SESEI Empowers Next Gen Innovators With ₦4m Startup Grants

The South East Students Entrepreneurship and Innovation (SESEI) Conference, a landmark event for youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, has disbursed N4 million in startup grants to 40 young entrepreneurs, each receiving ₦100,000 to support their fledgling businesses.

Organised by the Humanitarian Achievement and Outreach Foundation, the conference, convened by its founder, Mr Emmanuel Anabueze, brought together student innovators, budding entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and development partners for a day of inspiration, empowerment, and funding support.

The funding was made possible through support from Flamingo Car Tech, the Sir & Lady Judith Orji Foundation, and other partners, marking a practical commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial dreams of Nigerian students.

In his address, Mr Anabueze reaffirmed the foundation’s resolve to shift student empowerment from theory to practice. “We believe in investing not just in ideas but in the young minds behind them. SESEI is not just a conference, it is a platform to identify, equip, and elevate the next generation of changemakers,” he said.

Throughout the day, keynote speakers from diverse sectors delivered thought-provoking sessions designed to sharpen participants’ business and leadership acumen. Dr Sammy Adrian Ajufo, a media executive and Dean at LLBSUK, spoke on how strategic communication and media influence can position startups for visibility and growth.

Mrs Rosemary Ezeani, serial entrepreneur and director of the Oluebube Charity Foundation, urged students to build value-driven businesses anchored in purpose and service. She encouraged participants to see entrepreneurship as a tool for transformation beyond profit.

In a session on digital transformation, Sir Orjinta Nnaemeka Orji, director at Kyndryl and co-founder of NEXTGENAI LTD, spotlighted artificial intelligence as a critical lever for modern entrepreneurship, calling on students to embrace innovation for long-term relevance.

Also speaking at the event, ESV Arnold Ekweoba, a real estate and edtech innovator, emphasised the importance of leading with values. He challenged the young audience to merge vision, purpose, and impact to create enterprises that outlive trends.

The conference also featured engaging panel sessions with 10 emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs who shared their real-life experiences building businesses from scratch. Panellists such as Vivian Ohawusaokwu of DozzaVille, Chidinma Okoye of DressBySeentia, and Jude Obeche of OptimaTrade+ discussed clarity of vision, branding, financial discipline, and mental wellness as critical tools for entrepreneurial success.

Other panellists included Prince Neche, comedian and CEO of TalkTime Entertainment; Somto Ezeaniomenyi of SOMTEE Group; Offor Paschal of PassyXchange; Somto Umenwofor of The CEO App; and fashion designer Mrs. Ukpai Cynthia. Their stories resonated deeply with attendees, who described the event as a turning point.

Students expressed gratitude for both the learning experience and the startup capital. “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,” said Chukwuemeka, a final-year student who received the grant.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before, a student-focused programme at this scale,” said Amaka, another participant. “SESEI gave us hope that someone believes in us and is ready to invest in our future.”

With its unique blend of mentorship, funding, and networking, SESEI 2025 has set a new standard for youth innovation conferences in Nigeria. The convener, Mr Anabueze, closed the event by promising to take the initiative further.

“This is just the beginning. We will keep building, keep supporting, and keep believing in our youth.”