A new chapter in grassroots economic transformation unfolded on Saturday as Chief Lesi Maol, President General of KAGOTE, set a bold agenda for economic revival at the maiden Ogoni Entrepreneurship and Career Development Award Ceremony held in Wiiyakara.
The high-profile summit brought together traditional rulers, academics, development experts, and aspiring entrepreneurs, all united by a common goal—to reposition Ogoniland from a mindset of dependency to one driven by innovation, productivity, and sustainable enterprise.
In his keynote address, Chief Maol challenged long-held assumptions about business success, emphasizing that capital is not the primary determinant of entrepreneurial achievement. According to him, “the human mind is the engine room of every enterprise,” stressing that ideas, creativity, and resilience outweigh financial resources.
He urged Ogoni youths to break free from what he described as a “mindset of survival and deprivation,” and instead embrace their capacity to compete globally. “We are no longer in a state of deprivation. We are conscious, capable, and ready to stand among our peers,” he declared.
The summit also featured the disbursement of significant financial support to selected beneficiaries under a structured recoverable grant scheme designed to stimulate local businesses.
The Chairman of the occasion, General Letam Wiwa (Rtd), commended the President General of KAGOTE and Chief Executive Officer of Giolee Global Resources Ltd, Chief Lesi Maol, for convening the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit and initiating the grant scheme.
He described the initiative as a visionary step toward empowering the people and driving sustainable economic development in Ogoniland.
According to him, the programme reflects a deliberate shift from dependency to self-reliance, urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at building local capacity and enterprise.
General Wiwa also charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds, stressing that the grants should serve as a catalyst for growth and not be mismanaged.
He emphasized that the initiative is designed to be impactful and sustainable, encouraging recipients to build viable businesses that will, in turn, create opportunities for others.
He noted that if properly utilized, the scheme would revolve across the community, benefiting more people and contributing significantly to the economic advancement of Ogoniland.
Chairman of the grant committee, Dr. Leesi Gborogbosi, disclosed that over 500 applications were received, with beneficiaries emerging through a rigorous, merit-based selection process.
He explained that recipients were drawn from three categories—existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and micro-enterprises —and assured that monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to track performance and ensure accountability.
Providing further breakdown, Dr. Elvis Ikoma, finance lead and member of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit team, noted that applicants were assessed based on their understanding of market fundamentals, human capacity, financial discipline, and potential impact on Ogoniland.
He emphasized that the initiative integrates both funding and capacity building, with all beneficiaries undergoing training in business planning, financial management, and operational strategy.
Traditional authority was strongly represented by HRH King Godwin Bebe Okpabi, who charged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity and create ripple effects of prosperity.
He described the intervention as a “seed of growth” capable of transforming family lineages and communities, urging recipients to use the funds responsibly and extend support to others.
From the academic and historical perspective, Prof. Ben Naanen, former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), underscored entrepreneurship, good governance, and knowledge as the three pillars of economic liberation.
Drawing from past experiences, he stressed that no external force will lift a people out of poverty without their own initiative, urging beneficiaries to think business-mindedly and embrace mentorship.
Also speaking, Mr. Baritor Lenu Kpaghi provided practical insights into entrepreneurship, distinguishing between necessity-driven and passion-driven business models.
He emphasized that business success begins with ideas, not capital, and cautioned beneficiaries against treating the grants as free money.
He advocated for accountability, discipline, and the establishment of sustainable financial structures such as microfinance systems within Ogoniland.
Across board, speakers echoed a unified message: economic empowerment must be driven by mindset transformation, strategic thinking, and collective responsibility.
Beyond economic issues, Chief Maol used the platform to advocate a return to core Ogoni values of love, unity, and mutual support.
He lamented the erosion of communal trust and called for a revival of the “Ogoni pure-pure” ethos—where generosity, hospitality, and shared prosperity defined the people.
“This initiative is not just about business; it is about rebuilding our identity and creating a chain of kindness and empowerment,” he said.
The Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit marks a significant shift in community-driven development, promoting a model that prioritizes self-reliance, merit, and sustainability over dependency.
Organizers expressed optimism that the initiative will become an annual platform for nurturing innovation and accelerating economic growth in Ogoniland, while beneficiaries were urged to see themselves as ambassadors of change committed to transforming both their personal fortunes and the wider society.
Grace Ewonu Damgbor, beneficiary of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit, representing Day and Night Solar Engineering/Ice Block and Cold room, says:
“I’m deeply grateful to Chief Lesi Maol, the President of KAGOTE, and the entire team at Giolee Global Resources Ltd for selecting me as a beneficiary of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit grant.
Your belief in my vision means everything. I’m committed to using this support to drive innovation and create impact in our community.
As I step forward, I’m reminded: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” I’ll make sure this grant fuels that creation. Another beneficiary Mr. Mene Kpunee of Equipotential Service Ltd expressed gratitude to Chief Lesi Maol, President of KAGOTE, and Giolee Global Resources Ltd for selecting him as a beneficiary of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit grant, saying the support will drive growth and create jobs in the community.
