…Says enterprise development key to economic growth

A business development and efficiency expert, Dr. Obinna Francis Okwechime, has urged political and business leaders across Nigeria to prioritise investments in people through job creation, skills acquisition and enterprise development, describing such an approach as critical to tackling unemployment and accelerating national economic growth.

Dr. Okwechime in a statement on Tuesday after presenting his book, Small Business, Big Impact, to former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

Speaking after the presentation, the lecturer said Nigeria’s leadership must embrace a people-centred development model similar to that of the former governor, whom he credited with demonstrating a long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship and employment generation.

According to him, Ortom’s record in creating jobs predates his years in public office, noting that through Oracle Business Limited, the former governor established successful publishing and packaged water production businesses that provided employment for thousands of people while equipping many with valuable technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Dr. Okwechime described Ortom as the highest private employer of labour in Benue State, commending what he called his consistent investment in human capital, local enterprise and economic empowerment.

He argued that while many public office holders and influential individuals invest their resources outside their home states, Ortom had consistently demonstrated that investing in local businesses and people remains one of the most effective strategies for stimulating sustainable economic development.

The business expert maintained that productive employment remains the catalyst for unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, stressing that empowering small and medium-scale enterprises is essential for expanding economic opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting inclusive national growth.

He described the former governor’s development philosophy as a leadership model worthy of emulation, adding that Nigeria’s economic transformation would be significantly accelerated if more leaders deliberately invested in job creation, skills development and the growth of indigenous businesses.

Dr. Okwechime further explained that the central message of his book, Small Business, Big Impact, is that sustainable prosperity cannot be achieved through government policies alone but requires visionary leadership that intentionally supports entrepreneurship, enterprise development and productive employment.

He expressed optimism that greater commitment to building local businesses and empowering entrepreneurs would strengthen Nigeria’s economy, create more employment opportunities and foster long-term national prosperity.