The Luminary Project (TLP), a foundation established by B4B Partners, recently organized a physical Leadership Masterclass in Lagos, specifically designed for leaders in the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors. Themed "Leading with Clarity," this immersive training event brought together changemakers from across the social impact ecosystem to delve into sustainable leadership practices.
Addressing Systemic Challenges in African Nonprofits
The Masterclass aims to support Africa's nonprofit leaders, who are often driven by passion but may lack the necessary systems and structures to ensure long-term impact. Through this initiative, TLP provides participants with essential tools, mindsets, and strategies to lead effectively, build resilient teams, and create enduring impact that extends beyond their tenure.
Emphasizing Compliance and Financial Integrity
During the session, Edward Fagbohun, Head of Programme and Implementation at the MTN Foundation, spoke on the critical topic of "Compliance and Financial Integrity for Nonprofits in Nigeria." He underscored the vital importance of transparency and accountability in nonprofit operations, stressing that every donation must be meticulously documented and accounted for.
Fagbohun encouraged leaders to foster a robust culture of record-keeping and compliance, regardless of their organization's size or developmental stage. "If you have a big dream and a big vision, you do not want to start on a faulty note," he advised. "You must think about where you are going and put the basic systems in place. Seek guidance and consult professionals where you do not yet have the capacity to hire."
Fireside Chat on Purpose-Driven Leadership
The masterclass also featured a fireside chat between Napa Onwusah, Founder of The Luminary Project and a former global tech executive, and Vera David-Emesiobum, Founder of Project Grey Elderly Care Initiative and the 2024 recipient of the Luminary Award. Their discussion centered on building purpose-driven teams grounded in integrity and strong values.
Vera highlighted the power of integrity, stating, "Integrity will speak for you in rooms where you are not present." She urged leaders to value and connect with both paid staff and volunteers, noting that appreciation and alignment enable teams to consistently perform at their best. Additionally, she advised changemakers to continuously build knowledge in their impact areas and invest in personal growth.
Reinforcing this message, Onwusah emphasized the importance of implementing systems and structures, even if they seem unconventional. She also stressed the need for proper volunteer policies and thorough onboarding processes to safeguard volunteers' welfare and ensure organizational values are clearly communicated.
Positive Feedback and Lasting Impact
The session resonated deeply with attendees, as evidenced by one participant's remark: "You have no idea how much of an answered prayer this has been." This feedback underscores the Masterclass's effectiveness in addressing key challenges faced by nonprofit leaders in Nigeria.
Overall, The Luminary Project's initiative serves as a significant step toward enhancing leadership capabilities and operational standards in the nonprofit sector, promoting a culture of integrity and compliance that can drive sustainable social impact across the region.
