social entrepreneurship’ – Mosun Layode

In her opening speech, Ideation Hub boss and host of the event, Adebola Deji-Kurunmi stressed that social innovation does not end with setting up an NGO or a social enterprise. The social development sector is very powerful and in fact, development practitioners must step up and take their place because they come second to the government in effecting social change.

Deji-Kurunmi further said that a research she carried out months ago at the Enterprise Development Center had shown her that social workers were not poised to succeed due to the lack of managerial know-how. Part of Ideation Hub’s mission is thus, to develop a social ecosystem that brings social practitioners together and aids collaboration.

 

According to a 2009 count by the Corporate Affairs Commision, there are over 46,000 NGOs registered in Nigeria, but do these numbers correlate with the advances and accomplishments of the social sector?