The Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation (SUF) has empowered 80 small businesses in Nigeria with N40 million in grants, reinforcing its mission to boost the Nigerian economy by supporting young entrepreneurs. The grant ceremony, held on October 5, 2024, at The Delborough Lagos hotel, featured key dignitaries, including Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma, Providus Bank Executive Director Adeoye Ojuroye, and Blake Resort Chairman Uzochukwu Akunedozi.
During the event, Dr. Jovita Ibie, CEO of the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation, welcomed beneficiaries and urged them to embrace both the financial support and the mentorship offered by the Foundation. Highlighting the success of SUF’s founder, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, she emphasized that the mentorship would be just as valuable as the financial grant.
Guest Speaker, Arc Apeh Iwodi, advised recipients to be diligent and strategic in using the grants to elevate their businesses. Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu himself congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to seize this opportunity to transform their lives. He assured them that the Foundation would continue to monitor their growth, provide ongoing mentorship, and connect them to future business opportunities. Dr. Stanley also personally awarded N500,000 to several businesses with outstanding products, committing to showcase their goods at Stanel World Mart locations across the country.
In addition, Blake Resort CEO Uzochukwu Akunedozi pledged an additional N2 million in support of the grant recipients, while Providus Bank’s Executive Director, Adeoye Ojuroye, announced plans to integrate the beneficiaries into the bank’s SME programs and feature their products and services at its locations.
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma commended the initiative, praising Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu’s leadership and highlighting the impact of young African entrepreneurs on the continent’s future. “The leadership I’ve witnessed today is exactly what Africa needs, and it’s inspiring to see it coming from young African leaders,” Koroma said.
Grateful for the opportunity, several beneficiaries pledged to support the Foundation’s orphanage projects, reflecting the transformative atmosphere of the event.
This latest round of grants is part of the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation’s broader mission to empower Nigerian youths and foster sustainable business growth across the country.
