Meet Morenike, social-entrepreneur empowering Nigeria’s next generation leaders

Morenike Keye, the founder of Dews and Aire Career Guidance, a not-for-profit organisation registered in 2024, which focuses on children’s welfare, education, and empowerment.

Passion and personal experiences inspired her to venture into the business of molding and modelling youngsters to self-develop and career discovery with her savings and support from a close friend who believed in her mission.

“My personal experiences growing up taught me the importance of guidance and mentorship, and I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring children have the resources and support I couldn’t have.

“We organise programmes that provide mentorship, career guidance, and safe spaces for children to explore their talents and grow holistically,” she said.

Highlighting on her life experience that motivated her establishment of the business, Morenike said, “My inspiration comes from my own childhood, where I experienced instability and a lack of consistent guidance.

“I realised many children face similar challenges silently, without anyone to support or mentor them. This motivated me to start helping children informally, which later grew into Dews and Aire Career Guidance Foundation, we could impact more lives sustainably.”

Morenike revealed that since starting the business, it has grown in both reach and impact. “We’ve organised impactful programmes, and built partnerships with schools and local organisations,” she emphasised.

The academia reiterated that the organisation’s niche over its contemporaries is its holistic approach. She emphasised that the team focuses not just on immediate welfare, but on empowering children to explore their potential and dreams.

“We combine mentorship, career guidance, and community support, ensuring each child feels seen, heard, and supported. Our programs are designed to build confidence and equip children with skills to navigate their futures successfully,” she said.

Speaking on the strategies the foundation adopted to survive the accelerating inflation, she explained that strategic partnership and careful budgeting has been the secret.

Morenike noted that the nonprofit and social impact space in Nigeria is growing, but insists there are still significant needs for programmes that focus on children’s holistic development. “Opportunities lie in collaboration with schools, communities, and government initiatives to reach more children, and in creating programmes that prepare them for future careers and leadership roles,” she stated.

For more impacts, she said the foundation plans to expand its programmes to reach more children in additional communities, introduce mentorship and skill-building workshops, and strengthen partnerships with schools, other NGOs, and corporate sponsors.

However, highlighted some challenges such as limited funding, awareness, and reaching children in remote communities as barriers to their goals

But she hopes to mitigate these challenges by building partnerships and navigating logistical constraints.

“We focus on building strong networks, seeking in-kind support, engaging volunteers, and maintaining transparency and accountability. These strategies help us overcome resource limitations and continue delivering impactful programs,” she said.

Morenike encourages young entrepreneurs, especially in the social service sector to stay persistent and purpose-driven.

“Focus on solving real problems, start small if you have to, and build a network of people who believe in your vision. Impact comes from consistent action, not just ideas,” she urges.