The Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit (OES) has disbursed N200 million in grants to 82 entrepreneurs across Ogoni communities in Rivers State to boost grassroots businesses and strengthen local economic activity.
The funding, targeted at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is designed to expand business capacity, support emerging entrepreneurs and improve livelihoods within the Ogoni ethnic nationality.
The disbursement fulfils a commitment made during the 2020 Ogoni Entrepreneurship and Economic Summit by the Chief Executive Officer of Geolink Global Limited and President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol, who has continued to champion enterprise development in the region.
Speaking during the grant presentation ceremony held in Wiiyakara Community, Khana Local Government Area, Maol urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the funds in growing their businesses and creating value.
“This is a dream fulfilled. The essence of this initiative is to demonstrate love through giving, which reflects the true spirit of the Ogoni people,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is anchored on the principle of collective progress, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved when individuals are willing to support one another.
According to him, the intervention draws from the summit’s theme, “Let Love Lead,” which he said reflects a long-standing vision to empower people at the grassroots level through direct economic support.
Maol also disclosed plans to institutionalise the grant scheme as an annual programme, adding that top-performing beneficiaries would receive additional funding to scale their enterprises.
He stressed that while financial support is important, success in business depends largely on mindset, discipline and resilience.
“Capital alone does not guarantee success. You must build character, stay focused and remain committed to your goals,” he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, retired General Letam Wiwa, said the disbursement marks a significant milestone in translating ideas from the 2020 summit into tangible impact.
He noted that the initiative would stimulate economic growth within Ogoni communities and create opportunities for sustainable development.
Also speaking, Chairman of the OES Selection Committee, Sir (Dr) Leesi Gborogbosi, disclosed that over 500 applications were received, with only 82 beneficiaries selected for the pilot phase.
“The beneficiaries cut across existing businesses, micro enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs. This programme is structured to drive community development through individual empowerment,” he said.
He urged recipients to utilise the grants responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the economic advancement of Ogoni.
