Empowering Indigenous Talent: Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi Invest ₦13.2 Million in Nnobi Entrepreneurs

In a powerful display of community-driven philanthropy, the ‘Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’ have empowered 28 indigenous entrepreneurs with a total of ₦13.2 million to scale their small businesses. The cheque presentation ceremony, held at the Sir Pius Uf Popudo Complex in Nnobi, Anambra State, highlights a growing trend of “home-grown” investment aimed at strengthening the local economy from within.

The Selection Process: Village-Led Growth

The initiative focused specifically on entrepreneurs whose businesses are domiciled within the Nnobi community. To ensure fair representation, the screening committee worked with the chairmen of the seven villages making up the Ebenesi quarters:

• The Villages: Umuona, Amadunu, Ubaha, Ifite, Eziora, Umuru, and Umuafor.

• Diversity in Selection: 4 persons were selected from each village, totaling 14 males and 14 females.

• Target Group: These were not “less privileged” individuals, but active craftsmen and traders already contributing to the town’s commerce.

Funding Structure: A Seed for Progress

The disbursement was structured to provide significant capital injections for various scales of business:

• Male Beneficiaries: Received ₦500,000 each.

• Female Beneficiaries: Received ₦300,000 each.

• Accountability: High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu emphasized that the funds are not a “free gift” in the traditional sense; beneficiaries are expected to return in one year to testify about their growth. Those who show exceptional progress will attract further investment.

Expert Advice: Avoiding the “3-Year Failure” Trap

During the keynote address, High Chief Obinna Ufudo offered sobering statistics and practical advice to the recipients:

1. Understand the Risk: 65% of businesses in Nigeria fail within their first three years.

2. Strategic Discipline: Seek counsel before making new investments and practice delayed gratification.

3. Human Capital: Chief Okechukwu Oraka (Chairman of Ebenesi Nnobi) noted that investing in people is the “highest investment” a community can make.

Key Personalities & Philanthropists

The “Super Mayors” behind the initiative were commended by His Majesty Igwe Engr. Nick Obi for their magnanimity:

• High Chief Emeka Ikebeotu (Chairman, Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi)

• High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu (Ikemba Idemili)

• Chief Ogochukwu Chukwuneke

• Chief Tobechukwu Ogalue

• Chief Frank Emenike

• Chief Izuchukwu Umeji

Beneficiary Profiles (Sample)