SESEI 2025: A Turning Point for Student Entrepreneurs & Innovators
Over 600 students gathered at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for the highly anticipated South East Students Entrepreneurship and Innovation (SESEI) Conference 2025 — an event that has been widely described as a watershed moment for student entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The conference, convened by Mr. Emmanuel Anabueze, founder of the Humanitarian Achievement and Outreach Foundation, brought together student innovators, startup founders, industry leaders, and partners for a day of impactful conversations, empowerment, and financial support.
One of the major highlights of the event was the disbursement of ₦4 million in startup funding to 40 selected student entrepreneurs, each receiving ₦100,000 to support and scale their business ventures. The grant was made possible through the generous support of Flamingo Car Tech, the Sir & Lady Judith Orji Foundation, and other collaborative partners.
Addressing the attendees, Mr. Anabueze emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to practical empowerment:
“We believe in investing not only 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.”
Keynote Speakers Deliver Insightful Sessions
The event featured powerful keynote presentations from seasoned professionals across various sectors.
Dr. Sammy Adrian Ajufo, media executive and Dean of the School of Communications and Media Studies at LLBSUK, spoke on “Media Power & Market Positioning: How to Use Strategic Communication to Grow Your Startup.” He emphasized the role of media in shaping narratives and attracting resources for young businesses.
Mrs. Rosemary Ezeani, Director of the Oluebube Charity Foundation and a serial entrepreneur, challenged participants to “multiply value” by building sustainable ventures rooted in vision and heart. She encouraged young people to pursue excellence in both enterprise and community service.
In a session focused on innovation and digital transformation, Sir Orjinta Nnaemeka Orji, Director at Kyndryl and Co-Founder of NEXTGENAI LTD, urged students to embrace technology, especially artificial intelligence, as a vital tool for entrepreneurship and future readiness.
Real estate innovator and education-tech advocate, ESV Arnold Ekweoba, Founder of Arnold & Associates Group, delivered a session on “Purpose-Driven Enterprise: How to Lead, Build, and Grow with Vision, Values, and Impact,” motivating the audience to combine personal values with business strategy.
Engaging Panel Discussions
The conference also featured three high-impact panel sessions, where ten rising Nigerian entrepreneurs shared their journeys, struggles, and strategies. The panelists included:
• Vivian Ohawusaokwu (Founder, DozzaVille)
• Chidinma Okoye (Founder, DressBySeentia)
• Somto Ezeaniomenyi (Founder, SOMTEE Group)
• Offor Paschal (Founder, PassyXchange)
• Okeke Victor (Babanla) (Real Estate Coach)
• Jude Obeche (Founder, OptimaTrade+)
• Somto Umenwofor (Founder, The CEO App)
• Ukpai Chinecherem Prince (Prince Neche) (Comedian/CEO, TalkTime Entertainment)
• Enem Bontis Obinna (Bon Classic Designs)
• Mrs. Ukpai Cynthia (Fashion Designer & Former SUG Vice President, UNIZIK)
The sessions explored business clarity, branding, financial discipline, consistency, and mental health for young entrepreneurs.
Students React
Students who attended the event expressed gratitude for both the knowledge shared and the financial opportunity.
“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 and grant recipient.
“I have never seen a student-focused program executed at this scale,” remarked Amaka, another attendee. “SESEI gave us hope that someone believes in us.”
Looking Ahead
SESEI 2025 has raised the bar for student-focused innovation events in Nigeria. From insightful keynotes to startup funding and hands-on panels, the event has firmly established itself as a launchpad for the next generation of African business leaders.
The convener, Mr. Anabueze, concluded the event with a promise to continue expanding access to resources, knowledge, and capital for students across the region.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We will keep building, keep supporting, and keep believing in our youth.”
