‘Entrepreneurs are dedicated, focused and passionate’

Dare Asobele is the founder of Executive Initiative, a youth-driven start-up. In this interview with ODINAKA ANUDU, he outlines what drove him and five others to set up this outfit.

Tell us what Executive Initiative stands for?

Executives Initiative is a group of concerned young citizens who simply care about changes being made in the society. We are more focused on doing them ourselves and asking for help while trying to achieve them. We are not focused on any particular thing, we are different, we are youths, strong, creative and power- driven to achieve what might seem impossible.

When was this established and what motivated you to set it up?

Executives Initiative was founded in 2013. It was just a group of six friends who decided to make some kids happy at orphanages during Christmas. From there, we grew to have about 200 volunteers who are genuinely passionate about what we do and trying to achieve.

How do you get funding?

We seek creative ways that God can give. We also have dues from members as well as proposals sent out periodically.

How have your activities impacted Nigerians?

Since 2013, we have focused on the orphanages and we plan on doing that more every month. There is always a blessing in making others happy and doing it from your heart without expecting anything in return. It is even a plus because God blesses you while doing that. We also helped a couple of communities such as Makoko community and the Ijora Oloye community in terms of health care provision through partnerships with the Nigerian Child Initiative, the Hunger Food Project by feeding residents with support from brands such as Lasena Water and Wus kitchen and many more.

What plans do you have for 2018?

Basically, our focus is on Anti-Suicide and Depression Squad (ASADS), which is focusing on tackling suicide and depression. We would also have a football match called Kick-Off, which will be a campaign on taking a stand against sexual violence. Why we are not using the word ‘rape’ is because sexual violence is wide and covers a wide range which we would be dealing with. We would also have defence classes for both male and females as well. God willing, we would have support groups for those dealing and battling depression and suicidal thoughts.

Assuming that you do not get funding from donors, how will you carry on with your activities?

We the volunteers and members are blessed and we would raise it within ourselves. There is power in social media and we can never lack because God is with us as well.

Which areas of Nigeria are you currently covering?

We are focusing on Lagos for now. Soon, we would spread to neighbouring states like Ogun.

What does it take to run an organisation like yours?

It takes God, honestly, because I personally had wanted to give up but then I got motivation from people around me. I was also inspired by God who makes me see things from his viewpoint. God is taking control; we volunteers/members at Executives Initiative are just his messengers, including me.

In your opinion, what does it take to be an entrepreneur?

To be an entrepreneur you need to be dedicated, focused and have passion for what you are doing. Always understand that you alone can see the vision and have the dream. So, it is all to get there and God’s plan as well.