The Role of Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists

Entrepreneurs and philanthropists play a crucial role in economic development and social advancement.
Entrepreneurs create jobs, stimulate innovation, and foster competition, which ultimately lead to increased productivity and economic sustainability. Entrepreneurs identify gaps in the market and devise solutions that can transform industries and lives.
Philanthropists, on the other hand, address social disparities and community growth by funding initiatives in education, health, and infrastructure.
They can enhance the living standard of many and give a voice to underprivileged classes. Together, these four classes not only drive economic advancement but also promote social responsibility and sustainable growth, and society becomes more equitable and rich.
1. Prince Kehinde Alex Bankole-
Prince Kehinde Alex Bankole, a prominent businessman-turned-politician from Oke-Ero, Kwara State, has also graduated as the overall best spy trainee from the prestigious Ikeja Police Training College. This additional achievement is an enhancement to his already wealthy portfolio, which speaks volumes about his commitment to public service and personal development.
Born into a family with rich heritage, Bankole has long been driven by the desire to make a lasting impact in his society. Bankole is the proprietor of KAB Constructions, a leading indigenous construction company in Nigeria, and the Kehinde Alex Bankole Foundation, an outfit that engages in philanthropy and community development. His entrepreneurial journey has been underscored by many milestones marked by the successful development of projects like Lekki Court Estates and Discovery Gardens.
Politically, Bankole was the Oke-Ero Peoples Democratic Party House of Assembly candidate in the 2019 elections. His candidacy was an expression of his desire to serve the interest of his people and to promote change in governance. He was elected into the Kwara State Assembly after his campaign, a seat which was unfortunately dissolved by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq shortly after the governor came into office in 2019. Bankole’s resolve to serve his people was not deterred by this setback.
Bankole is academically qualified with a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s in Strategic Management from the University of Ibadan. He also possessed a Diploma in Architecture from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and was honored with a Doctorate degree by Prowess University in Delaware, USA. His recent completion of the Ikeja Police Training College not only highlights his belief in lifelong learning but also equips him with practical skills that can be of benefit to his community and the society at large.
Bankole’s extensive background in real estate and construction has positioned him as a key player in the industry, providing services to most of the leading universities in Nigeria and some state governments. His operations have earned him the status of a construction magnate, and he is known for integrity, professionalism, and a passion for quality.
As he embarks on new ventures following his graduation, Prince Kehinde Alex Bankole remains dedicated to applying his multifaceted skills and experiences towards the growth of Kwara State and Nigeria in general. His life is a reflection of the synthesis of entrepreneurship, public service, and academic excellence that places him at the forefront of the business and political scenes.
2. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and investor known for his impactful endeavors in the technology sector. He is the co-founder of Andela, a company that trains software developers and gives them the platform to work with businesses globally. Through his work, the skills gap in Africa’s technology ecosystem has been significantly filled. He is also the co-founder of Flutterwave, a fintech company that enables seamless payments in Africa. His efforts have not only transformed the Nigerian tech landscape but also inspired a new generation of tech entrepreneurs. Outside his organizations, Aboyeji is a philanthropist who focuses on empowering young people through training and entrepreneurship, believing in the potential of Africa’s young population to drive economic growth.
3. Lucky Mane:
Onyeachonam Goodluck Chikwesiri, commonly referred to as Lucky Mane, is not only a celebrated businessman and philanthropist but also a distinguished youth ambassador of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Lucky Mane was born to Mr. Godwin Onyeachonam and Mrs. Ginika Benedict Onyeachonam. Lucky Mane has made giant strides in promoting economic opportunities among African youths.
Lucky Mane began his schooling at Rubies International Primary School, then continued to Federal Government College, Enugu. He went on to study at Enugu State University of Science and Technology and then at the Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie in Morocco. It was from this diverse educational background that an extraordinary career was built as he began trading forex at the age of 17 years.
In March 2021, Lucky Mane founded Lucky Mane Group Ltd, the first synthetic indices proprietary trading firm in the world. His innovative approach to trading has revolutionized the financial landscape, making it possible for individuals to harness the power of synthetic indices for financial empowerment. With this groundbreaking venture, he has paved the way in the financial sector, inspiring many others to take up trading as a career.
As a youth ambassador for ECOWAS, Lucky Mane is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of young people across the West African sub-region. His activities involve advocating for financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment initiatives that specifically address matters concerning young people in the region. In doing so, he aims to foster a culture of self-reliance and innovation among African youths.
Aside from his business achievements, Lucky Mane has established the Lucky Mane Forex Academy, which has trained over 220,000 traders in countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Cameroon, Ghana, and Kenya. His free forex training workshops in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja have garnered much attention, reflecting the growing interest in forex trading among young people.
Lucky Mane’s philanthropic efforts are equally important. His Feed Our Children initiative has provided food for over 1,200 children in Enugu, and he has awarded educational scholarships to underprivileged youths, indicative of his belief in education and vocational training as the key to solving unemployment.
By talking on the media, including channels like TVC News’ Special Business Focus, Lucky Mane stresses the importance of financial education and forex trading in Nigeria. His goal is simple: to empower young traders with the knowledge needed to make them job creators rather than job seekers, ultimately transforming West Africa’s economic status.
A trailblazer in the banking sector and an avid advocate for youth empowerment, Lucky Mane motivates a generation of young Africans to seize opportunities and navigate their own paths to success.
4. Jason Njoku
Jason Njoku is an award-winning Nigerian entrepreneur and the CEO of iROKOtv, one of Africa’s most popular streaming platforms for Nollywood movies. Njoku’s vision to take Nigerian films to the globe has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, paving the way for local content and talent. Under his leadership, iROKOtv has become a powerhouse in the African film industry, facilitating job creation and economic empowerment for creatives. Besides his entrepreneurial success, Njoku is also a keen philanthropist. He is a keen supporter of entrepreneurship development programs for African youths, providing mentorship and resources to help them unlock their potential in various sectors. Through his endeavors, Njoku illustrates the dual impact of entrepreneurship and philanthropy on community development and economic progress.