GEW Magazine 2019

GLOBAL WEEKENTREPRENEURSHIP ABUJA EWnGtrepreelnkAoebua2rbsuhl0ji1ap9 MEvaengtazine 19th-22nd 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG PROF. YEMI OSINBANJO SAN VICE-PRESIDENT FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA MUHAMMAD MUSA BELLO MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY 1 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG OLAWALE ANIFOWOSE MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NETWORK NIGERIA MRS. TONIA SHOYELE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ABUJA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (ACCI) ARABI MUHAMMAD TUKUR MANAGING DIRECTOR/ CEO ABUJA ENTERPRISE AGENCY (AEA) 2 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG CHIBUIKE K. OKOLI file:///C:/ Users/FILLZ/Downloads/ CO-FOUNDER, WhatsApp%20Image%202019-11-17%20at%204.19.46%20PM.jpeg CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER NNAMDI N. EZENWEKWE CO-FOUNDER, LEAD STRATEGIST CHUKWUMA N. NDUKA CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 3 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

BBrriiddggiinngg tthhee GGaapp bbeettwweeeenn IIddeeaa aanndd EExxeeccuuttiioonn WW WW WW .. CC OO RR PP UU SS .. NN GG Editors Note By Nnamdi N. Ezenwekwe Esq. Entrepreneurs, Intrapreneurs, and possible, and one where everything is. Enterprises. These three words, perhaps In line with the agenda for the GEW 2019, we also look closely at significant more than any other, have come to define challenges and issues that continue to threaten Nigerian entrepreneurs the story of man’s socioeconomic evolution and entrepreneurship, in the key areas of education, policy, ecosystems and over centuries. Responsible for amazing inclusion, through the eyes of our interviewees. creations, audacious ventures, and the If you’re new to the entrepreneurial exponential socioeconomic development scene, then come along, as we take you on our collective journey through that continues to take place as a result, the past, present and future of Nigerian entrepreneurship, recounting modern entrepreneurship has undoubtedly achievements, taking stock, and finding new and better ways to think smarter, evolved into an extremely powerful global collaborate better, and achieve greater. phenomenon. And if you’ve been on this table all along, if you are one of the many It goes without saying, that the true ambitious, industrious superheroes who demonstrate dedication and bravery in superhero of the 21st century has been the face of often near-impossible odds in Nigeria, then stand up! Take a bow! and will remain The Enterpriser, whether Celebrate yourself! functioning as chief risk taker, or serving as We, celebrate you! part of an existing establishment. In the face of a multitude of sociopolitical, sociocultural and socioeconomic challenges, a number of which are highlighted, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs alike continue to defy circumstances, break rules, and push limits in the quest to improve the world and the quality of human life. And so, in this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019 Magazine, we honor outstanding men and women, representing many others, whose creativity, effort, sacrifice and persistence in both dreaming and doing, envisioning and executing, starting up and following through, have been the difference between a world where nothing might have been 4 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG About Global Entrepreneurship Week Over 10 million people. 35,000 events. 170+ countries. Every November. One Week. Removing barriers and welcoming all. GEW 2019 November 19-22, 2019. 170 Countries . 20,000 Partners . 35,000 Events . 10Million people 55 GGlloobbaall EEnnttrreepprreenneeuurrsshhiipp WWeeeekk AAbbuujjaa 22001199

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG GEW ABUJA 2019 PLANNING CHAIRMANS ADDRESS According to research by African Emeka B. Ugwu Development Bank group (Africa Economic Outlook 2017), about 80% of Africans [GEW Abuja 2019 Planning Chairman] view entrepreneurship as a good career opportunity, and for some it is the only Corpus Business Development Service option. The continent has the highest share Limited in 2018 presented its maiden in the world of young adults starting or Global Entrepreneurship Week, Abuja running new businesses - often in sectors (#GEWABUJA2018), bringing together where productivity remains low - due to the over 1700 people within 6 events that held obvious gap between needs and solutions, within the week. The high point was the and high rate of unemployment, which award of three million naira (N3,000,000) stands at 23.1%. grant to 5 entrepreneurs who successfully pitched their innovative business ideas, These entrepreneurs play an important role in having been selected from a pool of economic development and are increasingly over 4,800 applications. Impressions becoming recognized. They are growth from our social media, registered supporting actors that not only contribute huge impact from the 17 speakers who significantly to improve living standards, explored topics on: Skills for Profit & but also accelerate the attainment of Achieving Financial Independence broad socio-economic objectives, including through Entrepreneurship and MSMEs poverty reduction, employment generation Collaborating for Growth. and wealth creation, all of which stimulate socio-economic growth and development. This year, Corpus Business Development In response Governments and multilateral Service Limited brings #GEWABUJA2019 stakeholders at all levels have undertaken edition even bigger and better! Executed initiatives to promote the growth and with an endorsement from Global development of entrepreneurs and Micro, Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). (GEN) and focusing on 4 broad themes: Education, Inclusion, Ecosystem and The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Policy. Activities will include keynote is one of such initiatives reaching millions address, panel discussions, exhibitions, of people worldwide every year through and road walk. events and activities held across the globe, and aims at inspiring millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors. These activities are often framed by key global themes that shine a spotlight on leading topics in entrepreneurship. 6 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Presentations from seasoned CEOs, Government officials and policy makers, Legislators, MSMEs and other stakeholders on how they have succeeded - and failed in some cases - in their respective businesses will be made, as they lend support to entrepreneurs in order to drive growth and sustainability in Nigeria. It is our hope that through GEW ABUJA 2019, we will achieve the following: I. Provide the right information and tools to those with an interest in entrepreneurship to foster creativity and to grow sustainable businesses – improving not only local entrepreneurial ecosystems, but also strengthening the skilled labor force. II. Encourage entrepreneurs and communities to collaborate and share their networks and markets to help their rising startups thrive. III. Highlight the work that startup champions are doing around the world to minimize barriers and obstacles for entrepreneurs. IV. Promote inclusion by encouraging and celebrating diversity in all forms, including women and youth in entrepreneurship. V. Highlight the work governments and policymakers are doing to help entrepreneurs everywhere start and scale. Ladies and Gentlemen, as you participate in any of these activities, we hope you interact, engage, learn and network with other participants in ways that will richly impact you and positively encourage your involvement in entrepreneurship. Welcome to #GEWABUJA2019 7 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

