Anambra philanthropist unveils empowerment initiative, targets 500,000 jobs

An entrepreneur and philanthropist, King Ifeanyichiukwu Oruruo, has unveiled a four-day empowerment initiative valued at $28.8 billion, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, investment, tourism, sports, fashion, manufacturing and talent development across Nigeria.

The programme, tagged “I Ga Eso Welu?” (Will You Join and Partake?), is scheduled to hold from September 28 to October 1, 2026, at Nnewi High School in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Speaking during a press conference in Nnewi at the weekend, Oruruo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Living Capital Limited, said the initiative is designed to showcase Nigeria’s economic, cultural and creative potential while creating opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.

According to him, the organisers are targeting the creation of 500,000 jobs, particularly for unemployed youths, through business linkages, investment opportunities and skills development programmes.

He described the event as a comprehensive showcase covering business, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, architecture, tourism, fashion, sports, arts, food exhibitions, talent discovery and trade.

“The mission is to envision a Nigeria beyond our greatest expectations and contribute to building an Africa that leads the world in innovation, enterprise and development,” he said.

Oruruo explained that the programme would commence with the “I Ga Eso Welu Road Show,” which he said would eventually tour 55 cities across Nigeria.

He urged small and medium-scale enterprises, investors, manufacturers, professionals, educational institutions, government agencies and traders to participate, stressing the importance of science, technology and innovation in accelerating national development.

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“As a person, I have decided to dedicate my lifetime to contributing to the development of Africa, Nigeria, Igboland and our local communities. We currently have about 28 development projects across Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that the initiative consists of seven major components that will be replicated in different states and communities, with a particular focus on exposing young people to economic opportunities at no cost.

According to him, Nnewi was selected as the inaugural host because of its long-standing reputation as Nigeria’s industrial and automobile hub.

Oruruo attributed rising insecurity partly to unemployment, which he described as a major national challenge, adding that the project seeks to promote entrepreneurship, restore positive societal values and encourage productive engagement among young people.

He also called on political leaders, traditional institutions and families to strengthen the country’s value system by promoting integrity, innovation and enterprise.

“This project is intended to present Nigeria and its people in a positive light before the global community while creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals,” he said.

As part of the programme, organisers said sporting competitions would be held in 16 disciplines, including athletics, football, basketball, boxing, badminton, cycling, gymnastics, golf, horse riding, kickboxing, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling and archery, with cash prizes and opportunities to progress to national competitions.

The event will also include guided tours of communities within the Nnewi axis to showcase the area’s cultural heritage, investment opportunities and tourism potential.

According to Oruruo, activities will be broadcast live using multiple drones and cameras to give both local and international audiences access to the event.

He explained that the initiative comprises seven major segments, including a job fair, trade fair, talent showcase, innovation exhibition, tourism promotion, investment forum and national orientation campaign.

“The job fair remains the heart of this initiative. Every other component is designed to support employment, investment and economic growth,” he said.

Oruruo further disclosed that Living Capital Limited and its development partners would provide funding for the project, stressing that the initiative was conceived as a social investment rather than a profit-making venture.

“This project is not about me. It is about creating opportunities for people and contributing to the development of society. We want Nigerians to come together to build a new identity founded on love, enterprise and our natural advantages,” he added.