Pastor Jerry Eze has disbursed $720,000 (approximately ₦993.6 million) in entrepreneurship grants to 240 Nigerian business owners, positioning the initiative as a contribution to economic growth and national development.
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The grant, administered through his foundation, provided $3,000 each to selected entrepreneurs operating across manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. Disbursement of funds commenced during the ceremony, which drew attendance from business leaders, clergy, and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at the event, Eze said the programme was inspired by a long-standing personal commitment to impact lives and give back meaningfully. “I and my wife are beyond excited that this is happening, I prepared for today,” he said, adding that the initiative reflects a broader desire to support Nigeria’s economic potential through grassroots enterprise.
Application data compiled by KPMG showed strong interest, with over 16,000 registrations recorded. Of these, 9,668 applicants completed the process, while 240 were ultimately selected based on programme criteria.
Delivering the keynote address, Obiageli Ezekwesili urged beneficiaries to pursue growth beyond their current scale. “Starting small is the best approach in life, but starting small does not mean staying small… small is no longer beautiful,” she said.
Eze linked his philanthropic drive to his upbringing, referencing the influence of his late mother. “My late mum who taught me to give everything, tells my story as to why I am passionate about what I do… what is life if people do not experience God through you,” he said. “This is my way of saying I love my country.”
He also expressed confidence in the impact of the grants, stating, “The people who have received this grant, by next year you will stand here and talk about how big your business has become.”
The initiative underscores increasing private and faith-based interventions aimed at expanding entrepreneurship and supporting small business growth in Nigeria.
