Social Entrepreneur Daniella Okereke’s Initiative Empowering African Undergraduates

Daniella Okereke, a visionary social entrepreneur and advocate for human capital development, has been making waves with her impactful initiative, ‘Smart Money Students’ (SMS). Rooted in her passion for creating positive change, Okereke’s SMS aims to equip African undergraduates with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in an ever-evolving economy and foster socio-economic growth.

Born and raised in Abuja, Daniella Okereke’s journey has been one of determination and commitment. Trained as a physiotherapist, Okereke’s fervor for economics and human capital development led her to establish SMS, an initiative designed to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“At SMS, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. It’s about nurturing skills, igniting ideas, and empowering young minds to contribute to sustainable economic growth,” says Daniella Okereke, Convener of the Emerging Economy and Smart Money Students initiatives. “We are driven by the conviction that every undergraduate should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of financial barriers.”

According to World Bank ‘Education is one of the most important drivers for ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity.

Yet, approximately 20million young people in Nigeria are out of school according to a UNESCO report and the major reason for school dropout is dominantly financial (73 per cent).

“With the recent increment in fees across Federal and unity schools, we would need more to keep people in school and not have a lot more drop outs”, Daniella added on the motivation for the project.

SMS has quickly become a beacon of hope for hundreds of undergraduates. Through its multifaceted approach, the initiative offers start-up funding, business mentorship, economic awareness, and community support. By focusing on these pillars, SMS not only encourages academic excellence but also provides avenues for entrepreneurial innovation and economic self-sufficiency.

Daniella Okereke’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Forbes recently recognized her as one of Africa’s elite young entrepreneurs and change-makers, highlighting her role in addressing critical challenges and propelling meaningful societal transformation. Her deep commitment to the betterment of Nigeria and Africa at large, coupled with her strong faith, forms the driving force behind her relentless pursuit of a brighter future.

SMS’s remarkable success stories exemplify the impact of Okereke’s initiative. With beneficiaries like Nnadi Ifeanyi, whose start-up journey was propelled by SMS support, the initiative is proving to be a game-changer for young Africans. As Nelson Mandela aptly put it, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” SMS embodies this ethos by fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and collaboration that is essential for societal progress.

Looking forward, Okereke envisions SMS as a catalyst for transformative change. With plans to expand its reach, establish physical hubs across Africa, and develop a social app for unified learning and collaboration, SMS is on the path to creating a generation of empowered, economically savvy, and socially conscious young leaders.

As Daniella Okereke and her Smart Money Students initiative continue to shape the future of African undergraduates, their unwavering commitment serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to create positive social impact. In a world where challenges persist, Okereke’s dedication stands as a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and genuine care.