By Radarr Africa

Copyright radarr

The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, has been appointed as a board member of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria. The appointment was officially announced on Friday, highlighting her notable role in shaping Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

The United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria is the local chapter of the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. It works with businesses and organisations to align their operations and strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By joining the board, Ibekwe is expected to bring her wealth of experience in philanthropy, corporate sustainability, and social impact to strengthen the Nigerian chapter of the initiative.

The announcement comes at a critical time, just ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. During the event, Ibekwe is expected to engage with global leaders from government, business, and civil society to build stronger partnerships aimed at accelerating Africa’s progress towards Agenda 2030. Agenda 2030 is the UN’s global blueprint for achieving the SDGs, covering issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on her appointment, Ibekwe described the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility. She said it presents another opportunity to strengthen the localisation of the SDGs in Nigeria and across Africa, a mission she has actively pursued through the Sterling One Foundation. According to her, making the SDGs practical and impactful at the community level remains a priority.

“This appointment is another chance to scale up efforts in bringing the Sustainable Development Goals closer to the people and ensuring they are not just global targets, but real changes in local communities. At Sterling One Foundation, we have worked to combine global collaborations with grassroots impact, and this role offers me a bigger platform to continue that mission,” Ibekwe stated.

Since assuming leadership at Sterling One Foundation, Ibekwe has overseen a number of initiatives focused on education, health, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. The foundation has also built partnerships with international development agencies, local organisations, and private sector stakeholders to amplify its impact. One of its key approaches has been to link social investments with measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and long-term value creation for communities.

Her leadership has also helped the foundation secure global affiliations, while strengthening local impact in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. For instance, Sterling One Foundation has been involved in projects that promote clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and women’s economic empowerment. These initiatives have positioned it as a leading non-profit organisation working at the intersection of corporate responsibility and sustainable development.

Observers note that Ibekwe’s appointment to the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria board reinforces the growing recognition of Nigerian professionals in the global sustainability space. It also highlights the increasing role of private foundations and corporate-driven initiatives in addressing development challenges that governments alone cannot solve.

The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria has over the years worked with companies and organisations to integrate responsible business practices across sectors. Its mission is to ensure that Nigerian businesses are not only profit-driven but also conscious of their social and environmental responsibilities. With Ibekwe now on the board, there is an expectation that the Network will expand its reach and deepen its collaborations with non-governmental organisations and community-focused projects.

Development experts believe that her inclusion could help push forward more inclusive and practical strategies for achieving the SDGs in Nigeria. With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, stakeholders agree that partnerships across government, business, and civil society are critical to accelerating progress.

Ibekwe’s new role is therefore seen as a major step toward building bridges between local communities and global sustainability efforts, ensuring that Nigeria continues to contribute meaningfully to the UN’s development agenda.