The Ajegunle Business School (ABS) has marked a significant achievement in its mission to build entrepreneurial capacity by graduating 17 aspiring entrepreneurs and honouring 14 outstanding business innovators with awards spanning multiple industries.
Speaking at the event, Alfred Konaughe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABS, explained that the school’s annual entrepreneurship awards are designed to celebrate determination, creativity, and innovation. He noted that award categories included Start-up of the Year, Tech of the Year, CEO of the Year, and Businessman of the Year. “Today, we are recognising 14 entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resilience and innovation in their respective fields. In addition, we are graduating 17 students who successfully completed our certificate programme in entrepreneurship and business development,” he said.
Looking back on the journey of the institution, which is now three years old, Konaughe reflected on the challenges encountered along the way, stressing that adversity is an integral part of the entrepreneurial process. According to him, true entrepreneurs are distinguished by their ability to thrive during economic uncertainty. “Exceptional entrepreneurs emerge stronger in challenging economic times. Genuine entrepreneurs advance to the next level when conditions are tough. Despite the hurdles, this has been a very rewarding and insightful journey,” he said. He further disclosed that ABS operates a structured monitoring and evaluation framework that follows the progress of its graduates through a well-organised alumni network.
One of the graduating participants, Ijeoma Vivian Nwabue, described the eight-week entrepreneurship training as deeply transformative. She explained that the programme covered essential areas such as communication skills, business pitching, and presentation development. “We gained extensive knowledge that has prepared us for real-world entrepreneurship. The training provided the foundation required to succeed as business owners,” she said. Nwabue added that the programme significantly changed her perception of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship is not just about making money. It is about identifying a problem and creating a solution. When you solve problems, you create value, and value naturally leads to revenue.”
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Applying these insights, Nwabue revealed that she has launched a nail care product designed for both men and women, addressing an unmet need she identified in the market. She explained that before enrolling in the programme, she noticed that men, in particular, had very limited nail care options. “My product fills that gap by offering a practical solution. Completing the programme has given me the confidence and excitement to introduce this product to the market,” she said.
Another award recipient, Chioma Ukpabi, Chief Executive Officer of Sukk Technologies Limited, expressed appreciation to ABS for the recognition, noting that it affirmed the relevance and impact of her work within communities. “This recognition reassures us that our efforts are being seen and that the impact we are making truly matters,” she said.
Similarly, Sidikat Folami, a fashion entrepreneur working in textile waste management, shared her excitement about receiving the award. She described it as a meaningful acknowledgement of her efforts throughout the year. “This honour reconnects me to my foundation and recognises the work I have consistently put in. It feels like encouragement and validation, and I am genuinely proud of it,” she said.
Through its comprehensive training programmes, recognition platforms, and strong alumni engagement, the Ajegunle Business School continues to develop entrepreneurial talent, empowering young Nigerians with the skills, confidence, and visibility required to drive innovation and build sustainable, impact-driven businesses.
