Notable political and business leaders have called on Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship as a strategic path to reducing rising unemployment and low productivity in the country despite its expanding population.
This charge was the highlight of discussions at Meet the CEOs 5.0, a business summit organised by the Skyewise Foundation, a subsidiary of Skyewise Group, a leading automobile, investment, and credit management company.
With the theme “Modern Entrepreneur: Navigating an Evolving World,” the event brought together financial experts, bank executives, leadership advocates, investors, government agencies, and innovators to explore ways of harnessing Nigeria’s youthful population to create wealth and drive economic growth.
In his presentation, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sam Hart, commended the creativity of Nigerian youths and said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive. He added that the National Assembly is supporting the executive to ensure small-scale businesses flourish, urging stakeholders to encourage innovation and positive change.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotette, stressed that entrepreneurship requires patience and consistency. She encouraged young Nigerians to seize opportunities, become problem solvers, and contribute to building a better nation.
Earlier, the MD/CEO of Skyewise Group, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, said the summit aims to support young entrepreneurs through mentorship and financial empowerment, and to discover emerging talents ready to achieve their goals. He noted that the initiative is designed to groom innovators into job creators capable of navigating economic challenges.
At the event, millions of naira were disbursed to outstanding young entrepreneurs following a business pitch competition. The star prize winner, Mercy Young, CEO of Hairverse Ventures Limited, received ₦4 million. First runner-up, Love Ajagbe-Ayankola, CEO of Loib Crea8tive Limited, won ₦3 million, while second runner-up, Lydia Ekpong Thompson of All Gree Ivy Limited, received ₦2 million. Chinedu Emmanuel, CEO of Hemoglobin, took home ₦1 million as third runner-up.
In an instant business pitch session, Mr. Huzeva Aminu emerged winner and was rewarded with ₦2 million.
The event featured several notable personalities as speakers and panelists, including Dr. Moses Dari (representing the deputy governor of Edo State), Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Nollywood actor Uzee Usman, Inonge Imbula (Founder, Imbula Consultancy), Farida Mirzebleava (Content Creation Coach), Joshua Chibueze (Founder, PiggyVest), Ebuka Ebuziem (CEO, Adire Team), and Val Okafor (representative of the Minister of Youth Development).
Others in attendance included Dr. Lois Andrew Ihwo (CEO, Dee Utensils), Mrs. Lillian Elvis Abuyare, Olajide Abiola (CEO, The Destination Hotel), and Ibidapo Lawal (CEO, Nevaeh Limited).
Chris Ade, fourth runner-up in Project Fame West Africa (Season 5), also thrilled the audience with a musical performance.