… Honours Legacy of Market-Driven Entrepreneurship

By Chioma Gabriel

Manmark Associates has paid tribute to its founder, the late Prof. Julius Onuora Onah, in commemoration of his posthumous birthday and the company’s Founder’s Day, celebrating his contributions to marketing education, entrepreneurship and business development in Nigeria.

In a statement marking the occasion on July 10, the firm described Prof. Onah as a visionary whose philosophy of market-driven entrepreneurship laid the foundation for the establishment of Manmark Associates and influenced generations of entrepreneurs and business professionals.

The company noted that Prof. Onah was the first Professor of Marketing in West Africa, the first alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to be appointed a professor by the institution, and the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

According to the firm, Onah championed the integration of academic knowledge with practical business solutions through what it described as the “Gown to Town” philosophy, encouraging students to engage directly with industry and address real-world business challenges before graduation.

Manmark said the late academic also made significant contributions to the development of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) through research that helped define operational benchmarks based on local economic realities.

The company added that his legacy continues to be reflected in the Prof. Julius Onah Auditorium at ESUT, which hosts entrepreneurship programmes, technology events and initiatives focused on enterprise development.

Reflecting on his impact, Manmark said its corporate culture continues to be guided by the values of integrity, professionalism, mentorship and innovation established by its founder.

The firm also highlighted efforts by its current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune, to build on Prof. Onah’s vision by strengthening corporate governance, expanding strategic partnerships and promoting entrepreneurship.

According to the statement, the company has partnered with organisations, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Fidelity Bank, while establishing the Manmark Marketing Hub (M2Hub) to support the growth and development of small businesses.

Manmark said Kene-Uyanwune, who has experience in banking and public service, has focused on modernising the company’s operations while preserving its founding principles.

The firm reiterated its commitment to promoting market-driven entrepreneurship and translating academic research into practical business solutions capable of supporting enterprise growth and economic development.

It added that the annual celebration of Prof. Onah’s life provides an opportunity to reflect on his enduring contributions to education, entrepreneurship and Nigeria’s business landscape while reaffirming the company’s commitment to advancing the ideals on which it was founded.