Philanthropist seeks govt, private sector partnership to bridge development gaps

A philanthropist, Muyideen Okunlola Kayode, has urged the Nigerian government to strengthen collaboration with public-spirited individuals and organizations involved in grassroots philanthropy to address the development challenges in the country.

Kayode made the plea during his keynote address at the Strategic Media Seminar organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sobi FM Chapel, Ilorin, on Friday.

According to him, while government’s social investment programmes like the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) have been instrumental in supporting vulnerable populations, significant gaps still remain, leaving many underserved.

“Despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy, we still grapple with poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

“Government programmes, though well-intentioned, cannot sufficiently cater for the needs of all vulnerable groups. This is where private grassroots philanthropy becomes essential,” he said.

He stressed that grassroots philanthropy and voluntary contributions from individuals and organisations have always filled the void left by government programmes.

Kayode lamented that the lack of synergy between government initiatives and private efforts often leads to inefficiencies and duplication.

He, however, stressed the critical role of the media in bridging these gaps, urging journalists to amplify the needs of underserved populations, facilitate collaboration between stakeholders, and hold both government and private philanthropists accountable.

“The media has a watchdog role that ensures transparency and effectiveness in social investment programmes. By fostering public awareness and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, the media can create a platform for impactful collaborations,” he stated.

Kayode revealed how his MOK Foundation assisted over 29,000 people in Kwara State in 18 months.

According to him, the foundation leveraged local and mainstream media platforms to publicise activities, ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged.

“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.

Kayode urged the government to actively engage with private philanthropists to develop coordinated frameworks that maximize impact.

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“Collaboration between government programs and grassroots philanthropists will reduce duplication and inefficiencies, creating a more just and equitable society,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders, including the media, to play their roles in creating a society where no one is left behind.

“Together, we can bridge the gap between government programmes and private philanthropic gestures for the collective good of Nigerians,” he said.