Minister of Innovation commends initiative linking business profits to social transformation
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
ABUJA, October 10, 2026 — Jaynabel has unveiled its Integrated Impact Model (JIIM), an initiative designed to connect fashion, enterprise, strategic partnerships and community development to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
The model was introduced at the inauguration of the Jaynabel Impact Foundation (JIF) and Jaynabel Special Touch (JST) in Abuja on Saturday, under the theme, “Fashion, Enterprise and Partnership for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”
The initiative seeks to establish a framework through which a commercially driven fashion business can contribute directly to social investment and long-term community transformation.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, commended Jaynabel for the initiative, describing innovation as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and national competitiveness.
Udeh, who was represented by his aide, Ms Nnenna Nwankwo, said the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology was advancing initiatives to promote research, commercialisation, technology transfer and enterprise development.
He noted that inclusive partnerships could expand opportunities for young people, women, entrepreneurs and underserved communities while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in the global knowledge economy.
“I commend the organisers, Jaynabel, for bringing stakeholders together around this important theme,” he said, expressing hope that the initiative would inspire meaningful collaborations, unlock new enterprise opportunities and contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
A business model designed to fund social impact
Speaking at the event, the Founder of Jaynabel Impact Foundation and Jaynabel Special Touch, Ifeoma Kanebi, described JIIM as a vision for purpose-driven enterprise and social transformation.
She said the model represented the culmination of a long-standing commitment to humanity, bringing together business, social investment and multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve measurable and lasting community impact.
According to Kanebi, one of the major lessons from her professional experience is that good intentions and short-term interventions are not always sufficient to guarantee sustainable development.
She explained that the model was designed to establish a more structured approach to social impact by linking commercial success with community development.
“Today marks the formal introduction of a vision that brings together purpose-driven enterprise, social investment, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to contribute to measurable and lasting community transformation,” she said.
Kanebi added that the initiative would also focus on strengthening the capacity of government agencies, refining policy frameworks and empowering civil society networks to protect vulnerable populations.
Fashion as a vehicle for economic and social development
Beyond its social investment ambitions, Jaynabel Special Touch is positioning itself as a Nigerian fashion and lifestyle enterprise focused on quality apparel, ethical garment manufacturing, local value addition and industrial-scale development.
Kanebi said the business was committed to promoting indigenous fabrics and creating value through locally driven fashion production.
A defining feature of the Integrated Impact Model is the commitment to allocate a specified percentage of Jaynabel Special Touch’s annual net profit to fund development initiatives through its sister foundation.
The approach is intended to create a connection between business performance and social investment, allowing commercial activities to support development programmes beyond the immediate interests of the enterprise.
By linking fashion and manufacturing with social impact, Jaynabel is seeking to demonstrate how Nigerian businesses can contribute to inclusive development while pursuing commercial sustainability.
Stakeholders rally behind inclusive development
The inauguration attracted stakeholders from government institutions, civil society and the private sector, including representatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Guests also patronised Jaynabel Special Touch products, showcasing indigenous fabrics and a range of fashion designs.
The event provided an opportunity to bring together enterprise, public institutions and development stakeholders around the need for stronger partnerships and sustainable approaches to community development.
With the launch of JIIM, Jaynabel is setting out to build a model in which enterprise serves not only as a source of commercial value but also as a platform for social investment and lasting change.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on how effectively its commitments translate into measurable development outcomes, sustained partnerships and tangible benefits for the communities it seeks to serve.
