04/08/2026
I was pleased to attend the Second Annual South East Business Growth Conference (SBGC) 2026 organized by Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation with the theme: Building Enduring Businesses: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Transformation in Southeast Nigeria.
It was a gathering that brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, development partners, investors, academics, and institutions united by one goal: securing the future of enterprise in Southeast Nigeria.
The conference created a platform for honest conversations on what it will take to grow businesses, create jobs, and attract investment to Southeast Nigeria. From panel discussions to fireside conversations and networking, the message was clear, Southeast Nigeria should move from potential to prosperity.
A major highlight of the event was the live pitch competition, known as South East Business Growth Fund Pitch Competition, where young entrepreneurs from across Southeast Nigeria presented their business models to a panel of investors and industry experts.
I was happy seeing the young entrepreneurs defending their ideas with passion, clarity and resilience before the panel of judges and the audience. Their ingenuity and confidence showed the potential we have right here in Southeast Nigeria.
Following the pitches, Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation presented grant awards to five winners of the South East Business Growth Fund Awards. The support will provide critical capital to help their businesses scale, hire more people, and expand their impact. It was inspiring to see vision meet opportunity in real time.
As one of the Fireside Speakers at the conference, I explained that the best opportunity we can give to our youths is through education. Education remains the foundation for innovation, enterprise, and long-term prosperity.
I commended the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his commitment to this vision, having built over 260 Smart Green schools across the 260 electoral wards in Enugu State, equipped with 21st century learning facilities to provide hands-on training that will offer learners practical skills in addition to formal education.
Following the footsteps of our Governor, I have also prioritized youth empowerment in Oji River Local Government Area through education. On my part, I have awarded scholarships to 49 indigenes of Oji River at the Enugu State College of Health Technology Oji River and 71 at the Federal Co-operative College Oji River, as I believe this is the best form of empowerment. I also announced that the second edition of the scholarship programme in both schools is ongoing.
In addition, I informed the audience that in Oji River, 120 youths have been trained in skills acquisition and 70 have received start-up kits to enable them to start and grow their own businesses, while 20 business women are being empowered with N100,000 each in Oji River every month.
I further stated my commitment to bring a similar Business Growth Conference to Oji River Local Government Area in order to create more platforms for our teeming youths to learn, pitch, network, and access opportunities.
I commended Prince Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, the Founder & Chairman, and Chioma Ike-Elechi, the Executive Director, Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation for not just talking about business and economic growth, but backing it with funding and real opportunities.
I left the conference more convinced that when entrepreneurs, government, and partners align, we can unlock real opportunities for youth, women, and businesses in the Southeast Nigeria.
IT IS ALL ABOUT OJI RIVER
