The South East Business Growth Conference 2025, hosted by the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation, marked a pivotal moment in driving inclusive economic development in the Southeast in Abakaliki, the conference brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore pathways for regional growth through entrepreneurship and strategic collaboration.

The Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation was founded by Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, and is committed to promoting entrepreneurship, education, and cultural heritage across Africa.

In his keynote, Professor Ike-Elechi reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission, stating: “As a foundation, we made the decision to support our government and our people by integrating economic growth into our policy. That is why we delved into what you see here today.”

He emphasized that the Foundation’s strategy is rooted in the heritage of the Igbo people as a historically enterprising nation: “We ought to go back to our roots. That is why we have systematically identified young entrepreneurs, vetted them, then empowered them financially.”

Mrs. Chioma Ike-Elechi Ogba, CEO of the Ike-Elechi Ogba Foundation in her address, issued a call to action: “Will you help us build the future of the South East?”

One of the conference’s high points was a panel featuring representatives from: SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria), BOI (Bank of Industry), FIRS (Federal Inland Revenue Service) and EBSMEDA (Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency).

They shared insights on financing, compliance, and government support available to SMEs in the Southeast .Professor Leonard C. Uguru, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance, applauded the Foundation: “This is the first organisation in the Southeast connecting cultural heritage and entrepreneurship. We need more of this. As the Commissioner for Finance, I fully support this and hope it becomes an annual event.”

Hon. Chidi Onyia, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, emphasized the need to redirect youth focus from politics to enterprise: “We have one major business in Ebonyi — politics. But if we focus on entrepreneurship, the future of our youths is very bright”

The conference also featured a panel of successful entrepreneurs who shared insights on building successful businesses in the South East.

This was followed by the pitch competition, where ten finalists pitched before a panel of judges. Five winners emerged, each securing a ₦500,000 grant: Jidechukwu Nwabueze (Jelapetra Farms Ltd), Gideon Fidelis Ekom (RentBetaHouse Nigeria Ltd), Blessing Nweke (Especial Naturals), Chinyeaka Elom (Mebembe Farms), and Ogechi Nwonye (Eco-cyclers).

Hon. Onyia awarded ₦100,000 each to the five finalists who didn’t win. The judges also pooled their resources to award ₦200,000 to a sixth finalist, Success Egba (Success Nation).

Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba closed the conference saying, “Today we’re giving out ₦2.5 million to five individuals. But the real value is in what they will gain after. We’re already looking ahead to next year and beyond, where we will expand this initiative and deepen its reach across the region.”

The SouthEast Business Growth Conference has set a new standard for collaboration and renewed hope in entrepreneurship as the future of the Southeast.