In a major push for community-driven economic development, Ogoni businessman and philanthropist Chief Lesi Maol has committed ₦200 million to support 20 emerging entrepreneurs from Ogoniland. The announcement was the centerpiece of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit (OES), held on December 26-27, 2025, at the Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Park in Bane.
Chief Maol, the CEO of Giolee Global Resources Ltd, described the fund as a “strategic intervention” rather than charity, aimed at cultivating a new generation of job creators in the Niger Delta.
Key Highlights of the Summit
The event, themed “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs,” focused on shifting the mindset of Ogoni youth from dependency to active productivity.
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Targeted Funding: 20 carefully selected entrepreneurs will receive shares of the ₦200 million business support fund to scale their ventures.
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The “Nnewi Model”: Chief Maol cited the success of the Nnewi (Anambra State) mentorship culture, urging Ogonis to adopt similar systems of apprenticeship and intergenerational wealth building.
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Institutional Support: Maol also announced a ₦20 million grant for Capital TV and Ogoni TV, highlighting the necessity of strong media platforms for social education and development.
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The FLOW Model: Former Presidential Economic Adviser Magnus Kpakol introduced his “Full Local Ownership” (FLOW) model, advocating for Ogoni ownership of local resources through innovation rather than protest.
A Vision for Economic Freedom
Addressing a crowd of over 500 participants, Chief Maol emphasized that Ogoniland’s economic rise must be internal. He noted that while the region is rich in natural and human potential, it has historically lacked the structure, mentorship, and access to capital needed to thrive.
“We cannot continue to survive on sympathy or subsistence. Wealth creation is the only sustainable weapon against poverty.” — Chief Lesi Maol
Stakeholders and Participants
The summit brought together a diverse group of academic, business, and traditional leaders:
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Dr. Henry Kpunee: Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
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Prof. Magnus Kpakol: Former Chief Economic Adviser to the President.
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Major General Letam Wiwa (Rtd): Managing Partner, Bogana Chambers.
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Dr. Friday Baridoo: Secretary of the Planning Committee.
