The Directorate of Entrepreneurship (DoE) at Godfrey Okoye University has taken a bold step toward fostering entrepreneurial excellence with the launch of its first Business Clinic, an initiative dedicated to strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the university community and its environs.
“Onye Ahia Bu Eze Azumahia”: A Focus on Customer-Centric Business Growth
Themed “Onye Ahia Bu Eze Azumahia” (The Customer is King in Business), the maiden edition of the Business Clinic equipped small business owners around Thinkers Corner with essential customer relations strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of service excellence in sustaining and scaling enterprises.
A Tribute to Service and Community Impact
The program was led by the Director of Entrepreneurship, who personally funded the initiative as part of activities honoring Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke’s 25th Priestly Anniversary. In his address, the Director highlighted the clinic’s dual purpose:
- Enhancing entrepreneurial skills through practical training.
- Fulfilling the university’s third mandate, Community Service, by fostering industry-academia collaboration and grassroots economic development.
He further noted that the Business Clinic serves as a bridge between theory and practice, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, venture co-creation, and sustainable business growth.
Participants and Testimonials
The event attracted entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including:
- Fashion & Tailoring
- Food Services & Catering
- Beauty & Wellness
- Stationery & Bookshops
- Artisan & Plumbing Services
Participants lauded the initiative, expressing gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the Directorate of Entrepreneurship for the transformative training they received. Many pledged to implement the insights gained to elevate their businesses and customer engagement strategies.
A Sustainable Vision for Entrepreneurial Development
This inaugural Business Clinic marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by the DoE to:
- ✔ Empower local entrepreneurs with actionable skills.
- ✔ Strengthen town-gown relationships through impactful outreach.
- ✔ Drive innovation and economic resilience in the community.
The Directorate of Entrepreneurship invites stakeholders to stay engaged as it rolls out more programs designed to ignite entrepreneurial success.