BBrriiddggiinnggtthheeGGaappbbeettwweeeennIIddeeaaaannddEExxeeccuuttiioonn WW WW WW .. CC OO RR PP UU SS .. NN GG Each year, Global Entrepreneurship Week reaches millions of people through local, national and global events and activities – often framed by key global themes that shine a spotlight on leading topics in entrepreneurship. This is achieved by the thousands of events and activities held across the globe to inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors. Each year, nearly 10 million people participate in 39,000 simultaneous events over the course of the week, all with the shared objective of fueling the start and scaling of ecosystems which create more jobs, accelerate innovation, strengthen economic growth as well as create avenues for entrepreneurship education. From large-scale startup competitions and workshops to small, community discussions – GEW reaches new audiences and connects participants to a network that can help them take the next step, no matter where they are on their entrepreneurial journey. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2019, will recognize four key areas of the entrepreneurial life-cycle; Education, Ecosystems, Inclusion and Policy. Africa and Nigeria most importantly has made great strides and will solidify its place in the global entrepreneurial community by virtue of its contributions via innovations to the number of impactful start-ups across the globe. Corpus BDS Ltd facilitates this upward trend by working to provide localized access to the GEW platforms, to support entrepreneurs, and businesses in Abuja, as well as drive innovation and leverage networks. Hence, through this event, we plan to provide the necessary stimulation, encouragement and relevant information that will foster entrepreneurial growth across board. 8 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG The 2nd Abuja Global Entrepreneurship Week organized by Corpus BDS in partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Network and other stakeholders will feature a series of activities spread across one week, designed to drive interaction and engagement, especially among young people, to explore new innovation and technology driven opportunities embedded in the country, for wealth creation. The 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Conference Abuja will focus on topics in the following areas; 9 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Target Audience The 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Conference Abuja will focus on topics in the following areas; • Business Owners & Aspiring Entrepreneurs • Government Representatives • Policy Makers • Private sector leaders • Economic agents • Financial institutions • NGO/Civil Society Organizations supporting entrepreneurs and MSMEs growth Expected Outcomes • Resource sharing, and raising entrepreneurial awareness to prospective entrepreneurs around the world to foster entrepreneurship. • Inspire communities to collaborate, and share their networks and markets to help their startups thrive. • Highlight the work startup champions are doing around the world to minimize barriers for entrepreneurs, and also to enhance inclusion, while celebrating diversity in all forms, including women and youth in entrepreneurship. • Discuss the work of governments and policymakers in hacking policy solutions to help local entrepreneurs start and scale. • Increase the knowledge base and capabilities of existing MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs. • Enhance networking and ecosystems connection of all stakeholders. • Provide viable platform for continued discussion on promotion of entrepreneurship in Abuja • Avail attendees the opportunity to explore different investment and funding options under one roof through information from seasoned entrepreneurs, bankers, Bank of Industry and other relevant agencies. • Provide 5-10 entrepreneurs with financial and technical support to start or scale-up existing businesses. 10 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Day1 Keynote Speech: Formal learning and Ability: The correlation between education Tuesday 19th, Nov and entrepreneurship Focus and Objectives: What the unschooled but entrepreneurial literate needs to tell us. Panel Discussion: Todays education for tomorrow’s problems Focus and Objectives: How is current educational methodology empowering youths to come up with creative and value adding entrepreneurial solutions. Venue: Baze University, Abuja Target Audience: Tertiary Students, Government representatives, Educationalists Day2 Keynote Speech: Complement versus Competition; Building thriving networks Wednesday 20th, Nov Focus and Objectives: How can enterprises in an industry play and grow together? Does this throw out market competition theories? Panel Discussion 1: Big brother collaboration Focus and Objectives: What MSMEs can do to attract the support of Conglomerates Panel Discussion 2: Fostering Women Inclusion in entrepreneurship as a tool for economic development. Venue: Yar’Adua Centre Abuja Target Audience: CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and Representatives of Government MDAs, Chambers of Commerce 11 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Day3 Keynote Speech: Government Policies; the biggest catalyst for economic Thursday 20th, development Nov Focus and Objectives: How can entrepreneurs get the government to be responsive to their needs. Panel Discussion: Policies with a purpose; Government policies that support entrepreneurship in Nigeria Focus and Objectives: Information on existing policies, how to maximize opportunities and sources of information. Venue: Yar’Adua Centre Abuja. Target Audience: Government Representatives, Lawmakers, MDAs Executives, Manufacturing Association Bodies, Civil Society, Entrepreneurs, Chambers of Commerce. Day4 Keynote Speech: Entrepreneurship; Consolidating the gains, innovating for Friday 22nd, Nov tomorrow Focus and Objectives: Now and Tomorrow: How to create favorable entrepreneurial climate for sustained socioeconomic growth Pitching & Award Ceremony Venue: Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja Target Audience: Exporters, NEXIM Bank, NEPZA, MDAs Representatives, Entrepreneurs 12 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG GEW Abuja 2019 Partners Media Partners 13 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

BBrrididggininggtthheeGGaappbbeettwweeeennIdIdeeaaaannddEExxeeccuuttioionn WWWWWW. .CCOORRPPUUSS. .NNGG About Corpus What we do Corpus is a Creativity Support Center focused on providing tailored technical assistance in the Designing, Documentation, Planning, and Execution of brand-new business ventures, partnerships and joint ventures, and corporate projects from start to finish, for Entrepreneurs, Start-ups and Corporate Organizations, while also ensuring compliance with local regulations and International Best Practices. Our Vision To be a leading creative enterprise development brand in the African business landscape. Our Mission To provide tailored technical support for seamless creative engineering. 14 14 GloGbloabl Eanl EtrnetprerepnreenuersuhrisphWipeWekeeAkbAubjau2ja0129019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Our Services We offer an array of business services carefully thought up for enterprises to improve corporate performance, afford access to markets, and enable them compete. Our team of service experts helps businesses identify, create and deliver value by optimizing business structure, processes, and systems. Planning Content Creation We have a broad variety of planning We believe initiatives swim or sink on services that guarantee the hand-holding the strength of their content and that of clients through the creation of realistic content should accurately articulate the and viable plans. central message of every initiative. We create content with precision and our Documentation content creation services cover a broad range of areas. Our extensive documentation services cut across various areas that include Promotion Business Registration, Trademark Registration, Design Patenting, Tax We offer professional assistance with Documentation, NAFDAC Registration. management of startup foundational processes like Fundraising, Partnerships, Web Optimisation. Branding Information Technology The market place is characterized by continuous competition for visibility to end- We create digital tools that enable the users and we recognize that an effective functional use of Information Technology way to establish visibility is through the in your business process and the creation creation of a distinctive identity. At corpus of efficiency through process automation we recognize your idea, interpret it and to optimize output in our Clients create exclusive image design assets to businesses. differentiate your initiative/product/service from the competition. 15 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG The The rigorous certificate program at CBN South-South EDC played an invaluable role in Corpus exposing us to cutting edge entrepreneurial practices as well as collaborators, and even Story program staff that now account for over 70% of our human resource capital at Corpus The Corpus Brand is the product of a shared Business Development Service Limited, as need among the founders in our early the program was sadly discontinued by the stages of engagement in entrepreneurship. Central Bank of Nigeria in 2017 upon the Our individual entrepreneurial experiences completion of its five-year operational plan. dating back over a decade to our undergraduate days of running individual Our final decision to venture into business small businesses within the university development services in 2018 was prompted community, revealed what we consider to by: be a common challenge among budding 1. The experiential recognition of a Nigerian entrepreneurs which is lack of huge gap in Nigeria between entrepreneurs access to basic technical support and and the technical support (information and information services to guide budding tools) they need to effectively transition entrepreneurs like us into improving our their ideas into thriving businesses, and a business approach, and transition our need to provide services to fill that gap; ventures from informal small businesses, 2. The need as Alumni of the CBN South- to a formal corporate brand capable of South Entrepreneurship Development operating more professionally, transacting Centre to contribute our quota towards more sustainably and enjoying increased the advancement of entrepreneurship visibility. with the knowledge and exposure gained through our experience under their It was against this backdrop that we entrepreneurship development program. painstakingly sought credible sources of entrepreneurial information and support, To this end, we believe that with our a quest that yielded the discovery of combined professional qualifications the CBN South-South Entrepreneurship in Accountancy, Law and Computer Development Centre, established by the Engineering, and with our hands-on Central Bank of Nigeria in January 2013 with entrepreneurial exposure and training the mandate to help participants imbibe over the years, the Corpus brand is well the entrepreneurial skills and competence positioned to play an enabling role in the required to start-up or sustainably manage actualization of our clients’ entrepreneurial and grow their micro enterprises to medium aspirations, as they engage with the brand. sized ones, and to help translate their ideas into viable and sustainable business models Chibuike K. Okoli and develop actionable and bankable business plans. Co-founder/ Chief Operations Officer Nnamdi N. Ezenwekwe Esq. Co-founder/Lead Strategist Chukwuma N. Nduka Co-founder/Chief Financial Officer 16 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Meet the Team People of Corpus Chibuike Kaine Roi Nnamdi N. Chukwuma Nduka Ezenwekwe Co-founder, Co-founder, Chief Operations Officer Co-founder, Chief Financial Officer Lead Strategist Emeka B. Ugwu Nnaemeka C. Tope O. Adebayo Nnweje Lead, Business Branding Development and Lead, Branding and and Operations Communications Promotions Melvin Menkiti Utin Wisdom Abasifreke Eyo Life Sales Branding Intern and Marketing and Promotions Content Creation Victor Pius Imue Maryann Patrick Jeremiah Ayuba Legal and Sales Logistics Communications Representative and Operations 17 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Founders Profile Chibuike K. Okoli [Co-founder/ Chief Operations Officer] ROI OF CORPUS establish and fund an entrepreneurship club, Co-founder and Operations Manager of curriculum and mentorship programme. Corpus Business Development Services Ltd, For Roi of Corpus, entrepreneurship is much more Roi of Corpus – real name Chibuike Kaine than simply making profit through businesses. Okoli – got his start in entrepreneurship His vision is about building a sustainable future towards the end of his education at for generations of Nigerians to come. In pursuit of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. He this goal, he aims to rebuild the foundations of the and his partner at the time ran a goods Nigerian economic sector through entrepreneurial procurement and delivery business, which education, support and mentorship programmes. eventually morphed into a made-to-order For him, the best way forward is to knock down clothing business. The business served the existing foundations which have clearly been clients in Enugu, Anambra, and Ghana – built on shaky ground and build new ones that his first taste of the international market, would serve as the basis for solid businesses that so to speak. Shortly afterwards, Roi also would last for years to come, and provide jobs for ventured into construction as a supplier of the thousands of Nigerian youth who graduate building materials in Awka, Anambra State. from tertiary institutions yearly without good He subsequently went back to the fashion employment prospects. business, opening a women’s wear boutique At only 29 years old, Roi has birthed and sustained in Awka, as well as a unisex salon in Calabar, several businesses and brands, including Corpus Cross River State. BDS, The Roy Concierge – his concierge service An entrepreneur at heart and always in company which combines his love for travel and search of new venturing prospects, Roi also lifestyle - Roi Concepts, among others. His success traded in cryptocurrency, long before the has not come without its fair share of challenges; Nigerian market came to realise its value. nevertheless his experiences have given him the His foresight and swiftness proved highly tools necessary to build better and educate others profitable, providing the capital necessary to on the right ways to get things done. build something even more formidable. Roi’s ultimate motivation in entrepreneurship Corpus BDS was the result, and Roi – along is job satisfaction. In business and leisure, he with his team – built what has become a always seeks to maximise opportunities. Roi major player in the business development enjoys raising animals, travelling, good food and field, rendering planning, branding, scaling unforgettable experiences. In addition, he holds up advisement and other support services interests in education, health care and alternative to small and medium scale enterprises, as energy sectors, and hopes to provide, current and well as linkage to legal services. Additionally, aspiring business owners opportunities to learn, Corpus BDS offers purchase funnels, network, and pitch ideas to receive grants, loans marketing models, web development and and equity investments for their businesses, high scale branding services to already through the GEW programme. established brands and businesses. The company is the convener, two years running, of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Abuja. Furthermore, since 2018 Corpus BDS has worked with Baze Univeristy Abuja to 18 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Founders Profile Nnamdi N. Ezenwekwe [Co-founder/Lead Strategist] Nnamdi N. Ezenwekwe is co-founder, lead strategist attained his law practice license. For the purpose and backbone of Corpus BDS’s legal services. He is of National Youth Service (NYSC), Nnamdi responsible for ensuring that the internal structure returned to CBN-SSEDC to continue his training of the company is solid, integral and well-suited to and gain real time experience in developing the marketplace, and that the company’s human businesses, ideas and strategies for practical resources are suitably engaged and properly business application, until the centre was shut deployed. down upon completion of its five-year plan. The A lawyer by profession and an entrepreneur at winding up of CBN-SSEDC proved a turning point heart, Nnamdi made his entrance into the field for Nnamdi. While he was there for his WAEZTEQ of entrepreneurship with WAEZTEQ – a project vision, another business was being conceived. development brand invested in research and The gap created by the winding up of CBN- development of holistic and sustainable business SSEDC became an indicator and midwife for concepts that address problems in specific fields, the birth of Corpus BDS. True to his problem- currently pivoting a start-up project called Venture solving approach to entrepreneurship, Nnamdi Aid Legal, a legal service platform working to create found another way into the marketplace. Young easy access to legal support and free legal information entrepreneurs like himself needed as much for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. information and technical support as they could get and the avenues for obtaining such services Nnamdi began his entrepreneurial journey as an were few and far between. There lay the problem, undergraduate of Law at the University of Nigeria and Corpus would be the solution. Enugu Campus, trading on clothing and accessories Unlike CBN-SSEDC Corpus BDS is not funded purchased on sales abroad and resold at premium by government grants but was established as prices in Nigeria. Through that time, and by observing a business for businesses. The aim is to provide mega brands founded by entrepreneurs at young age businesses of all scale with technical support, as closely as he was able, he came to learn that the best entrepreneurial education and linkage to legal approach to becoming a successful entrepreneur was services. While Corpus was established for profit, to solve problems. Looking up to his very successful it continues to maintain as primary focus, the goal uncle Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi as inspiration, he of supporting SME’s and young entrepreneurs quickly learned that one could profit from many through mentorship and networking fields even without technical qualifications in those opportunities like the GEW platform. fields, but by building a TEAM of experts and having As a problem-solver, Nnamdi sees a good market understanding. entrepreneurship as the best vehicle for his However there remained the need for him to obtain contribution towards national development, by more substantial training and insight into becoming building businesses that solve critical problems, a true entrepreneur. Thus, following the completion while also creating employment and socio- of his undergraduate studies, Nnamdi embarked on economic change. a training programme at the Central Bank of Nigeria South-South Entrepreneurial Development Centre (CBN-SSEDC) Calabar, Cross River State. He completed his entrepreneurial training and went on to attend the Nigerian Law School, from which he 19 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Founders Profile Chukwuma N. Nduka [Co-founder/ Chief, Financial Officer] Chukwuma Nduka got his start in In 2018, in conjunction with other like- entrepreneurship after completing his minded individuals, Corpus Business university studies. A graduate of Computer Development Services Ltd was born. Engineering from Enugu State University Beginning with business name and of Science and Technology (ESUT), he company registrations, branding and web quickly realised that opportunities in the development, Corpus BDS has since grown labour market were few and far between, into a strong force for small, medium and consequently decided to give and large-scale enterprises’ support and entrepreneurship a try. advancement. The company continues to His first venture was a short-lived grow and achieve its vision of providing commodities trading business, followed by businesses with the technical, legal and a stint in transportation services. In between marketplace support necessary to start Chukwuma still sought employment in his up and scale up. Through its collaboration field of study and embarked on advanced with the GEW Network, it continues to training and certification programmes educate, mentor and provide opportunities such as the Cisco Certified Network for investment for entrepreneurs and their Associate (CCNA) IT certification from Cisco businesses. Systems. However, he had had a taste of the As co-founder and Chief Financial Officer world of business and entrepreneurship, (CFO) of Corpus BDS Chukwuma’s goal is to and knew he wanted more. Chukwuma truly empower individuals and SME’s and understood the need for quality education create a shift in the mindset of individuals even in business, and to that effect and the Nigerian society at large towards decided to equip himself properly for his achieving their economic and financial new direction, by undergoing a six-month goals. training programme at the Central Bank of Nigeria -South-South Entrepreneurial Development Centre (CBN-SSEDC) in Calabar, Cross River State. His time at CBN-SSEDC proved pivotal in giving him a vision and clear direction for his entrepreneurial dreams. Recognising the gap in access to valuable information and support services for young entrepreneurs like himself, such as he had received through the CBN-SSEDC programme, an opportunity to provide those services was presented. 20 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Events/Activities held GEW2018 at a Glance Participants attended GEW2018 Invited speakers Numbers Applications received for pitching Grant winners Reached via social media 21 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG GEW2018 at a Glance 22 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG GEW2018 at a Glance 23 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG GEW2018 at a Glance 24 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Success Stories from our 2018 GEW Beneficiaries Digital Agro Connect Solutions Onimisi Charles Atere is the CEO of Digital Agro Connect Solutions - A digital market for farm produce that uses technology to link up farmers, trucks and produce buyers to one another. Prior to pitching at the 2018 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), Digital Agro Connect Solutions had only two employees and was struggling to gain farmers confidence. With the grants and mentorship he received from Corpus BDS Ltd during the GEW, Charles Onimisi has been able to expand the reach of Digital Agro Connect Solutions with 6 new employees and 5 more on the way before the next farming season. According to Charles Onimisi “we currently have over 20 farmer’s corporative societies (over 500 farmers as members) registered with Digital Agro Connect Solutions. We recently launched our farm inputs credit service as part of the agro connects social business where we distributed over 5000kg of farm inputs (improved seeds and fertilizers) to smallholder rural farmers”. Digital Agro Connect Solutions now has an office in Kaduna with plans to expand farm inputs credit service to reach 1,000 farmers with farm inputs by 2020 and over 8,000 farmers with bigger market access and vital agricultural information by the end of 2020. After the Global entrepreneurship week 2018, Agro Connect was among 26 projects (2 selected from Nigeria) out of 2077 application across the world for the 2019 Goalkeeper Youth Action Accelerator Award sponsored by Gates Foundation and other international organization. Cycles-Bike Sharing Platform Oluwadamilola Soladoye of Cycles (Cycles Mobility Technologies LTD) builds effective bike sharing programs for Universities (Private, State and Federal). This bike share program will helps to achieve transportation and sustainability goals. Ensuring students move around campus with ease, stay healthy and have fun. During the GEW 2018 and Corpus BDS LTD grant, Cycles Ltd was still just was still at the idea stage with few sessions and surveys to test target and get a sense of user feedback towards products. 25 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Success Stories from our 2018 GEW Beneficiaries Abdulmalik Mustapha – Mmrocky Farm Enterprise Before Global Entrepreneurship Week 2018, Abdulmalik Mustapha had a farm stocked with just 200 fish with no employee and struggling to feed the little stock. At the moment the farm boost of 2,00o fish with one part-time employee and steady market for the stocks. According to the owner of Mmrocky Enterprise “everyday of the GEW was awesome, I learnt amazing things from the program from how to plan, manage time and resources, customer relation, budgeting, marketing, human development and how youth are supposed to take charge of the now in order to be able to make the future count. I learnt the most from speakers whom relate with us based on their business experience and acumen, I however appreciate the interactions as well as the engagements, and the pitching during the program. As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2018 Celebration, Corpus BDS Ltd facilitated the inauguration of Baze University Entrepreneurship Club through financial donation. 26 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

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Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Interview Arabi Muhammad Tukur, Managing Director/ CEO Abuja Enterprise Agency 1.Good Morning Sir, can you tell us about yourself? I am Arabi Muhammad Tukur, Managing Director/ CEO of Abuja’s premier MSME development Organization; the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA). My career in public service spanning several decades in various capacities has focused on alleviating poverty by improving the economic wellbeing of our people. My approach to leadership is to win with people, build highly versatile teams by enhancing their efficiency and competence. 2.Abuja Enterprise Agency mandate is to assist new and existing entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles to growth by stimulating business growth. How has the journey been so far? The journey has been rewarding, exciting and challenging. Rewarding because, we have achieved many notable milestones such as the Establishment of the FCT One Stop Shop for MSMEs where all regulatory and business support organizations provide their services to MSMEs. We successfully inaugurated the FCT MSME State Council, which is focused on addressing policy challenges MSMEs are facing and most importantly we have serviced over 20, 000 MSMEs which has led to their businesses growing, creating wealth and alleviating poverty. Whenever I come across MSMEs we have supported, my face brightens because we are part of the story that seeks to diversify the Nigerian Economy from an oil dependent economy. It has been exciting because we dealing with a segment of society which promotes innovation and is very vibrant. And it has also been challenging, because there is so much work to be done and securing resources to deepen our impact on MSMEs is highly competitive; many sectors are competing for the resources to address their various challenges. Generally speaking, I will say the Agency is on the right track in line with our vision to place Nigerian Enterprises at the epicenter of entrepreneurship in Africa. 