The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is saddened by the news of the passing of Isaac Durojaiye aka “Otunba Gaddaffi”, founder of DMT Mobile Toilets Nigeria. He has been an esteemed member of the global Schwab Foundation community of leading social entrepreneurs since 2004 – the first Nigerian to be selected. With DMT, he devised a system whereby idle youth, popularly known in Nigeria as “area boys” (gang leaders), and poor women, especially widows, find gainful employment by maintaining and managing mobile public toilets.
Isaac possessed a sharp sense of humour and never shied away from making jokes about his business. With this openness, he was able to make some of the most difficult topics accessible, including public sanitation and poverty. Isaac’s goal in starting DMT was to improve public health and sanitation while encouraging social transformation through job opportunities. Africa is losing a true social entrepreneur role model. Without doubt, the legacy that Isaac leaves behind is one of a brighter future for millions of Nigerians and a cleaner future for Nigerian cities.
Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues.