The CEO of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, has called on students, educators, alumni and corporate institutions to embrace purposeful giving as a catalyst for personal growth, community and national development.

Delivering the keynote address at this year’s Central University International Women’s Day celebration, Madam Obo-Nai urged participants to adopt the principle of “Give to Gain” as a powerful mindset for empowering women, nurturing future leaders and strengthening society.

Hosted at the Christ Temple Campus, she emphasised that meaningful progress begins when individuals recognise their responsibility as stewards of knowledge, resources and opportunities.

“Giving is not merely an act of charity, but rather an investment in value. When we invest our knowledge, time and resources into others, we create benefits not only for individuals but for society as a whole,” she said.

She encouraged students to view higher education as a platform for creating value beyond personal success, urging them to intentionally equip themselves with the skills, discipline and mindset needed to thrive in the evolving job market while supporting others along the way.

She also highlighted the importance of giving back, noting that the true legacy of higher education lies in how graduates use their success to uplift others and contribute to the continued growth of their alma mater.

Drawing from Telecel Ghana’s corporate philosophy, Madam Obo-Nai shared examples of how the organisation is embedding the “Give to Gain” principle through initiatives that empower communities, promote inclusion and invest in future talent.

Through the Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP), Telecel Ghana has supported more than 100 female engineers over the past decade through financial assistance, mentorship and practical work experience, helping bridge the gender gap in engineering and encouraging more young women to pursue careers in STEM.

The organisation has also invested in youth development through its Telecel DigiTech Academy, which has trained nearly 2,000 young people across Ghana in robotics, coding and website development since its launch in 2024, with about 70 per cent of participants being female.

Beyond community initiatives, Telecel Ghana continues to promote inclusive workplace policies such as extended parental leave and hybrid working arrangements, creating an environment that supports employee wellbeing while sustaining productivity.

As a female business leader, Ing. Obo-Nai reiterated her commitment to mentoring and empowering the next generation of women leaders.

“Women must lift each other up. By sharing our knowledge, experiences and opportunities, we build stronger networks that enable more women to lead, innovate and succeed,” she said.

“Give hard work and gain competence. Give integrity and gain trust. Give women opportunities to gain economic growth. When we give with purpose, we create progress for our nation,” she concluded.

The International Women’s Day celebration at Central University brought together students, academics and industry leaders to reflect on the theme “Give to Gain – The Place of Higher Education”, highlighting the role of education, leadership and collaboration in advancing inclusive development.