Onitsha Business Hangout

Esteemed Dignitaries, Royalties, Honoured Guests, Visionary Entrepreneurs, Aspiring Business Leaders, and Our Vibrant Online and onsite Community,

Ndi b’ anyi, ekene’m unu!

A heartfelt welcome to the fourth edition of the Onitsha Business Hangout 4.0, here at the prestigious CJ Patterson Auditorium in the heart of Onitsha, Nigeria’s commercial epicenter. On this historic day, July 6, 2025, we come together to celebrate the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation that defines our city and our people. To our distinguished speakers, mentors, sponsors, and every entrepreneur, professional, and dreamer joining us onsite and online—your presence fuels this movement. To our global audience streaming from across Nigeria and beyond, tha

nk you for being part of this transformative journey. Together, we are reimagining Onitsha as a global hub of opportunity and excellence!

BUILDING A THRIVING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY

At the core of Onitsha Business Hangout is our vibrant community of entrepreneurs and business owners—a family dedicated to building, encouraging, and pushing one another to grow and excel. Since our inception, Onitsha Business Hangout has been a beacon of hope and opportunity, enabling a space where dreams are nurtured, skills are honed, and partnerships are forged. Our WhatsApp community is more than just a community; it’s a movement that empowers small business owners, startups, and professionals to rise together. Through platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn, we share knowledge, celebrate successes, and inspire each other to aim higher. As one member of our community said on X, “Onitsha Business Hangout is where I found my tribe—people who believe in my vision and push me to succeed.” Our impact is tangible. OBH has become a catalyst for economic growth in Onitsha and Southeast Nigeria.

THE LEGACY AND IMPACT OF ONITSHA BUSINESS HANGOUT

Since its launch in 2022, led by Mr. Ogbaji IfeanyiChukwu, the Onitsha Business Hangout has grown into a cornerstone of economic empowerment, a catalyst for economic growth in Alaigbo and beyond . Our mission is clear: to create a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, networking, mentorship, and business growth. Over the years, Onitsha Business Hangout has connected thousands of entrepreneurs with industry leaders, partnership opportunities, access to Grants, fostered collaborations, and ignited transformative ideas. But our impact extends far beyond this annual gathering. Through initiatives like the “Onitsha Fashion Fest”, we’ve celebrated and elevated the city’s vibrant fashion industry, providing a stage for designers and creatives to showcase their talents and pitch innovative ideas whereby 3 contestants won grants. The “Onitsha Innovation TechQuest” has been a beacon for tech-driven entrepreneurs, enabling digital innovation and ICT knowledge to position Onitsha as a leader in Africa’s tech ecosystem, with 3 startups winning grants and 2 others, laptops as compensation prizes. Similarly, the “Onitsha Food Business Connect” has empowered culinary entrepreneurs, connecting food industry innovators with resources to scale their Ventures, with 4 winners gaining access to grant. These platforms have not only spotlighted Onitsha’s diverse entrepreneurial talent but also created tangible opportunities for growth. A hallmark of Onitsha Business Hangout’s commitment to empowerment is our pitch competitions, where entrepreneurs across these sectors—fashion, tech, food, and more— present their business ideas to panels of experts. Thanks to the generous support of partners like Business Clinic, numerous business owners have secured grants to turn their visions into reality. These grants, awarded during our mini-events and main hangouts, have provided critical funding for startups, enabling them to scale operations, hire talent, and innovate boldly. From fashion designers launching sustainable brands to tech entrepreneurs building apps that solve local challenges, these success stories underscore Onitsha Business Hangout’s role as a catalyst for economic transformation. As one grant recipient shared on X, “Winning a Business Clinic grant at Onitsha Business Hangout gave my startup the boost it needed to thrive!” Our partnership with the Onitsha Business School, launched in January 2024, has further amplified our impact. Through this collaboration, we’ve offered free ten-month entrepreneurial courses to students and aspiring business owners, equipping them with skills in financial planning, marketing, and business strategy. This mentorship program has empowered many to navigate the complexities of starting and scaling businesses, enabling a culture of resilience and innovation. These entrepreneurs have been able to create a corporate that is vestured into agriculture, Green Innovative Coorporative. As a result, Onitsha Business Hangout has not only built a thriving community of entrepreneurs but also contributed to job creation and economic development in Onitsha and Southeast Nigeria.

