2023 Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Youth Conference Advocates Diversity and Inclusion as Major Drivers for Impact

2023 Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Youth Conference Advocates Diversity and Inclusion as Major Drivers for Impact

At the heart of every society is the yearning for pathways and practices that lead to the well-being of its members. Reality has shown that where multi-dimensional challenges exist, long-standing institutions and institutional frameworks seem to be overstretched to tackle these issues, demanding the rallying of social innovators, impact investors, and changemakers to rise to the occasion. One of such events was the 2023 Social Impact Youth Conference, themed ‘Diversity and Inclusion: Advancing Social Impact in Nigeria’, held on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at the Lagos Business School. It was a convening of social sector practitioners, thought leaders, and change-makers passionate about making a positive difference in society. 

The event was organised by the 2023 Fellowship Cohort of the Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Fellowship (ICSIF). The Fellowship is in honour of the life, times, and extraordinary accomplishments of the Late Mr Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma, renowned development sector leader and human rights activist. He was the founder of CLEEN Foundation and a Director for Ford Foundation West Africa. Speakers at the conference highlighted the importance of human compassion, collaboration, and innovation in creating solutions for positive social impact. The conference commenced with Dr. Silk Ogbu, Academic Director, ICSI Fellowship, paying a tribute to Mr. Chukwuma’s legacy and admonishing young Nigerians in attendance to choose a life of service like him. In his welcome remarks. Dr. Ogbu  said, “I urge you all to leave here with a shared vision and a commitment to making a difference”. Mrs. Josephine Effa-Chukwuma, in her special remarks, thanked the Fellowship participants for preserving the enduring legacy of her husband, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma. She said, “I charge you all to stop agonising and start organising. By embracing the same spirit of impact as Mr. Chukwuma, we can become a part of his legacy”. 

The keynote speaker, Mrs. Josephine Nzerem, West Africa Director, Venture, Talent, and Fellowship, Ashoka Africa, delivered an address on the role of youth in advancing social justice for Africa's sustainable development. Mrs. Nzerem emphasised the importance of shifting power dynamics, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging active participation in public affairs. She encouraged collaboration with influential figures, leveraging data, technology, and developing low-budget yet high-impact strategies. She said, “When we collaborate, we leverage on the strengths of others, bringing everyone’s power dynamic to the table, enhancing inclusion for impact”. She also highlighted the exemplary work of Ashoka fellows in Calabar, Ibadan, and Uganda, namely: Victor Eyo, Deborah Benjamin, and Joseph Ukando, who are making a significant social impact in society.

Other Speakers gave addresses. Femi Taiwo, Co-Chair, Nigeria Youth Fund, delivered an enlightening speed talk on ‘Leveraging Social Innovation for Development in Nigeria’. Taiwo provided comprehensive definitions of social innovation and stressed the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability in the innovation process, harping on the need to prioritise the perspectives and potential of young people. Mrs. Enobong Ekwerre, Manager, ICCE Foundation, captured the many ways Mr. Chukwuma’s work ethics, mindset, and legacy has been pivotal to the legacy foundation’s operations and guided their impact.

Two panel sessions further enriched the conference experience. The first panel, titled ‘Leveraging Inclusion for Quality Social Impact’, discussed the significance of ensuring representation for people with disabilities in social change conversations. The panelists comprised Mrs. Josephine Nzerem, West Africa Director, Ashoka Africa; Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs; Femi Taiwo, Co-chair, Nigeria Youth Fund; Crystal Chigbu, Founder, Irede Foundation; Kelechi Anyaelechi, Founder, Revamp Africa; and Anna Kazanskaia, of Neya Global Education. They all hinged on the role of leadership in fostering an inclusive environment, pointing out that organisations must tailor a strategy that defines inclusion and inclusivity to meet their objectives. The second panel discussion, comprising members of the 2023 ICSIF Cohort, focused on ‘Localising the Sustainable Development Goals’, underscoring the importance of understanding, engaging with stakeholders, and advocating for these goals in local contexts.

Mrs. Oreva Atanya, Head, Sustainability Centre, delivered the closing remarks. She said, “I charge you all to continue your commitment to positive social impact, channelling compassion and leadership skills to bring about transformative solutions for the society as a whole”. She thanked attendees, and the Ford Foundation for supporting the Fellowship and partnering with the Lagos Business School in preserving the social impact legacy of Mr Innocent Chukwuma. She also thanked Mrs. Chukwuma, the family, expert facilitators, advisors and mentors on the programme for being of great support for the initiative.

The Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Conference is an annual gathering of young Nigerians and social sector leaders and stakeholders in Nigeria and focused on the African context. Overall, the 2023 conference left participants inspired, motivated, and equipped with invaluable insights. 

For more information about the ICSI Chair and Fellowship please visit https://icsi.lbs.edu.ng/