Miss Uchechi Rochas, Director – General of the Rochas Foundation, on Saturday, October 5, inspired young Nigerian entrepreneurs at the prestigious Delborough Hotel, Lagos, where she served as a special guest and motivational speaker during the official grant distribution ceremony for 80 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The event, which was organized by Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation, drew together budding business owners from across the country, eager to benefit from the financial boost and insights shared by industry leaders.
Sharing her deep insights, Ms Rochas congratulated the grant recipients and commended their hard work and dedication, reminding them of the rare opportunity they had been granted. “Those who were called to receive the grant should consider themselves fortunate,” she stated, urging the entrepreneurs to make the most of the networking opportunities available at the event. She stressed the importance of collaboration, highlighting that success in business often depends on the relationships forged along the way. “The connections you build here today could be the partnerships that elevate your businesses tomorrow,” she said.
The Young Director General pointed out the intense competition that preceded the selection of the 80 recipients. “Five thousand people applied, but only 80 succeeded in getting the grant, so they should be grateful,” she remarked, highlighting the level of dedication and commitment required to stand out in such a competitive process. She further encouraged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the insights shared by the speakers throughout the event.
Emphasizing the importance of character, Miss Rochas advised the entrepreneurs to remain humble as they grow their businesses. “As you advance in your entrepreneurial journey, let humility be your guide. It will not only help you stay grounded but will open doors for continuous learning and growth,” she added.
Ms Rochas, is the DG of the Rochas Foundation, under whose leadership the Foundation has been at the forefront in promoting education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment across Africa. One of its cornerstone initiatives, Vision 2040, is a strategic program aimed at transforming education in Nigeria and Africa through the use of technology. The program’s goal is to empower African youth to excel in the innovation economy and prepare them to take on leadership roles in the future.
Ultimately, with insight from such success stories as Ms `rochas’s, the young entrepreneurs not only got financial grants but also gained invaluable advice that could help propel their businesses to greater heights. The Rochas Foundation’s involvement in such initiatives further solidifies its standing as a key player in empowering the next generation of African leaders.
