Last weekend in the city of Awka at Stanel Dome was definitely one for the history books as the most distinguished business men, world leaders and other notable dignitaries in the society converged under one roof from Friday 12th – Sunday, 14th February for the Access More with Stanel event. Undoubtedly the biggest youth empowerment event to ever happen in the South East, it is no doubt that Dr Stanley Uzochukwu; the host and convener of the event is committed to the growth and development of Nigerian youths and this was evident with the line-up of speakers and choice of panellists who addressed all participants.
From the opening address by The Executive Governor of Anambra State H.E Willie Obiano ably represented by his Deputy, Nkem Okeke, to the keynote speeches from Barr. Allen Onyema & Dr. Cosmas Maduka followed by the speeches from Prof. Lilian Orogbu, Prof. Patrick Utomi, good will messages from Mrs Sally Mbanefo, the Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals & HRM Nnaemeka Achebe and special addresses from the former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Prof. Charles Soludo former CBN Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and a host of others, it was an event filled with the crème de la crème of the society.
Giving his Goodwill message at the event, the grand patron of Access More with Stanel, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Nnaemeka Achebe CFR, commended Stanel Group and Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu for his excellence and doggedness at organizing such an impactful masterclass whilst following the COVID-19 guidelines. He further encouraged the youths to have upstanding moral business and entrepreneurship practices in whichever field they choose.
According to the Obi, his wish is that Access More with Stanel will become a global sensation that will see to it that foreign dignitaries and investors will travel down to Awka to see the level of excellence and invest in various businesses, this statement of course received a resounding round of applause from the youths.
Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CEO Coscharis Group in his speech emphasized on having set principles that will elevate you as a young entrepreneur, honouring mentors and those who have gone ahead of you in addition to being dedicated to your set goals and dreams as a young person. His eloquence and passion to see the youths of Nigeria succeed changed the trajectory of so many youths at the Access More with Stanel Masterclass for the better.
The CEO of Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema whilst speaking to the youths admonished them that greatness cannot be achieved without having a plan and goal in mind, dreams don’t work unless you put it to work. He urged the youths to embrace collaboration over competition and work together in making the Nation better. As an academician, Professor Charles Soludo spoke on the role youthful entrepreneurship plays in the economic growth of a Nation. He reiterated he has hope that one day the economic growth of Nigeria will be influenced largely by budding entrepreneurs.
Other Panelists that spoke at the Masterclass include George Omoraro, Kene Mparu, Love Idoko, Kingsley Eze, Harrison Apeh, and Linus Idahosa. They all had different life changing experiences to share with the youth present. A-list artistes & Comedians were also present for the Stanel concert and Love affair that happened on the 13th & 14th February. Some of them were Patoranking, Teni the entertainer, Flavour, Kcee, Slowdog, Umuobiligbo, Akpororo, FunnyBone and Zoro.
Worthy of note and highly commendable was the strict level of compliance to all COVID 19 guidelines and the security checks put in place for the event including a walk-through sanitizing booth to ensure the safety of all participants.
‘’The Nigerian Youth is capable of so much greatness and it is our responsibility as leaders to do all we can to ensure they are empowered to hone their skills for success. This has always been my driving force and it is on this basis we began Access More with Stanel.’’- Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, CEO Stanel Group.
Access More with Stanel outdoes itself yet again with its second edition and we admire the tenacity and drive it took to get together all the great minds who addressed the youths.
Kudos to Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu and the entire Access Bank team. Indeed, Access More with Stanel was a gathering of the stars.
