By Odabi Collins, Obende Deborah, Oyinlola Ayomide, and Owobu Maureen.
The Economy Development Summit (EDS), held on Friday, 23rd February, 2024, at the Festus Iyayi Hall of the University of Benin, turned out to be a resounding success. Convened by the Director of Finance of the Student Union Government, University of Benin, Comr. Godstime Bienose Eghosa, the event, having approximately 500 participants, gathered momentum with the arrival of the Director of Finance at 12:25PM, behind the initial 9AM GMT+1 schedule.
The opening ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Nigerian National Anthem, after which the Host, Talking Ruth, and co-host, Treasure, welcomed the Director of Finance for his opening speech.
In his address, the Director of Finance, Comr. Godstime Bienose Eghosa, welcomed attendees to the Economic Development Summit, focusing on the theme, “Dominance: The Emergence of Business Career and Financial Leaders.”
Highlighting the significance of equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mindset for navigating the dynamic economic landscape, he remarked, “As future Leaders of tomorrow, it is essential for us as students to be equipped with knowledge, skills and mindset to navigate the ever evolving landscape of the economy.”
“This conference provides us a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, gain insights from industry experts, and explore the possibilities that lie ahead in the world of business, career and finance,” he added, emphasising the summit’s role in facilitating meaningful discussions, insights from industry experts, and exploration of opportunities in business, career, and finance.
The first speaker, Mr. Uncommon Emmanuel, inspired attendees with insights on ‘The Process of Dominance,’ urging them to pursue their dreams and develop valuable skills. He emphasised the importance of vision, action, and building networks, stating, “You are not too young to dream… You are in your Prime… If you are a man or woman of dreams, nothing can stop you.”
Mr. Andrew Igbineweka, founder of Goabitfurther Africa, discussed ‘Career,’ highlighting the importance of communication, skill development, and networking for success. He advised students to volunteer and build relationships for career advancement. “Build relationships before you need that relationship. You are not the problem; you are the solution to the problem. Your Social Media is your CV,” Mr. Igbineweka stated.
A panel session, moderated by Chidubem Nwaorisa, and featuring industry experts addressed questions on time management, collaboration, and investment. The panelists, Marvellous Aigbe, CEO of THEARVE Limited; Ozor Jessica, CEO of Revlink Sol and High Ticket Sales Closer; and Osayogie Effort, Africa’s premier real estate marketing & Sales coach and Business Innovator, stressed the importance of planning, self-awareness, and collaboration for student entrepreneurs, recommending investments in digital marketing and personal growth.
The third speaker, Osayi Tres Omokaro, spoke on “Unleashing Dominance,” advocating for self-awareness, collaboration, and excellence. He redefined wealth as the ability to create value and encouraged attendees to excel in their chosen fields.
During the summit, a student won a 50,000 naira grant for a cleaning business idea, and ten businesses received free CAC registration through a raffle draw.
UNIBEN SUG officials present at the event include: Allinson Nofisat, Vice President; Osadolor Divine, Public Relations Officer; Kalu Miracle, Assistant Secretary-General; Joel Isaac, Eleco Sec; Omoruyi Destiny, DOWelfare; Albright Ehimze, Attorney General; amongst many other VIPs from within and outside the University of Benin.
Speaking in an interview with the ACJ UNIBEN after the event, Bienose Godstime Eghosa, the Director of Finance of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the University of Benin, shed light on the motivations behind the Economic Development Summit held at the institution.
When asked about the inspiration behind the summit, Eghosa expressed his passion for serving the student community, stating, “My passion for serving the student community is what drives me. I believe in leaving a lasting impact wherever I go, and this event is an opportunity to create tangible value for our students beyond the academic sphere.”
Regarding the choice of theme, “Dominance,” Eghosa explained, “The theme ‘Dominance’ was chosen deliberately to shift our students’ focus from merely excelling academically to becoming leaders in their respective fields. We want to instil in them the mindset of entrepreneurship, career growth, and personal branding, empowering them to emerge as industry leaders after graduation.”
Eghosa, advising the UNIBEN Community, further emphasised the importance of financial prudence and investment, stating, “My message to the UNIBEN community is simple: cultivate a culture of financial prudence and investment. Rather than squandering your resources, seek opportunities to create value and secure your financial future. Let’s leverage this summit to equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive beyond the university walls.”
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