3.What would you say have been the driving force? I will say visionary leadership and resilience of the entrepreneurial Ecosystem. These two qualities are not lacking in AEA or our numerous partners and the MSMEs which we serve. 4.Your Agency engages and interact with entrepreneurs daily, what do you think are the uniqueness and challenges they face and how the Agency is solving that? I must say our MSMEs, despite the adverse business climate they operate including Infrastructural constraints, have proven irrepressible; they exhibit the Nigerian fighting spirit that seeks to succeed no matter the obstacle. 28 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Access to Finance continues to remain a 6.From your engagement with recurring decimal that hinders the growth entrepreneurs at the Agency would of MSMEs. The interesting thing is that you say more women are embracing the current Administration has improved entrepreneurship? access to Finance for many business owners; this has led to the improvement I will say a big YES! Women are very much we are witnessing in our ranking on the in Entrepreneurship; what they need is Ease of Doing Business. However, the issue actually more access to business support requires more involvement by everyone programs and access to Finance. There is especially the Financial Sector. The Banks need for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem need to lend more to MSMEs by creating to have programs tailored for Women products that meet their needs. Entrepreneurship. The Agency on our part, is buffering our in-house Micro-credit Scheme by tailoring 7.Are there policies or initiative our financial products to meet the needs of by government or your agency the MSMEs. We are also strengthening our to foster women inclusion in subsidiary, the FCT Micro-Finance Bank to entrepreneurship? better serve residents of the FCT and we also ensure that we regularly identify various Absolutely. We have our internal policy intervention funds being implemented that ensures women participation in our by various MDAs and the Central Bank of programs by fixing, when required, quotas Nigeria. We also actively seek the private to the ratio 60:40 in favor of women. We sector’s participation in this drive to make also ensured that we developed a Financial funding accessible for MSME Product: Micro Business Support Scheme . which has led to an increase in women accessing Finance without the need of a 5. In your opinion what is the nexus guarantor or collateral. We are also working of entrepreneurship and government. on a platform that will be dedicated to celebrating women Entrepreneurs who In a failing state how does the entrepreneur have excelled in their line of business. work within and outside these boundaries? Government plays a key role in 8.What key lessons would you entrepreneurship; it regulates their want participants to take from the activities of MSMEs but supports their #GEWAbuja2019? development by opening up opportunities and providing incentives for their growth. GEW is the week set aside to celebrate Thus, Government is a key facilitator, if I entrepreneurship. I want entrepreneurs to may say, that has the capacity to accelerate know that they create value in our nation the development of the MSME subsector by their activities and they are valued for by putting in place the required policies this. Entrepreneurs should always remain and programs. Entrepreneurs should innovators, always seek solutions to the always seek opportunities. In every society economic challenges our country faces challenge you see there is an opportunity and take hold of the opportunities the to grow a business enterprise. African Continental Free Trade Agreement has to offer. 29 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Article Education And Entrepreneurship By Seyi Mafolabomi Nelson Mandela spoke of the importance of education in any society, maintaining that the power of it is all the force a society needs to truly develop. One may, however, be forgiven for not applying that to the Nigerian concept of formal education. Formal education still remains an integral aspect of achieving success. The natural course for young people is the Degree-NYSC route that leads to the corporate ladder. But rising unemployment in recent years have highlighted quite a number of issues with Nigeria’s education system. Beyond the rhetoric, many organisations have decried the unemployability of the Nigerian youth. Schools are becoming increasingly inept at developing people who can contribute meaningfully to society. Nigeria’s conventional entrepreneurs are generally a product of unemployment. The struggle to make ends meet is the general business model. It takes very little to see that there is not so much understanding of what entrepreneurship really means. This dearth can be attributed to the failure of the education system in Nigeria. Entrepreneurship is narrowly conceived as the creation of businesses. The Nigerian concept is that this is the opposite of the conventional approach of getting an education and getting a job. Rather, one should “start his own business” and break out of the system. But entrepreneurship is beyond creating businesses. Entrepreneurship thrives on the capacity to create, and to provide innovative, workable solutions to society’s problems. This ideal is what drives the greatest achievements of man in any society, ideologically and practically. Man’s continued existence is meaningful only in the perpetuation of innovation. The singular, most important force capable of fostering an entrepreneurial capacity, is the educational system. Ironically, especially in Nigeria, it presents entrepreneurship as an alternative route. Education is revolutionary. As such, it must be evolutionary. It must consistently be tailored towards enlightening the mind for a purpose. Unfortunately, Nigeria seems to be stuck in the system of regurgitating lessons from previous centuries as knowledge. Knowledge is only as relevant as the problems it solves. The purpose of education is so that people do not just know, but can apply knowledge to solve existing problems. Nigeria’s education “system” needs to be overhauled. At the threshold of such a revamp must be the understanding that entrepreneurship is a disposition and capacity of the mind that can be utilised in every aspect of society, from politics, public service, to climbing the corporate ladder. Practically, no aspect of society can survive without entrepreneurship. If our education system is to remain relevant, there must be a deep penetration of entrepreneurship into the very core of subjects and topics in schools. Entrepreneurship education is not merely in to driving problem-solving as the norm. business classes. This has been the direction Here, it will become easier to train people over the times, and “entrepreneurs” attend to become employable, as well as having business development classes for huge amounts the capacity to start their ventures and of money. Where enterprise must clearly be enterprises. The collective goal would be to taught, however, is in schools. Enterprise must earn by providing value. And solving human be conclusively defined as the system of building problems is the greatest value available. society through solution-oriented knowledge This is the value that must be taught in our impartation. schools. It will not only solve unemployment, Education must retain a certain flexibility of but will ensure that there is substantial, curricula that takes into consideration the continuous development in the society. It is peculiarities of individual societies. Nigeria must a rigid education system, averse to change, move from being dependent on mavericks, that stagnates development in society. 30 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

