KOL Foundation: Leveraging Partnership to Impact Lives, Achieve National Development

By Azeez Disu

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” — Henry Ford, Founder of the Ford Motor Company.

Collaboration plays a pivotal role in fostering development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The importance of collaboration is amplified in the popular Henry Ford quote above. However, a lack of synergy among the governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international organizations has hindered success and national progress.

This points to the fact that sustainable development can’t be achieved in isolation amidst rising homelessness, Out-of-School Children, lack of access to quality healthcare, access to justice, and others.

To change the narrative, the KOL Foundation was recently launched to break barriers, bridge gaps, and build a greater future for all. The launch of the groundbreaking development initiative also marked the launch of its Partnership Accelerator program. Through its initiatives, it aims to empower communities and create opportunities where they are needed.

The unveiling was held at the Ecobank Pan African Center in Lagos, with the theme “Partnerships: The Tool We Need for National Development”.

Speaking at the event, Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi, Chairman and Project Champion of the KOL Foundation, said “Collaboration is at the heart of achieving the SDGs. At the KOL Foundation, we embrace the principle by facilitating partnerships across sectors through networking, resource development, and collaboration with local and international networks. We recognize that addressing complex national challenges demands joint efforts and collective action. Our mission is to galvanize, mobilize, and connect individuals and institutions to resources and solutions, ensuring inclusive and well-coordinated opportunities for positive social change.”

She added that her foundation aims to bring clean water to villages, reduce Out-of-School Children, and provide shelter for vulnerable individuals and communities, including healthcare, through innovative and people-centered solutions.

Call to Action
“A little less conversation, a little more action” — Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg.

Stakeholders have called for more deliberate actions to achieve the SDGs. The KOL Foundation urged people to follow its practical steps, which include Becoming an Advocate, donating, engaging locally, supporting made-in-Nigeria Products, and Stay Informed.

In addition, Okunnu-Lamidi explained that the foundation believes that partnerships are an essential approach to making an impact and achieving the SDGs.

“Together, let us ensure that the SDGs are no longer a distant aspiration but a tangible reality. Let us transform partnership into a new normal and create a future where dignity, equity, and progress define our collective journey.”

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, Senior Partner at Candide-Johnson Law Practice and Trustee of the KOL Foundation, reemphasized the need for collaborative impact, saying. “The time has come for Nigeria’s elite to embrace the profound responsibility that comes with privilege. It is not enough to stand apart from the challenges that plague our nation; we must lead the charge in transforming our communities.

“The KOL Foundation has called us together not to celebrate wealth or power but to ignite a shared purpose—to align our resources, influence, and vision with the needs of our people. If the boat sinks, none of us is spared. Let us rise to the occasion, collaborating to build schools, healthcare centers, waste disposal plants, and safe community spaces that uplift every Nigerian. This is our moment to redefine leadership as service and to prove that true progress starts with those who dare to lead by example.”

The KOL Foundation used the occasion to showcase its flagship initiatives, including clean water access, social housing, healthcare for the vulnerable, educational opportunities, and talent development. These programs underscore KOL Foundation’s commitment to addressing critical issues with innovative, community-driven solutions. As the event drew to a close, attendees were encouraged to support the Foundation’s mission by donating, volunteering, or partnering. The KOL Foundation remains committed to galvanizing collective action to create a future defined by dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.

Giving isn’t Exclusive to the Wealthy
Okunnu-Lamidi urged all stakeholders to get involved in the empowerment of vulnerable communities to make the world a better place for all.

In her words, “I once thought change was solely the domain of politics, but my journey into grassroots development taught me the true power of philanthropy—a love for humanity expressed through giving time, talent, and resources. By addressing core issues like clean water, education, and health, and through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and government bodies, I’ve seen how collaboration can transform lives. Giving isn’t exclusive to the wealthy; it’s a shared responsibility. Today, I invite you to join me in uniting our networks and resources to create stronger, safer communities and deliver the promise of development to those who need it most.”

The event brought together a constellation of thought leaders, policymakers, and changemakers united by a shared vision for progress and addressing Nigeria’s most pressing developmental challenges.

The launch was graced by an impressive array of dignitaries, Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende; H.E. Abubakar Atiku, GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria, represented by Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor), Chairman, Lagos4Lagos Movement; Mr. Nduka Obiagbena CON, Chairman & CEO, Thisday Arise Group; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Political Leader; Femi Olubanwo, Managing Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo; Shola Mogaji, Media Executive & Sustainability Champion and Several others. Renowned comperes Gbenga Adeyinka and Mojibade Sosanya expertly moderated the flow of activities with their wit and charm.