At the 2025 edition of Ibom Ignite, Governor Umo Eno challenged young people in Akwa Ibom State to pursue emerging business opportunities, urging them to turn their ideas into impact. The conference, themed “Ignite to Accelerate”, was held at the Ibom‑LED Centre in Uyo.
Governor Eno, who launched the event, traced its origins to a church vision started in 2017. He said it was founded to motivate youths toward self-development and entrepreneurship. He used his own life story as an example: beginning his Royalty Group in 1995 with just five rooms, he told the audience, “I am a true Akwa Ibom brand. When you talk of an Akwa Ibom brand, see me standing here.”
He warned against expecting handouts, saying many young people act as if “the world is owing them.” Instead, he encouraged focus, resilience, and purpose:
“You must learn as a young person to start somewhere … If you believe in a dream, live for it and avoid distractions. Don’t listen to naysayers.”
“The same people that say you are not doing well would applaud you when you succeed.”
He also emphasized the often-overlooked role of followership, arguing that leaders may have good intentions, but without committed followers, progress falters.
In his keynote address, Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services, said the state holds vast potential in technology, sports, agriculture, and more—but these can only be unlocked when vision meets action. He encouraged young people to shift from chasing headlines to creating impact, and to collaborate rather than compete.
Rev. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, General Secretary of Assemblies of God Nigeria, added that young entrepreneurs should aim to “start small and grow big.” He also urged remembering those who helped along the way.
During the opening, Pastor Imo‑abasi Jacob, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described the 2025 theme as both symbolic and instructive:
“Every great leap begins with ignition – a spark of passion, purpose, and possibility.”
He also clarified that Ibom Ignite is more than a conference; it is “a movement of possibilities” designed to equip over 1,500 participants with tools, networks, and insights to turn ideas into real impact. He further stated that an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grant would support startups and bold ideas.
Speakers lined up for the event included officials such as Obinaju Uchenna (Deputy Country Director, Tony Blair Institute), O’rtega Ogra (SSA, Digital/New Media to the Presidency), Prof. Enoidem Usoro (Rector, Dakadda Skills Acquisition Centre), Idorenyen Enang (CEO, Corporate Shepherd Ltd), Ubong Obot (MD/CEO, Ubotex), Ime Uwah (Sole Administrator, Ibom Paints Ltd), Akparawa James Edet (Journalist and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information), and George Iniabasi Essien (broadcaster, writer, Guinness World Records holder).
In all, Ibom Ignite 2025 aims to spark innovation, foster leadership, and galvanize youth towards entrepreneurship. With its call to “ignite to accelerate,” the event seeks to fuel momentum that turns ambition into transformative enterprise.