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Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Interview Mr. Ogbole Samson Co-founder, PS Nutraceuticals 1. Good Morning Sir, can you tell us about International Limited yourself? I am Farmer Samson Ogbole, a firm believer in food as the basics of health, and one who believes the process of food production and food itself must be healthy for the farmer, the consumer and the environment. 2. You Co-founded PS Nutraceuticals (PS Nutrac), tell us more about that? PS Nutraceuticals int ltd was cofounded by myself and Mr P.J Okocha as we both understood the delicate role food plays in health, and we both agreed on the fact that we need to eat right to live longer. We started off with soilless farming as a way to sanitize food production before we will move on to nutrigenomics to ensure people eat the best food for their genetic combination as opposed to just eating for the purpose of filling the stomach. 3.You have been dubbed “The Man Who market on soil-less farming? Grows Crop in the Air”. Why is that so? In the beginning we were called wizards, I think people have been so generous as I was demons and all sorts of fancy names and actually tutored in this process by Dr. Nobert as we got more awareness, understanding Maroya, project leader of YIIFSWA, IITA, as it was increased and this concern moved to health, and is still being used for the growing of yam, as people gradually understood this, there our team only worked on our domestic crops was the concern of profitability and this and also found ways to drive down the cost as again through pilot farms and help from well as use local materials to achieve same thing partners we have been able to demonstrate the economic viability of the technology. 4. How did you come up with the idea of Thus today we have a better reception but soil-less farming? we always want people to remember soilless farming isn’t a way to replace soil but rather Soilless farming is not new, it has been in to compliment soil. existence for decades, it is just something new in Nigeria and also needed, we have only added the 6. You are one of the most innovative extra of using local materials, teaching schools farmers’ around and have been and local communities on how to achieve same. featured on CNN Inside Africa…what It is a necessity because we can’t continue has been your driving force? seasonal food production first because hunger is not seasonal, in addition there is astronomical The driving force is hunger, we need to population growth and the effect of climate understand that hunger doesn’t know race, change on food production. There is also the religion, tribe or political parties. Hunger for general thought of people which is Nigeria has me isn’t just the lack of food but also the enough land, while this is true, we have less than quality of food. Today the poor suffer from 40% fertile land. malnutrition and on the flip side, the rich suffer from obesity and other food related 5. What has been the response from the disease meaning wealth isn’t moving 32 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG people to be healthier but rather to options which 10. What key lessons would you are still not healthy. This is the drive, we need to want participants to take from the ensure health is achieved through food and this #GEWABUJA2019? food has to available, affordable and accessible irrespective of economic power, location, tribe of Don’t just be here to be counted, make any form affiliation. everything count, everything may not apply to you right now but pick and apply. 7. Does PS Nutrac train, support, and Knowledge without application will make collaborate with other farmers and one stink. entrepreneurs to participate more in soil- less farming? Yes we do, we are constantly training, collaborating and working with others. We cannot do it alone, no one can solve the problem of hunger alone, we always need to work with others both vertically and horizontally. 8. In your opinion what is the nexus of entrepreneurship and government. In a failing state how does the entrepreneur work within and outside these boundaries? The government’s role is to create an enabling environment but as entrepreneurs we must not stop to move just because we wants others to get things done first. We need to start, it might not be as big as we want it to be, but we can start first. To say we can’t because the government hasn’t, is to me just an excuse, for the top business moguls, they started before looking for fanourable policies, but we cant say we cant do anything just because the government hasn’t done this and that. For me I think the good news is at the bottom of the food chain we can do a lot without the policies actually hindering us. Find a way to start, gather data, create momentum, make a splash, give ourselves time and in few years the government will listen to adjust the process to what we have tested to prove works. I am not unaware of things not working but I am also very aware of others making things work for themselves despite the government. 9. How do you handle failure? Failure is a process of life, I am sincere in my failure as well as in my success, I learn, I rethink and I continue. Success or failure is not an end in itself, it is just a process for a global goal. So I have learnt not to take either success or failure personal or take myself serious, I learn, I correct where I can and apologize where I need to and continue to strive. 33 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Article Millennial Job Roles : Director/Head Of Culture By Tope O. Adebayo The culture of an organisation or workplace describes specific laid down rules and policies which pre defines the nature and characteristics of a work environment. This culture composes of the shared values and beliefs, that identifies how people in that organisation carry out their jobs, talk, act and even how they dress and look. Culture in an organisation uniquely identifies that organisation and can stand to be a competitive advantage in the marketplace, distinguishing them for competitors and peers. Formerly, the responsibility of promoting and safe-guarding the company’s culture was typically shouldered by the CEO or COO and is still regarded as a responsibility that must be borne by every member of the organisation. However, it has become necessary to create a role which is targeted specifically at formulating and maintaining an organisation’s culture. The role of Director of Culture is relatively new in the organisational corporate structure, having come into the limelight in the last 5-10 Years. Nowadays we see more businesses in various industries creating spaces for this role and filling them within their companies’ work structure. The focus of the role of the director of culture may differ from organisation to organisation and largely depends on whether the organisation’s culture is internally driven, that is focused within the company and its staff - or externally driven, on client perception and engagement experience. In an internally-oriented company the role of director of culture may focus on: 1. Employee engagement - hiring staff, and organising corporate orientation in the organisation for both new and old staff; 2. Productivity and efficiency in the workplace - conducting research on trends and suggesting new practices and updates to old ones); 3. Performing and managing the goal setting and appraisal process; 4. Fostering collaboration and inclusion amongst employees in diversity and communication; and 5. Creating, building and executing culture innovations and strategies within the corporate work space On the other hand, an externally-oriented company may see its director of culture focusing on: 1. Creating strategies to communicate the values and beliefs of the brand to its clients; 2. Fostering brand awareness in the marketplace, as this can lead to competitive advantages for the organisation; and 3. Receiving feedback in order to create better processes and workflow for the brand or product, to better suit the target audience. For one to effectively take on the role of director targets are and ensure that every facet of of culture at any company or organisation, said the company’s operating system aligns company or organisation must have a clearly with that culture, internally and externally. defined mission, vision, personality and target. It As the marketplace continues to evolve, must define the key areas which the role would more and more brands and companies be involved in, and make every necessary resource find themselves creating new or separate available. As an individual filling this position, one positions for the director or head of must have a wide range of qualifications and skills. culture. This trend is to be encouraged, Bachelor’s or even Master’s degree qualifications as it has become increasingly important and work experience in human resource rules are to stakeholders to know that companies’ often required. Strong communication, analytical, culture and values align with theirs. As problem-solving, inter-personal, team-playing and things stand, the position of Director of managerial skills are a must. A company’s director Culture should not be overlooked. of culture – by whatever title he may be called - must know what the company’s goals and culture 34 G3lo4balGElnotbreapl ErenntreeuprrsehnipeuWrseheikp AWbeuejak 2A0b1u9ja 2019

