No fewer than 82 entrepreneurs across Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have received a total of N200 million in grants under the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit (OES), in a renewed push to stimulate grassroots economic growth and business sustainability.

The funding initiative, targeted at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is aimed at strengthening local enterprise capacity and improving livelihoods within Ogoni communities.

The disbursement follows a commitment made at the 2020 Ogoni Entrepreneurship and Economic Summit by the Chief Executive Officer of Geolink Global Limited and President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol.

Speaking during the grant presentation ceremony held in Wiiyakara Community, Khana Local Government Area, Maol urged beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the funds to expand their ventures and create value.

He emphasised that the initiative is rooted in the principle of love and collective progress, which he described as central to the Ogoni identity.

According to him, the intervention represents the fulfilment of a long-standing vision inspired by the theme “Let Love Lead,” noting that sustainable development can be achieved when individuals are willing to support one another.

“This is a dream fulfilled. The essence of this initiative is to demonstrate love through giving, which reflects the true spirit of the Ogoni people,” he said.

Maol further disclosed plans to institutionalise the grant scheme as an annual programme, adding that top-performing beneficiaries would receive additional funding to scale their businesses.

He also stressed that success in business depends largely on mindset and personal discipline rather than capital alone, encouraging recipients to build strong character and resilience.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, retired General Letam Wiwa, expressed satisfaction that the vision conceived during the 2020 summit has materialised, noting that the intervention would significantly impact economic growth in the area.

He commended Maol for spearheading the initiative and acknowledged the efforts of the organising committee in ensuring the integrity of the selection process.

Earlier, Chairman of the OES Selection Committee, Sir (Dr) Leesi Gborogbosi, revealed that over 500 applications were received, out of which 82 beneficiaries were selected for the pilot phase.

He explained that the beneficiaries cut across existing businesses, micro enterprises, and emerging entrepreneurs, stressing that the programme is designed to drive community development through individual empowerment.

Gborogbosi urged recipients to maximise the opportunity and contribute meaningfully to the economic advancement of Ogoni.