Doris Ewoh, Enugu
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and industry experts have gathered at the Amadeo Business Summit 4.0, convened by Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, to explore the theme “Thriving in Times Like These” with discussions centered on succeeding in uncertain times.
The five-day summit, taking place at the Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, kicked off on Monday, October 6, 2025, with a Business Class and Art Exhibition celebrating creativity, resilience, and innovation. The exhibition uses art to reflect the summit’s central theme.
The event continued on Tuesday with the official opening ceremony and key sessions on leadership and governance, aimed at helping businesses navigate and thrive despite current global uncertainties.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, noting that 2025 has been a particularly challenging year, economically and socially, both nationally and globally, posing difficulties for individuals, families, and organizations alike.
“This year’s theme, ‘Thriving in Times Like These,’ aims to examine the forces shaping today’s tough operating environment. Our goal is to equip businesses, policymakers, executives, and young people with the mindset and tools needed to overcome challenges and seize emerging opportunities,” Dr. Chime stated.
Delivering the speech of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted how the summit’s theme aligns with the transformative journey of the state under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah.
Prof. Onyia noted that the Enugu State Government is intentionally creating an enabling ecosystem, one that is transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive, to support business growth. He encouraged investors and entrepreneurs to see Enugu as open for business.
Dr. Ike Chioke, of Afrinvest West Africa, in his keynote speech, described the theme as timely, especially as the global economy remains unsettled. He emphasized the importance of repositioning businesses for resilience, diversifying product offerings, and embracing digital transformation, saying:
“There’s no business today that doesn’t require technology.”
He also encouraged young people to seize opportunities in Enugu by identifying and solving real-world problems:
“Enugu is changing. The governor is moving fast, and it’s up to the citizens to take advantage of times like this and start businesses that will thrive.”
During the panel session, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Enugu State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, discussed the state’s shift toward institution-based systems over personality-based ones. He highlighted the e-commerce system recently introduced, which reduces paperwork and secures data.
On taxation, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo clarified:
“There haven’t been any new taxes introduced by this government. What we’ve done is streamline the process and make the collection system more efficient and inclusive. No country can operate without revenue.
The government is also working on making the tax system more efficient, predictable, and ensuring the revenue is used to serve the people.”
Dr. Emerie Agunwa, MD of H.G & W Consulting, spoke on the importance of leveraging technology in building a thriving society. “Technology is an amplifier and a leveler,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to elevate education beyond schooling and to initiate conversations that go beyond interest points, highlighting these as essential pillars for economic excellence in today’s world.
Participants also shared their reflections on the event:
“This is my first time here, and it was a well-organized program and a thrilling experience for me,” said Dinma Okafor.
Mr. Chinedu Madu, CEO of Airbridge Travel and Tour, stated: “The message from the Amadeo Summit today is to think outside the box, look for ideas, just like what’s happening in Enugu with the governor, then explore and try.”
“My takeaway is building resilience, not just in systems, but in yourself, so that you can lead others to excel in what they do,” said Justin Ekwueme.
Other highlights of the event included the unveiling of the WATO Foundation by Professor Chinedu Nebo, former Minister of Power, and the induction of new Amadeo Fellows.