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Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Interview Chief Ms Osasu Igbinedion Founder and CEO, TOS TV Good morning Ma’m, Please tell us about Network, Host of The Osasu yourself. Show Sure, My name is Osasu Igbenedion, the host of the OSasu show, the weekend show. I’m the CEO of TOS Tv Network, the first Pan African TV network to bring you news from Africa by Africans. To the rest of the world, I’m a daughter, a sister, an aunty, a friend. I’m also a humanitarian figure and founder of the Osasu Foundation. I do a lot things, I wear a lot of hats but my favourite hat to wear in my career would be the founder of the Osasu association because of the impact that we make on the lives of women and children across the nation. The third edition of the Osasu show Symposium tagged “the 21st century woman and her role in National development” was held recently with tremendous success and impact. Tell us more about the event and the idea behind the conference. The third edition of the Osasu Show symposium Having gone this far, can you please was a huge success, all glory to God. You’re right tell us how the journey started. the theme of the show was “the 21st century woman and her role in National development”. Well, the Journey started in 2014 when I We had key stakeholders from the private and moved back to Nigeria in August 2014 and I public sector, come together to discuss issues was doing advertising work, I never thought to discuss issues that matter, issues that will see of Journalism. I studied Mass communication to the increase of women that can play a role in in college and I had my Masters in Cooperate National development; that includes the business and organisational communications. I sector, science, technology, engineering and worked for several companies, MGM brand, mathematics sector, the political and leadership Oceans Spray Cranberry Inc,… which are all sector. We believe that with more women playing Marketing companies except MGM which is such an integral role in advancing our nation, we’ll a film company (I worked at the Marketing be able to develop even faster. department tho). Afterwards, I decided to do a degree in TV and Film production to The key outcome of this symposium was the advance my appetising career. So when I launch of the 21st century women and girls project came back to Nigeria, I thought to myself; “oh 2020 to 2030. This project focuses on five area I’d just do advertising” because that’s what ,girl child education, ending girl child marriage, I thought I was passionate about. So I was increase of women participation in leadership doing advertising during the time for political and politics, Increase quality and affordability of campaigns, creating their messaging and maternal health and finally a reduction of violence branding. Eventually I was also doing my again women and girls. This project for the next charity work by the side because that’s ten years would see that the five are seriously really truly what I’m about, thats my passion looked into, that policies and legislations would be - and I believe that’s my purpose in life. So ignited to specifically focus on these areas. 36 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG I said to myself, these politicians I’m helping been that of impact so far. get elected through this branding work and messaging, who would hold them accountable What would you has been your driving to see that those I’m helping on the other hand force? with their Charity work, live a better life. Who’s going to hold them accountable to ensure that What has been my driving force so far, I think its they’re providing for underprivileged people in because I know I’m working in my purpose, I’m our society, thats how the Osasu show came working in line with the plan God has for me. about. I said to myself “I’ll be bridge between As I said since I moved to country, its been one the elite and the masses, I’ll take words directly thing and another. I wake up every morning from the mouths of everyday Nigerians to the knowing the purpose God has for my life, so I ears of their leaders and vice versa” to ensure just work to achieve it. I know that there’s no that policies are implemented and campaign food for any lazy man, in pidgin they’d say that promises that are made are also seen to fruition. “na way man work, e day chop” so I believe every So for the past five year (nearly five years in single day, I’m making an impact, I’m changing march), we’ve been doing just that and to God Nigeria, I’m bridging the gab, I’m taking vital be the glory, we’ve been able to make impact, information to the people that matter and I’m we’ve been to areas that have been devastated getting results for them. I was interviewing a due to oil pollution, areas ravaged with Fulani taxi driver and he was talking about the fuel headmen, massacres, areas where girl children issue back then in 2016, I remember getting are not allowed to get education basically due calls from govt. officially asking how they to this archaic notion that women are meant could soften the plight of Nigerians affect so to be seen and not heard. SO we’ve done a the impact is measurable and thats what really lot of work, lots of expose documentaries and drives me. The fact that people can watch this interviews and the work that we have done show from different states, regions and country, has actually seen measurable results. For call in and give good feedback and also reach instance in 2016 when we went to Agatu local out to the people that need their help so thats government area of Benue state to shine light been my driving force so far. on the plight of the Agatu people. We had tweeted that we’ll be going there the next day Any regrets, mistakes so far? because we hadn’t heard any feedback from government officials regarding what they were My biggest regret would be inability to diversify doing to ease the burden of the people. The from the very beginning. In 2016 when the next day, the governor went there and made economic recession hit, my company was sure he put security measures in place and also so broke we had N15,000 (less than even) in provided handouts to the people that were sent our bank account and that thought us the out of their communities . So, thats just one importance of diversification. So thats when example of the impact of the work that we do we started TOS Tv network which started and the impact that media has being the gate producing documentaries and started keepers of our democracy. If we want Nigeria generating more income for the the Sasu show to progress, it starts and ends with the Media. and other programs on the TOS tv network. So So, we must not be shut up, compromised nor the biggest regret would’ve been financially take rest now, we must keep fighting to ensure starting a business with multiple streams of this Nation keeps developing and we cannot income rather than just one. do that by abandoning 50% of our population, we must ensure that women also are worked Best advice to your younger self? with hand in hand to ensure that we move this Nation forward. Thats my journeyed still a lot Take a chill pill girl…(chuckles), everything will more to come but again my journey has been be okay; trust in God, continue to pray, believe one of patience, perseverance, prayers…lots theres purpose for your life and He loves you. of prayers for direction from God to show me Understand that everything you can imagine the way and show me how to have a career of and dream of, you can achieve as long as you Impact; thats one thing lots of young people and entrepreneurs need to pray about, how to live a life of impact, and I think my journey has 37 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG believe in God, as long you keep your heart pure. to succeed in entrepreneurship. Continue to wish people good, don’t be distracted about who loves or not, who does good to you What key lessons would you want despite the fact that you’re doing good to them. participants to take home from the Global Focus on you, let your heart remain pure as it Entrepreneurship week 2019 is today and keep on thriving, keep your eyes not the ball. Keep working hard, relax, travel the I think the the key lesson to take is that world and be sure that everything will work out entrepreneurship is great if your trying to solve perfectly well and in its own time. Never ever let a problem. Please if you don’t have a problem anyone shut you up..