Southeast Business Growth Conference 2025
Panelists and judges at the conference
In a region with no shortage of ideas or ambition, the SouthEast Business Growth Conference arrived not just as an event—but as a powerful movement for change.
Organized by the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation, the conference brought together emerging business owners, seasoned entrepreneurs, public officials, and development partners for a full day of inspiration, practical learning, and financial empowerment. Held at Ryan Hotel in Abakaliki, the event proved that when young people are given both knowledge and resources, remarkable things happen.
Empowering the Next Generation
The SouthEast Business Growth Fund—an initiative of the Foundation—was created to support entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 with the knowledge, tools, and capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. This conference was the knowledge arm of that mission: to educate, to inspire, and to connect.
Opening the event, Mrs. Chioma Ike-Elechi who shared the foundation’s vision and invited attendees to “help us build the future of the Southeast.” She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between citizens, institutions, and the government to build a thriving business ecosystem.
Founder & Chairman of the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, delivered a compelling keynote speech, calling for renewed commitment to youth empowerment. He reminded the audience that entrepreneurship has long been a way of life for the Southeast and that it’s time to reignite that legacy.
Bridging Policy and Practice
The conference welcomed goodwill messages from government officials who affirmed the importance of youth-led enterprise in national development. Notably, Prof. Leonard C. Uguru, Commissioner for Finance, encouraged attendees to stay rooted in their identity as they grow:
“Your language is your culture—don’t lose it. And use this grant wisely so that by next year, it’ll be tripled.”
Hon. Chidi Onyia, Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development, emphasized the shift from political dependency to productive entrepreneurship:
“If we focus on entrepreneurship, the future of our youths is bright.”
Learning from Those Who’ve Walked the Path
One of the most engaging segments of the conference was the panel session featuring experienced Southeast entrepreneurs who shared honest insights about their business journeys. Panelists included:
Maryann Omege (Mimsbeautilocks)
Genevieve Egwu-Oti (Vig Wigs & Stores)
Kenneth Mbadiwe (SuccessCity Realty)
Amaka Anyaegbu (Nepearls Clothing & Fashion Academy)
From building customer trust to surviving tough seasons, their advice resonated deeply with the young entrepreneurs in the room.
Business Pitch, Real Impact
Ten finalists selected from a competitive pool had the opportunity to pitch their businesses live to a judging panel made up of industry experts from across the region. The energy was electric.
Judges included:
Hyacinth Orji (QuickWaka)
Ifeoma Ezechukwu (Kitchen Pastries)
Nwanneka Eke (Alpha Brooks Energy)
Okechukwu Victor Agozie (Listacc Tech Academy, SchoolCater & Accave)
Each pitch highlighted not just business models, but purpose driven to local problems, a commitment to impact, and the grit to keep pushing forward.
At the end of the session, five entrepreneurs were awarded ₦500,000 each:
Jidechukwu Nwabueze – Jelapetra Farms Ltd
Gideon Fidelis Ekom – RentBetaHouse Nigeria Ltd
Blessing Nweke – Especial Naturals
Chinyeaka Elom – Mebembe Farms
Ogechi Nwonye – Eco-cyclers
And in a beautiful show of solidarity, the judges and Hon. Chidi Onyia, Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development rallied together to ensure that every finalist walked away with funding. One additional finalist, Success Egba of Success Nation, received a personal ₦150,000 contribution from the judges, and the remaining five were each given ₦100,000 by the Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development.
Practical Tools from Public Agencies
Representatives from SMEDAN, BOI, FIRS, and the Ebonyi SME Development Agency gave hands-on advice on accessing government-backed funding, complying with tax regulations, and growing formal businesses. Attendees left not just with inspiration—but with clear next steps.
A Spirit of Community and Continuity
What set this event apart wasn’t just the grants or the speeches—it was the atmosphere of shared purpose. You could feel the shift in the room: young people realizing they are not alone, that there’s an ecosystem forming around them, and that success is possible—together.
[Insert networking photos, smiles, business card exchanges]
A New Chapter Begins
The inaugural SouthEast Business Growth Conference planted seeds that will grow long after the last speech. It affirmed the Foundation’s belief that when we equip young people with opportunity and belief, they become unstoppable.
This is only the beginning.
