The Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation has taken a bold step toward reviving youth-led enterprises in Nigeria’s South-East with the successful launch of the 2025 South-East Business Growth Conference. Held at Ryan Hotel in Abakaliki, the event marked a significant turning point for young entrepreneurs across the region.
Under the theme “Ideas. Ambition. Opportunity,” the gathering attracted over 300 entrepreneurs, government officials, and ecosystem players. It served as a platform to unite key stakeholders committed to the region’s economic transformation through youth enterprise development.
The foundation, established by Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, focuses on entrepreneurship, education, and preserving African cultural heritage. In his keynote address, Ogba declared the Foundation’s commitment to integrating economic development into its mission. He explained that the conference aimed to spotlight and support exceptional young entrepreneurs through a rigorous selection and empowerment process.
Welcoming participants, CEO Chioma Ike-Elechi Ogba urged them to become active builders of a stronger South-East, stressing the importance of partnerships between citizens, institutions, and the government in creating a vibrant business ecosystem.
A key highlight was the live pitch session, where ten business finalists showcased ideas spanning agriculture, recycling, and real estate. Five winners emerged—each receiving ₦500,000 in funding. They include Jidechukwu Nwabueze of Jelapetra Farms Ltd, Gideon Fidelis Ekom of RentBetaHouse Nigeria Ltd, Blessing Nweke of Especial Naturals, Chinyeaka Elom of Mebembe Farms, and Ogechi Nwonye of Eco-cyclers.
The finalists were assessed by a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and executives from the South-East business community. Their selection was based not only on business viability but also the potential for long-term impact.
In an unexpected turn, Hon. Chidi Onyia, Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development, donated ₦100,000 each to the five non-winning finalists, encouraging them to continue their entrepreneurial journey. The judges also contributed an additional ₦200,000 to Success Egba of Success Nation, increasing the total number of funded businesses to six.
State Commissioner for Finance, Professor Leonard C. Uguru, praised the foundation for connecting cultural heritage with enterprise, calling for the initiative to become an annual fixture. Echoing this sentiment, Onyia affirmed the need to embrace entrepreneurship as the future of work and development in the region.
Reflecting on the Igbo legacy of enterprise, Professor Ogba announced plans to scale up the initiative in future editions. “The ₦2.5 million we’re giving today is just a start,” he said. “We’re investing in futures that will multiply impact across our communities.”
The South-East Business Growth Conference has set a new standard for grassroots-driven economic empowerment, igniting fresh hope and ambition among youth entrepreneurs poised to shape the region’s economic destiny.