(just a reminder). Your voice that you’re trying to solve, please stay in a 9 - is valid, your voice is meaningful and you will make 5 and assist someone who’s solving a problem positive contributions to Nigeria and the world at to solve it. I tell people all the time, we’re not large. all going to be the pilot of the plane. The pilot cannot duo his job effective without a co-pilot, You’re a strong advocate for women a flight attendant, and-other staff that makes inclusion and participation in government. sure the plane tajes off and land safely. So we What do you think are the strategies all have different roles we need to play in life that can be taken to foster more women and the world, not everyone will be a pilot participation not just in government but in so not everyone should strive to be a pilot. entrepreneurship ? Sometimes, all you need to be is strive to be the co-pilot, the flight attendant, head traffic I believe that in order for more women to participate person, all of these roles are still very significant. in governance and even entrepreneurship, woman Entrepreneurship is difficult, entrepreneurship need to not necessarily take a sit at the table but is long term, entrepreneurship is rewarding create a new table for themselves. Because we’ve when you see that its measurable and typically seen do far that some men dint want to give us this doesn’t come for first three years so its space in entrepreneurship, politics, so I think its really a long term investment in yourself, the high time we create that table for ourselves. Like society, so ask yourself the typical questions myself for an example, today I’m an entrepreneur before you dive into Entrepreneurship. Once and a political analyst and I basically had to you can tick all these boxes and you find that; create a table for myself to thrive. This space was yes there is a lacuna in the system, there’s a highly dominated by my male colleagues when I solution I can profer then please by all means entered the industry in March 2915 but I was able go into entrepreneurship and do not lose hope. to carve a niche for myself because I do not take Things will get difficult as I said 2016 we had no fro an answer. I’m equally as intelligent if not N15,000 in our account and we were asking more intelligent, equally hardworking if not more ourselves “who sent us message” but again I hardworking and equally as driven if not more answered that question by saying “God sent driven than my male counterparts so why not me? me on a mission” and this is why I’m here today, So these are the questions you must ask yourself He has provided for us, He has sustained us and if you’re a political aspirant, if you believe you’re I believe he’ll do he same for you if He has truly equally as competent as your male counterpart, sent you on that mission. So, the key thing is stand up and create a table for yourself, create a ask yourself the entrepreneurial questions structure for yourself. A structure that you will run and if you do tick the box, do not lose hope. It and be successful in your race. If you’re looking takes hard-work, it takes focus, determination, to go into entrepreneurship, what problems are tenacity and most importantly, it takes a boss you trying to solve? I first started out solving the thats willing to learn, a boss that knows his problem of accountability and today I’m achieving onion and a boss that God fearing. just that. We’re asking truthful questions to people in governance, questioning them about their Thank you. budget, policies, laws and to access the impact it has on Nigerians. So as an entrepreneur, ask yourself; what problems are you trying to solve and as a female entrepreneur, ask yourself; do I have the capacity, the tenacity and drive it takes 38 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG 39 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG Article Confronting Challenges to Digital Creative Industry in By Silas Oghenemaro Emovwodo Nigeria The creative industry refers to the application of creative industries sector is, some are more art practices, novelty, profit generation as well impactful on the economy than others. Hence, as job creation, with huge focus on creation the movie, music, and design sectors have of intellectual property. It is sometimes called been settled on as contributing more to the the creative and digital industry, or Orange Nigerian economy than others. economy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Nigeria’s economic liberalization, especially defines the cultural and creative industries as: telecommunications liberalization in the early 2000s marked the beginning of the digital “Those sectors of organized activity that creative industry revolution, and over the past have as their main objective the production decade average GDP growth rates of around or reproduction, the promotion, distribution 7% have not been driven not by oil, the major or commercialization of goods, services and export, but by the non-oil sector. activities of content derived from cultural, artistic or heritage origins.” Economic Prospects of Digital Creative The United Kingdom’s Department of Culture, Industry: Global Perspective Media and Sports, DCMS, lists thirteen sub- According to the United Nations, the creative sectors under the creative industries to include: economy has become a driver of employment, advertising, architecture, the art and antiques economic growth, innovation and social market, crafts, design, designer fashion, film cohesion in advanced countries. An assessment and video, interactive leisure software, music, by UNESCO estimates that, in 2013, the creative the performing arts, publishing, software and industries contributed US$2.3 trillion to the computer games, and television and radio. global GDP and employed over 29 million Development of Digital Creative Industry in people worldwide, yielding more revenue than Nigeria traditional major market ventures such as The cultural and creative industries in the telecommunications. With a large proportion Nigerian context represents a complex made of the world’s youth population, Africa remains up of different economic sectors, growing at largely untapped. an exponential rate and which has, in recent times, called attention to those sectors that Challenges of Nigerian Creative Industry have high creative intensity. Every opportunity comes with its inherent challenges. For Nigeria these are: poor Prior to 2013 when the British Council in Lagos intellectual property protection and lack commissioned a study into the Nigerian of comprehensive mapping of the creative creative industries, there was virtually no industry. detailed creative industries mapping to identify the key sectors it comprises and evaluate Piracy has contributed to the stunted growth their contributions. The study identified the of the creative industry both at local and following sectors which make up the creative international levels and done great disservice industry in Nigeria. They are: advertising, to the original creators, cheating them out architecture (interior décor, landscaping, etc.), of the fruits of their labour. The World Bank arts and crafts, fashion and design, home video/ estimates that nine out of every ten Nollywood film/television and radio, music, performing films sold are pirated. arts (carnivals, dance, drama, festivals, stand- up comedy, theatre), publishing (book fairs, In addition, the lack of comprehensive mapping e-resources, literature, etc.), tourism and of the creative industries makes it difficult to hospitality (cuisine, museums and monuments, identify and quantify the economic value of night clubs, events managements, etc.), visual the various sectors of the creative economy, to art and animation (graphic design, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, etc.). Many researchers agree that as diverse as the 40 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG develop appropriate policy responses. With the bits and pieces of data available, policies will fall short of addressing the creative industries issues, and fully structuring these industries will be difficult. Technology, especially the liberalization of telecommunications industry in the early 2000s, has played a pivotal role in transforming Nigerian cultural industries into digital creative economies, and Nigeria cannot get it wrong with the digital creative industry as it seeks to diversify Africa’s largest economy away from dependence on dwindling oil fortunes. In order to reap the benefits of what this new digital creative economy offers. The following recommendations are made: First is setting up proactive policies in order to ensure an enabling environment for this economic game changer called the digital creative economy. However, these policies would not be holistic until there is proper mapping of the creative industries in Nigeria. Furthermore, the relevant bodies saddled with the responsibility of promoting and protecting creativity and intellectual properties such as the Nigerian Copyright Commission, should be given proper support in form of funding, and be thoroughly sanitised to rid them of corrupt elements capable of sabotaging their efforts. In the same vein, the judicial system where redress of copyright infringements is sought should consider special courts to deal solely with intellectual property rights and related issues, so that cases are dealt with faster and would not have to drag on for years on end through the slow and bureaucratic Nigerian judicial system. Silas is Lead, Partnerships & Social Engagement of The Eqo Hub, a duly registered startup Creative Hub, providing affordable access to Creative Skill Development including Mentoring and Internships, Creative Career & Enterprise Support; physical and virtual spaces for Networking, Collaborative Enterprise and Co-Creation; and Social Impact Platforms, for new and emerging creatives within the “Under-30” sub spectrum. Silas wrote via [email protected] 41 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019

Bridging the Gap between Idea and Execution WWW.CORPUS.NG 42 Global Entrepreneurship Week Abuja 2019