ONITSHA BUSINESS HANGOUT 4.0: REIMAGINE ONITSHA

Today, Onitsha Business Hangout 4.0 carries forward this legacy under the theme Reimagine Onitsha. We are here to redefine what’s possible for our city and its people. Expect a day filled with thought-provoking keynote addresses, dynamic panel discussions, and hands-on workshops covering entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, financial planning, and digital innovation. Our stellar lineup of speakers—industry trailblazers and innovators—will share “golden nuggets” of wisdom to inspire and equip you. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, a startup founder, or a student dreaming of your first venture, Onitsha Business Hangout is your platform to connect, learn, and grow. We’re proud to offer free entry to ensure every aspiring entrepreneur can access this transformative experience, made possible by our incredible sponsors, including Tiger Foods Limited, Business Clinic, Crystal Garden Estate, Agro Market Square, Anambra State Police Command, Voice of the East, Baobab Microfinance and the rest. Their commitment to empowering Onitsha’s business community through grants, mentorship, and resources is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines Onitsha Business Hangout. Today, you’ll also have the chance to participate in network with potential partners, and engage with mentors who can help turn your ideas into reality.

A CALL FOR BRAND COMMITMENT TO ONITSHA

Yet, our work is not without challenges. Onitsha, home to one of Africa’s largest markets, generates immense wealth for brands across Nigeria and beyond. However, too often, we hear that “it’s Onitsha,” as if our city is not a priority for investment. These brands profit from our vibrant market but reinvest elsewhere, leaving our entrepreneurs underserved. Today, we call on these brands to commit to Onitsha—to see the potential in our city and our people. By sponsoring events like Onitsha Business Hangout and supporting initiatives that empower entrepreneurs, brands can play a pivotal role in building a stronger, more inclusive Southeast Nigeria. We encourage our sponsors to continue leading by example and we urge others to join us in hosting events, funding grants, and mentoring the next generation of business leaders right here in Onitsha. Your investment in our community is an investment in Africa’s future. ONITSHA ’S ROLE IN AFRICA ’S FUTURE Onitsha is not just a city—it’s a powerhouse of commerce and creativity. Home to one of Africa’s largest markets, our city is a magnet for entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators. Events like Onitsha Business Hangout, highlight Onitsha’s emergence as a leading business hub in Africa. By enabling ICT-driven enterprises, supporting startups, and connecting professionals with investors, Onitsha Business Hangout is helping position Onitsha as a global leader in entrepreneurship. As we gather today, we’re not just networking—we’re building a legacy that will shape Africa’s economic future.

A CALL TO ACTION

To our dignitaries, your presence lends weight to our mission. To our sponsors, your support fuels this movement. To our attendees—onsite and online—you are the heartbeat of Onitsha Business Hangout 4.0. Engage fully: ask bold questions, pitch your ideas, and connect with the person next to you. Share your experiences on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and the rest with #OnitshaBusinessHangout and #ReimagineOnitsha to inspire a global audience. If you’re joining us online, post your takeaways and let the world know how Onitsha Business Hangout is transforming lives. To our entrepreneurs, seize this moment—whether through a pitch, a new partnership, or a spark of inspiration, let today be the start of something extraordinary. To brands watching, we say: Onitsha is ready. Join us, invest in our community, and let’s build a future where every entrepreneur thrives. Your commitment to events like Onitsha Business Hangout will create a ripple effect of empowerment across Southeast Nigeria and beyond.

CONCLUSION

As we embark on this day of learning, collaboration, and empowerment, let’s embrace the Onitsha spirit—resilient, innovative, and unstoppable. From the Onitsha Fashion Fest to the Innovation TechQuest, from Food Business Connect to life-changing grants, Onitsha Business Hangout is proof that when we come together, we can achieve greatness. Welcome to Onitsha Business Hangout 4.0—let’s reimagine Onitsha, transform lives, and build a future where every dream has a chance to thrive!

Thank you, and let’s make history!

Ogbaji Ifeanyichukwu.

Convener,

Onitsha Business Hangout.