Nigeria, Sept. 24 -- The first world owes much of its progress to philanthropy. In those climes, those whose palm kernels were cracked by the benevolent spirit, to borrow from the late Chinua Achebe, are constantly paying it forward through their philanthropic support for the arts, humanities, education, health, and other charitable endeavours. Even Africa isn't left out of the enduring helping hands of JD Rockefeller, Henry Ford, John D MacArthur, and many more. Nigeria still counts on the enduring support of Bill Gates through his Gates Foundation to tackle several public health challenges.

I suppose the pioneering efforts of these philanthropists of yore and those of today continue to inspire public-spirited business elites. It is hea...