May 2018

The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve www.thesparkng.com www.thesparkng.com The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve
On Passion and Profit
An average entrepreneur is in business solely for the profit. As a
social entrepreneur, you want to drive a social reform in a chosen
field of interest with the same passion and rigour of a business
entrepreneur but with no incentives in form of profit or other
financial gains. Considering this challenging path, venturing in
social entrepreneurship requires not just passion but a shrewd
entrepreneurial zeal to see it through.
“My passion is fuelled by the disparity between the various
socio-economic classes in this country and by my daily experience
and interaction with these people while navigating the city of
Lagos. I personally believe education and entrepreneurship
will not only bridge this social class gap but it will bring about
sustainable economic and social development.”
I believe I have a long way to go in seeing through the solutions.
Education is a huge sector with a lot of challenges and considering
where we are coming from as a nation, solving the problem of
education in Nigeria cannot be handled by government or few
individuals. All hands must be on deck - the government and
the private sector. The government of Nigeria budgeted 7%
for education in the last national budget which is way smaller
than the recommended 26% by United Nations. Government
can do better. However, with my passion and zeal, I will ensure
I adequately contribute my quota towards ensuring that there is
an appreciable difference in the status quo through my activities
and initiatives.
The Joy of Empowerment
Nothing gives me more joy than seeing the smiles on the faces of
these school children whenever I engage them. It’s my single
biggest motivation. It has made all the walk through the journey
worth it. Interacting with them helps me feel at peace and there
is renewed hope I have for this country. This has not only been
exciting for me but rewarding as well. I am driven by the nurture
that whoever educates a child is building a nation and I believe
my involvement is my contribution to the growth of this country.
But the work and the journey never end and I hope that Allah
keeps us alive so that we will continue to do more. I hope that
all scholarship recipients of the BTA Education Fund get to do
well in their various fields. This is reward enough and will keep
us motivated to do more and expand the program’s scope. So
far, we have been able to reach out to youths in Lagos but we
definitely hope to extend the program to youths all over Nigeria.
The Economic Effect of the BTA Education Fund
Education is the cornerstone of every nation. Provision of quality
education is one of the 17 global sustainable development goals
and it is aimed at ensuring equal access to affordable education
and the elimination of gender and wealth disparities. This is in
line with my social enterprise and I believe that with my current
progress, a significant impact will be made on a national and
continental level.
So far, the feedback is immense. The impact that easily comes to
mind is the feedback from St. John’s RCM School, Ayeteju, Ibeju-
Lekki, Lagos. This is a school I adopted and I have been seeing
to their needs. The last time I was there to donate educational
materials, a teacher randomly walked up to me to tell me that the
number of students coming to school have drastically increased
and it is not unconnected to the last outreach we had in the school
where we also donated food and other educational materials and
learning aids.
If this approach is replicated and well managed, I believe the
impact in years to come will be overwhelming. Imagine every
wealthy man adopting a public school and judiciously seeing to
their needs as a form of philanthropy.
A Continent with No Problems
I see Africa as the emerging hub of modern civilization. Every new
technology, new innovation, new business model would be
tested and implemented in Africa being a virgin ground and
only education can make us all inclusively part of this coming
revolution.
I see Social Entrepreneurs trying to reach personal/organizational
milestones with the entrepreneurial zeal of Richard Branson but lacking
the compassion and passion of Mother Teresa. A social entrepreneur
should be able to demonstrate and combine both characteristics and
attributes.
My advice to social entrepreneurs would be this, “Whatever you do, don’t
forgo your passion. That idea of yours could the solution to a daunting
global challenge. It takes perseverance, patience and time. You must give
your all to see it through.”
An Empowerment Opportunity for The Nigerian Youth
Tosin Ashafa seeks to create opportunities and expand the capacity of
young people to take an early interest in politics and leadership. He gives,
and is willing to give his time, which is usually in form of mentorship,
giving inspiring and practical advice on business, entrepreneurship,
politics and leadership.
Would you be the one? See page 33 for how to apply now.
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