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#LEAPSIPA celebrates Graduating & Incoming Cohorts for 2019/2020 Fellowship Session

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It was an inspiring and exciting day for social entrepreneurs who were graduating from the fellowship; the 3 outstanding winners of the 2018/19 Class, 20 finalists of the 2019/20 Class and Dr. Pamela Hartigan Prize for Social Innovation 2019 recipient.

Reeta Roy‘s keynote address celebrated African youth and shared a lot about the Foundation’s work globally. Reeta sees youth as an ocean of heroes, who are capable of driving social-economic development. She said we must help our young people recognize and capitalize on the opportunities around them”

President & CEO Mastercard Foundation at the SIPA 2019, Reeta called for all to stand for something, stand for others and stand up for bold ideas.

She further said, Nothing is sustainable unless it is owned, led and created by the people who have the most stake and are closest to it”.
The conference drew attention to the SDGs through art (musicals, dance, and design). The fireside and plenary session allowed for a rich conversation on social innovation and how to leap above the challenges. You can catch all the news, stories and quotes using the hashtag #LEAPSIPA2019 on all social media platforms.

Reeta Roy, President, and CEO, Mastercard Foundation, Dr. Pamela Hartigan Award winner – Emmanuel Owobu, Founder, MObicure and  Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Founder, LEAP Africa, Co-founder AACE Foods and Director, Sahel Capital.

Bankole Williams moderating the plenary session at #LEAPSIPA2019

Here are more excerpt from Reeta’s speech:
  • Entrepreneurship is a mindset that sees problems as opportunities.
  • Opportunities are not always visible
  • Wherever you go, build a community. Community helps to build strength and also helps us to stay true to ourselves. In building a community, seek Mentor, Become a mentor and this is the beautiful spirit of LEAP Africa.
  • Sticking to your dreams requires discipline, desire, and grit.
  • Social Change is the process to solve privilege moments and celebrating triumphs.
  • Heroism is a choice to make every single day.

Other speakers had this to say:

As a private firm, be intentional in institutionalizing social development goals. Remember, it is not always about the profit alone, but the impact” – Clare Omatseye, MD, JCN International
Solutions should be brought to the doorstep of people who face the challenge”Achenyo-ldachaba Obaro, Founder, MITIMETH
Young people can begin to contribute to the SDGs by picturing the world they love to see and creating solutions around problems. Stop complaining!” – Amusa Temitope Victor, Founder, Vicfold Recyclers
Take a chance, believe in yourself, believe in your business”Solape Hammond, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State.
NGOs should take a break and build the right structures to help position their organization in the global space” – Alero Ogholi, Founder RUDERF .
Award Categories at #LEAPSIPA2019

Dr. Emmanuel Owobu founded co-founded MObiCure. MObicure has developed OMOMI and myPaddi apps reaching over 60,000 young people in the last 5years.

Idehai Rita Oluwakemi is the MD, Ecobarter, Her initiative has raised $11,306 in funds, employed over 60 waste workers, reached over 3,500 direct beneficiaries within Abuja, Nigeria.

Udebuana Oscar Obiora co-founded Edupoint. Having employed 7000 tutors, Edupoint has footprints of impact in 100 schools across 5 cities in Nigeria. With thriving partnerships with public and private investors, Edupoint has raised $30,000 in revenue.

Adereni Abiodun founded HelpMum to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Nigeria. Having trained 20,000 registered nurses and 700 traditional birth attendants, Helpmum has reached women across 50 remote communities in 5 states in Nigeria. HelpMum has raised $225,000 in revenue till date

Meet The Outgoing & Incoming Fellows

Special Recognition to our sponsors: BellaNaija, Union Bank, Mastercard, Ford Foundation, Gali, World Connect, Amstel Malta, Nestle, Coca Cola, ThisDay, Afrinolly, BusinessDay, Dotts, Channels

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This content has been published for free as part of BellaNaija.com‘s commitment to youth, education, healthcare and community development as part of our corporate social responsibility programme

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