Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has revealed that DashMe Stores, a social enterprise she founded, has raised over ₦500 million to support vulnerable people and orphanages across Nigeria, with Port Harcourt listed among the next cities for expansion.
Adeosun disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, explaining that DashMe converts donated items into funds used entirely for social causes.
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Founded in 2021 with a single outlet, the initiative has grown to four operational stores, one in Abuja and three in Lagos with a fifth opening in Abeokuta next month.
Expansion plans also include Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Adeosun, DashMe operates strictly as a not-for-profit organisation. “Cumulatively, we’ve raised over ₦500 million, and that is exactly how much has gone out,” she said, noting that only shop staff are paid, while all proceeds are reinvested into social projects.
She said the organisation has built about four orphanages from scratch, refurbished several others and taken over abandoned projects, providing stable homes for vulnerable children. Despite setbacks such as vandalism at a construction site, Adeosun said DashMe remains committed to its mission.
As the organisation prepares to establish a presence in Port Harcourt, Adeosun emphasised partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure accountability and impact. “People like what we’re doing. They like helping,” she said.
She added that her vision is to build an African charity that operates to international standards and challenges the notion that Africans are dependent on external rescue, stressing that citizen-led initiatives can drive lasting social change.
