This call was made at the 2025 Social Enterprise Dialogue session, powered by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and Fidelity Bank during the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Week held in Lagos.

Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, the keynote speaker and executive director at MTN Nigeria Foundation, who spoke on the theme: ‘Purpose meets profit: building an impact-driven enterprise for a better future’, reechoed the call and urged entrepreneurs to ensure the purpose of their businesses is bigger than profit.

She said,

“Entrepreneurs need to know that purpose is critical in building a business. That it is not just about the profits, when you have a purpose, and you are driven by your purpose, you will be guided by pillars to purpose, which include ethics, values, and good governance.”

Mrs. Sanya emphasised the importance of culture in building local businesses and advised entrepreneurs to consider culture as a critical ingredient because culture will always eat strategy for breakfast,” she added.

She advised entrepreneurs to build beyond themselves because small businesses grow into big businesses in the long term.

According to her,

“Entrepreneurs should build beyond themselves. A small business today grows into a big business tomorrow. They shouldn’t settle for the small visions of their businesses, and the small versions, too. They should have a mental image of what their business is about in the long term. And they shouldn’t play the short-term game, but they should play the long-term game, where even after they’re long gone, their efforts through their establishments will continue to serve humanity,” she enthused.

Dr. Olawale Anifowose, the managing director, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria), encouraged Nigerian-owned small businesses to innovate and create offerings that do not just generate revenue but also fulfil the needs of both individuals and the community.

Chiwike Okere, team lead in the SMEs Banking Group at Fidelity Bank, who spoke on the bank’s collaborative effort with EDC said,

“Fidelity Bank, being a bank that is focused on supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, deems it very key and important to be associated with this event. And that is why we are partnering with one of our long-standing partners, EDC, to support the various activities that are geared towards showcasing entrepreneurs showcasing how different kinds of institutions can support entrepreneurs, and more importantly, showcasing how our bank is supporting entrepreneurs in Nigeria.”

The donations form part of the foundation’s Learning Support Materials Initiative (LSMI) aimed at improving learning experiences for students nationwide

The MTNF Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI) is a program created to empower students with essential academic tools, enabling them to reach their highest academic capabilities.

Over 1000 students received vital resources such as school bags and exercise books, with the schools also receiving additional equipment like umbrellas and  Wi-Fi routers to aid the implementation of technology in learning.

The initiative forms part of MTN Foundation’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and educational development in Nigeria. Over the years, the foundation has invested in education through several initiatives.

These include the MTN Scholarship Scheme for science and technology students and blind scholars at the undergraduate level. Additionally, MTN Foundation’s Science and Technology Lab Project (STLP) has resulted in the refurbishment of 102 science laboratories in public secondary schools across the country.

Speaking on the Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI) and the Foundation’s dedication to national development through education, Odunayo Sanya, the executive director, MTN Foundation, said:

“At MTN Nigeria Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of growth and development, and all students deserve access to the resources necessary to unlock their full potential. This initiative emphasizes our commitment to fostering an enabling environment for learning and supporting access to quality education.”

The impact of these donations was evident and appreciated by students who expressed that the learning materials would aid their learning process and educators who affirmed that they would be put to good use.

This initiative demonstrates how corporate entities can play pivotal roles in supporting societal needs while promoting sustainable development within the communities they serve.

The Learning Support Materials Initiative by MTN Foundation highlights its unwavering dedication towards empowering young minds across Nigeria.

Through strategic educational support programs, the foundation contributes to bridging resource gaps faced by several public institutions and shaping brighter futures nationwide.