From Moshood Karim
Benin City was aglow with celebration and empowerment as it played host to the second edition of the “Unforgettable Business Summit for Youth and Women Empowerment” on Wednesday.
The event, which marked the 50th birthday of Mrs. Faith Odigie Akande, Founder of Sugarworld Cakes and More, drew a diverse audience of friends, business associates, and stakeholders committed to fostering entrepreneurship and personal development.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Faith Odigie Akande attributed her success to divine inspiration and hard work. She urged young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to stay persistent in pursuing their goals, emphasising that success is attainable through effort, focus, and purpose.
“Success is not an overnight event; it is something we consciously create. It begins with understanding your purpose,” she said. “Many people strive to be like others, but the key is to focus on your unique gifts and use them to make an impact. Success resides within each of us; it’s not tied to a particular location or circumstance.”
The summit featured insightful presentations from industry experts and thought leaders across various fields, each contributing practical knowledge to empower attendees.
Mr. Emmanuel Obasuyi of Crown Flour Mill provided actionable tips for overcoming challenges in the bakery business. He emphasised the importance of adhering to proper bakery principles, including the use of quality ingredients, sound processes, and targeted customer engagement. “The right combination of people, processes, and products can ensure profitability in the baking industry,” he stated.
Mrs. Chieze Ibuoka also inspired bakers with her session on navigating the challenges of running a cake business in a dynamic market. She encouraged entrepreneurs to adapt to evolving trends, leverage technology and social media, and prioritise staff welfare.
Pastor Jeffery Iyonawan, Founder of Miracle Assembly Church, delved into the spiritual aspects of success, highlighting the need for desire, determination, discipline, and distraction-free focus. “Success is universal, and when you achieve it, people are naturally drawn to you,” he remarked.
Dr. D.G. Yovwin’s session on stress management resonated deeply with attendees, especially women. He outlined how stress impacts health, leading to conditions such as erratic behaviour, poor concentration, and absenteeism. To mitigate stress, he recommended setting realistic goals, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and prioritising hydration and exercise.
Dr. P.G. Ikidi highlighted the importance of regularising business ventures through proper registration with bodies like the Corporate Affairs Commission. Meanwhile, Engr. Christopher Omondiagbe shed light on opportunities available through the Bank of Industry (BOI), which provides both short- and long-term loans to support entrepreneurs.
On accounting principles, Mr. Victor Oluwakayode stressed that proper bookkeeping and performance tracking are critical for business success, enabling entrepreneurs to make informed decisions.
A practical cake-making session was one of the event’s highlights, providing attendees with real-world skills to complement the knowledge gained. The unveiling of Mrs. Akande’s book, “Bread and Bakery Manual”, was met with applause, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. Certificates were also awarded to graduates of the Sugarworld Cakes and More training programme, recognising their dedication and hard work.
The event closed on a celebratory note, with guests commending Mrs. Faith Odigie Akande for her remarkable contributions to youth and women empowerment. As both a successful entrepreneur and a mentor, her vision continues to inspire others to pursue purpose-driven lives while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
This year’s summit was a powerful testament to the potential of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and determination in driving personal and professional growth. With attendees leaving equipped with actionable insights and renewed motivation, the “Unforgettable Business Summit” has once again lived up to its name.
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