More than 600 students gathered at the ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, on June 28, 2025, for the South East Students Entrepreneurship and Innovation (SESEI) Conference 2025. The event, organised by Emmanuel Anabueze, founder of the Humanitarian Achievement and Outreach Foundation, aimed to support student entrepreneurs and innovators in Nigeria.

The conference brought together student startup founders, industry experts, and partner organisations for discussions, training, and financial support activities. One of the notable moments of the event was the distribution of ₦4 million in startup funding. Forty selected student entrepreneurs received ₦100,000 each to help develop and grow their business ideas. The grants were funded by Flamingo Car Tech, the Sir & Lady Judith Orji Foundation, and other collaborators.

Anabueze highlighted the Foundation’s focus on practical empowerment, stating, “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 at the conference included professionals from diverse fields. Dr. Sammy Adrian Ajufo, Dean of the School of Communications and Media Studies at LLBSUK, delivered a presentation on using strategic communication and media to grow startups. Mrs. Rosemary Ezeani, Director of the Oluebube Charity Foundation and an entrepreneur, spoke about building sustainable businesses grounded in vision and community values.

Sir Orjinta Nnaemeka Orji, Director at Kyndryl and Co-Founder of NEXTGENAI LTD, encouraged students to integrate technology, particularly artificial intelligence, into their entrepreneurial efforts. ESV Arnold Ekweoba, founder of Arnold & Associates Group, discussed leading enterprises with purpose by combining personal values and business strategy.

The conference also featured panel discussions with 10 Nigerian entrepreneurs, who shared their experiences and advice on topics such as business clarity, branding, financial discipline, consistency, and mental health. Among the panellists were Vivian Ohawusaokwu of DozzaVille, Chidinma Okoye of DressBySeentia, and Somto Umenwofor of The CEO App.

Students attending the event expressed appreciation for both the learning opportunities and the financial support provided. Chukwuemeka, a final-year student and grant recipient, said, “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.” Another participant, Amaka, remarked, “I have never seen a student-focused programme executed at this scale. SESEI gave us hope that someone believes in us.”

The event’s organiser, Emmanuel Anabueze, pledged to continue expanding access to resources and support for students in the region. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We will keep building, keep supporting, and keep believing in our youth.”