Innovation, empowerment the secret of development. Countries don’t develop when innovation and human empowerment are relegated to the background. However, developing countries and economies of the world  today  are driving on innovation and necessary human development through empowerment.

Asian economies are growing robust and of course on the lead today because of innovation, human empowerment and most importantly political will that guaranteed speedy development in that continent. Science and technology become their way of life with high quality education system a plus.

However, while many African countries are still at the backdrop, few are at snail speed movement in spite of the numerous resources in Africa. The above mentioned has become a serious challenge because of corruption and lack of political will tantamount in African region.

Worried by this epilepsy, few Nigerians among many have decided to make a difference.

Among those Nigerians who believe in innovation and never satisfied in the quest for human empowerment is Mr. Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna, CEO of many companies who took time to study both at home and abroad.

His objective was to work hard in reaching his full potentials, and most importantly to create employment for some of the millions of Nigerians that remain unemployed.

He is a strong believer in empowering people and creating leaders. His unsatisfied drive and passion, all geared towards putting smiles on the faces of people and as well bring about development in some communities.

Worried by the waves of insecurity in the land,  massive unemployment and his eagerness to fight all, he has recently purchased land in Uzinaumu with the intention of setting up three large scale industries, of which licenses have already been granted to produce some of the brands he is currently importing.

This on its own is likely to produce about 1000 jobs in the region. These industries he said will work together and share machinery to make it very cost effective to export those products to other African countries, and perhaps to the rest of the world.

He also has set up a renewable energy company, with the intention of harnessing natural energy produced with the sun of which Nigeria is abundantly blessed with to provide clean and uninterrupted power supply to homes owned by Nigeria’s dwindling middle class.

According to him, his greatest achievement is Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna Foundation,  which he intends reaching out to millions of Nigerians, especially those in the south east. He has over the years financed and encouraged many young and budding politicians who did not use their positions to help the needy in the land.

In this course of innovation and human empowerment that hinges on economic development, social welfare etc. another Nigerian who has refused to give in to failure is the President, Coscharis Group of companies, Cosmas Maduka, that first started  Automobile business in 1983 when the company was incorporated with the business of importation and distribution of genuine automotive spare parts. And accessories of Japanese vehicles and several kinds of automobile related products from inception embraced innovation with a lot of human empowerment that positioned Coscharis group  with over 26 branches nationwide and with heavy presence in three African countries; Ghana,Gabon and Cote D’Ivoire.

According to management source, “Coscharis delivers excellent products and services to our customers, giving them the highest value for their money and contribute to societal development and progress by exploring and exploiting technological innovations, plugging back resources for the society, providing fulfillment and a sense of pride in its employees; and will ensure the sustenance of these values by operating with increasing profit and waxing stronger and bigger into the future”.

Reaping the benefits of innovation and human empowerment, since 2001, Coscharis Motors expanded its automobile range by diversifying into the sales of Ford vehicles etc.

Another Nigerian who has distinguished himself in innovation and human empowerment is Chief Solomon N. Ogbonna, a prolific artwork collector and renowned estate developer of international repute. He believes a man without a vision is not capable of achieving any meaningful enterprise and  he that has focus will not allow anything to distract him until he realises his set goals.

In his effort to promote innovation and human empowerment in the Nigerian system, he has empowered professional bodies. Also in his quest to make Nigeria an attraction for tourism, he  set up Aguene Art Foundation, an indigenous non-governmental organisation for artwork collection, preservation, development and advancement of art and culture.

And this he did to further enhance the preservation of our proud African heritage at the global level.  Chief Solomon N. Ogbonna, the chairman, board of trustees of the foundation, an Ambassador for Peace, also an awardee of the Pan-African Partnership Award for Peace, Art & Culture Development and other numerous awards in different fields of human endeavour, has embarked on the establishment of African Art Museum where he intends to create jobs for many unemployed  Nigerians and also entice foreign investors through that means.

In his words, he encourages government to channel resources to innovation and human development  as this is the only way the economy can grow and develop. And when we do this, corruption, kidnapping, armed robbery and other  vices in  our society will reduce to the minimum.