The Ultimate Destiny Uplifters Foundation (UDUF) recently organized a two-day business leadership boot camp aimed at empowering entrepreneurs across the South-East region of Nigeria. Held at Dolly Hills Hotel in Onitsha, Anambra State, the event focused on enhancing leadership and business management skills while fostering networking opportunities among participants.
Entrepreneurs from various sectors of the economy attended the boot camp, which was designed to equip them with the necessary skills to navigate challenges faced by businesses in the country. Dr. Ezuma Chinedu, the founder of UDUF Africa, stressed the importance of perseverance and skill acquisition in achieving business goals amid adversities such as poor government policies, currency devaluation, low social values, international debts, and corruption.
The foundation aims to provide capacity-building opportunities to young people, entrepreneurs, and leaders passionate about serving humanity and transforming African communities. Throughout the boot camp, participants engaged in discussions on the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, including increased transportation costs, higher food prices, high crime rates, cash shortages, and low productivity.
To address these challenges, the boot camp proposed various control measures such as encouraging local production, implementing sound financial policies, reducing the cost of governance, lowering interest rates on SME loans, promoting an export-driven economy, and establishing refineries. These measures aim to improve the performance and survival rate of SMEs in Nigeria while contributing to the country’s GDP.
The event featured breakout sessions facilitated by professionals including Prof. Olusegun Sogbesan, Director General of Onitsha Business School, business consultant Lady Chinwe Nebolisa, and professional business leadership coach Emmanuel Ikenna. Panel discussions focused on self-leadership, effective time management, goal setting, and maintaining motivation for leaders and entrepreneurs, essential for success in business endeavors.
Topics covered during the boot camp included the fundamentals of starting, growing, and sustaining a business, wealth creation, and smart investments. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants and a Tea and Suya night hangout with the facilitators, fostering camaraderie and continued networking among attendees.
