How strategic CSR can keep Nigerian youths at home — Patjeda GMD

…set to scale up back-to-school initiative’s scope

Ehiagwina Patrick, the group managing director of Patjeda Group, says effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) by private sector firms can curb the rising migration of Nigerian youths abroad in search of better opportunities.

Patrick, during a policy dialogue on Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development in Nigeria on Wednesday, advised corporate organisations to strengthen their CSR initiatives.

The dialogue session was organised by PATJEDA Group in Ikeja, Lagos.

The GMD said stronger CSR in education, security and skills development would create jobs, boost youth confidence and encourage them to seek opportunities within Nigeria.

Ehiagwina noted that CSR should go beyond philanthropy and be strategically aligned with sustainable development goals to create long-term impact.

She encouraged companies to adopt structured and long-term CSR models, align social investments with national priorities, and focus on measuring impact rather than visibility.

Read also: As CSR moves from charity to core strategy

She urged corporate organisations to collaborate with government and civil society groups to design programmes that would empower youths and restore confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects

“Many young Nigerians leave the country due to limited access to education, employment, skills development and economic empowerment. Deliberate CSR programmes could address these challenges.

“There are children who have embraced hooliganism and drug abuse due to lack of support to attend school or develop skills; therefore, it is necessary for companies to prioritise CSR for national development.

“This led PATJEDA to develop the back-to-school initiative which empowered no fewer than 300 pupils in 2025 and we look forward to empowering 500 pupils in 2026.

“This will be extended to Anifowose Primary School in Ikeja, Ikoyi-Ekiti community in Ekiti State and other strategic locations.

“Our educational CSR focuses on scholarships, bursaries, school support initiatives and assistance from primary to tertiary levels. We will also invest our “Feed the Widows Initiative in Ikeja,” she said.

Patrick stressed that it had become imperative to view CSR as a structured, value-driven tool for development and not as charity.

According to her, this is neccesary at a time when Nigeria is grappling with complex socio-economic challenges, ranging from youth unemployment, gaps in access to education, infrastructure deficits and food insecurity.

She said, “CSR must evolve from token gestures and isolated donations into strategic, sustainable, and people-centred interventions that align with national development priorities and measurable outcomes.

“CSR, when properly designed, strengthens communities, de-risks environments, and builds long-term social capital.

“To ensure sustainability, accountability, and focus, Patjeda Group’s CSR initiatives are driven through two dedicated foundations: Patrick Ejedawe Empowerment Foundation and Heart of Gold Support & Care Initiative.

“These foundations operate as non-commercial, impact-focused platforms, allowing CSR activities to be community-responsive rather than publicity-driven. “In December, Patjeda Group intervened in making the Uromi axis of the Agbor–Auchi expressway, a federal road in dire need of palliative measure, motorable. This improved economic activity along the corridor.”

John Ighodalo, Executive Director of Corporate Services and Finance, Patjeda Group in his opening remarks, urged corporate organisations to focus on policy alignment, scalability, and transparency to ensure that CSR initiatives become truly impactful.

“ In Patjeda Group, we view and treat CSR as a social capital expenditure and not as administrative expense.”

Also, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, appreciated the company for its lasting impact on the community, describing it as the top contributor to local development.

Dauda acknowledged Patjeda’s contributions, particularly in the areas of security and education.

He noted that, given the significant challenges facing the council, he hopes for further support from the group to extend its assistance.

Meanwhile, Ogundana Akinwande, Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, lauded the significant impact of Patjeda’s CSR initiatives, noting that he had personally benefited from them both as a retired police officer and as a traditional ruler.

Patjeda Group is a Nigerian-owned conglomerate with diversified interests spanning: Transportation and Logistics, Hospitality and Tourism, Oil and Gas, Security Support Services, Courier and Integrated Services, Retail, Agriculture, Education and Business Solutions.

Since its incorporation in 2007, the group has expanded operations across Lagos, Aba, Abuja, Benin, Uromi, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, and Kaduna, contributing to employment generation, service delivery, and regional economic inclusion.

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

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