Over 600 students gathered at SESEI 2025 as 40 young entrepreneurs each received ₦100,000 in business startup grants, driving innovation across Nigeria.
In a powerful show of youth empowerment and innovation, the 2025 South East Students Entrepreneurship and Innovation (SESEI) Conference awarded ₦4 million in startup grants to 40 promising student entrepreneurs. Each recipient walked away with ₦100,000 in seed capital, offering a tangible head-start for their budding ventures.
Held on June 28, 2025, at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the landmark event was hosted by the Humanitarian Achievement and Outreach Foundation, led by visionary founder Mr. Emmanuel Anabueze.
A Platform for Change, Not Just Ideas
According to Mr. Anabueze, SESEI is more than just an annual conference; it’s a launchpad for changemakers. “We believe in investing not only in ideas but in the young minds behind them. SESEI is here to identify, equip, and elevate the next generation of innovators,” he stated.
With support from generous partners including Flamingo Car Tech, the Sir & Lady Judith Orji Foundation, and other contributors, the event delivered not only funding but also a rare opportunity for mentorship, inspiration, and networking.
Also Read: MSMEs Receive ₦3 Million in Grants at Lagos Leather Fair 2025
Expert Sessions: Purpose, Media & AI for Startup Success
Attendees were treated to an exceptional lineup of industry thought leaders and experts, who delivered value-packed sessions on entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership:
- Dr. Sammy Adrian Ajufo, media executive and Dean at LLBSUK emphasized the power of strategic communication in elevating startup brands and gaining visibility.
- Mrs. Rosemary Ezeani, serial entrepreneur and Director of the Oluebube Charity Foundation, encouraged participants to build value-driven businesses anchored in service and purpose.
- Sir Orjinta Nnaemeka Orji, tech director at Kyndryl and co-founder of NEXTGENAI LTD, spotlighted artificial intelligence as a must-have tool for staying relevant in the digital economy.
- ESV Arnold Ekweoba, real estate expert and edtech founder, challenged youths to lead with values, merging purpose with innovation to create a lasting impact.
Real-Life Lessons from Nigerian Entrepreneurs
The conference also featured three dynamic panel discussions where 10 emerging entrepreneurs shared their stories, struggles, and breakthroughs. Some notable names included:
- Vivian Ohawusaokwu (DozzaVille)
- Chidinma Okoye (DressBySeentia)
- Jude Obeche (OptimaTrade+)
- Somto Ezeaniomenyi (SOMTEE Group)
- Offor Paschal (PassyXchange)
- Mrs. Ukpai Cynthia, fashion entrepreneur
- Prince Neche, comedian, and CEO of TalkTime Entertainment
These panels focused on branding, financial discipline, mental wellness, and clarity of vision, equipping students with real-world knowledge that goes beyond textbooks.
Impact on Students: More Than Just Grants
For the 600+ students in attendance, SESEI 2025 was life-changing. Final-year student Chukwuemeka, one of the grant recipients, said, “This was the best thing that has happened to me as a student. I now understand how to turn my idea into a real business.”
Another student, Amaka, expressed deep appreciation: “I’ve never seen a student-focused program at this scale. SESEI gave us hope that someone believes in us and is ready to invest in our future.”
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
Mr. Anabueze closed the event with a bold promise to expand SESEI’s impact:
“This is just the beginning. We will keep building, keep supporting, and keep believing in our youth.”
As Nigeria looks to the future, SESEI 2025 stands as a model of what’s possible when young minds are empowered with knowledge, capital, and belief. It has redefined student entrepreneurship in Nigeria, blending mentorship, technology, funding, and community in a truly transformative way.
