The Amadeo Business Summit 3.0 has kicked off in Enugu, with COPEN Group, a major player in the housing industry, leading efforts to transform lives and empower youths with essential skills.
The summit, which is held from today until October 10th, is a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to share innovative strategies aimed at improving service delivery across Nigeria. COPEN Group, through its AMADEO Initiative, is playing a pivotal role in this mission, especially in empowering young people and fostering selfless service to humanity.
The Amadeo Business Summit, now in its third edition, has evolved into a prestigious gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders who share a common goal of improving service delivery in Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s summit, “Transposition of Interest in Service Delivery,” encourages participants to shift their focus from personal gain to the collective good. This approach aligns with COPEN Group’s philosophy of creating lasting value for society by fostering collaboration and innovation.
COPEN Group’s founder, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, delivered an inspiring welcome address that detailed the history and vision of the AMADEO Initiative, which serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the company.
The initiative, according to Dr. Chime, was born out of a personal commitment to serve God and humanity through selfless service. “The AMADEO Initiative is not just about housing; it’s about impacting lives through mentoring, poverty alleviation, and empowerment. It is a platform for those who seek to empower others and make a difference in their communities,” Dr. Chime said.
In addition, Prof. Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Power and founder of Geometric Power Limited, during his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of holding regular summits like the Amadeo Business Summit across Nigeria, not just in Enugu or the Southeast. He noted that such gatherings act as catalysts for progress, which is urgently needed in the country, especially considering the alarming exodus of talented professionals, a phenomenon known as “Japa.”
Unlike the traditional brain drain, Japa reflects a deep desperation among Nigerians, who are fleeing the country in search of better opportunities. Prof. Nnaji expressed concern over the growing trend but praised the summit for fostering social networking and meaningful interactions that could inspire innovative solutions for national development.
Prof. Nnaji further elaborated on the value of interactions, using Steve Jobs as an example to illustrate how simple conversations can spark creativity and eventually lead to groundbreaking innovations. He highlighted that social networking holds immense potential, not only for individual success but also for fostering long-term business relationships and collaborations.
He commended the Amadeo Summit organizers for their foresight in promoting cross-regional interactions, bringing together thought leaders like Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, CEO of Eximia Realty, from the Southwest. Prof. Nnaji stressed that events like this are essential for building bridges, expanding networks, and fostering collaborative efforts that can drive innovation and economic growth across Nigeria. By facilitating these connections, the summit is paving the way for future joint ventures and a more connected, progressive society.
One of the highlights of the summit is the emphasis on empowering young leaders. Dr. Chime stressed the importance of investing in the next generation, stating that the future of service delivery in Nigeria rests on the shoulders of young people who are equipped to take on leadership roles. “Our focus is on raising a generation of leaders who will not only succeed in their careers but will also serve their communities selflessly and sacrificially,” he said.
As part of the summit, COPEN Group is hosting several workshops and training sessions aimed at equipping youths with practical skills that will enable them to thrive in the global economy. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in service delivery. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with industry experts and potential mentors, creating opportunities for growth and development.
COPEN Group has long been associated with affordable housing development, but its broader mission extends far beyond building structures. The company’s motto, “Building lives and structures,” reflects its commitment to mentoring young people and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Through initiatives like the AMADEO Foundation, COPEN Academy among others, COPEN Group is empowering youths with the tools and opportunities to shape their future.
In addition to its focus on youth empowerment, the summit also celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to service delivery in Nigeria. The opening ceremony of the event today witnessed five exceptional leaders being inducted into the Amadeo Hall of Fame in recognition of their selfless and sacrificial service to society.
These inductees, who include prominent figures such as Professor Barth Nnaji, Msgr Obiora Ike, Senator Osita Ngwu, Professor Edith Nwosu, and Professor Timothy Nubi, are being honored for their outstanding efforts in improving the lives of others through their various initiatives.
The AMADEO Summit serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and selfless service in building a better society. As the summit continues, participants are expected to engage in thought-provoking discussions and brainstorming sessions aimed at finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria today.
Through its AMADEO Initiative, COPEN Group is not only building houses but also building lives. By empowering youths with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, the company is making a lasting impact on communities across Nigeria. As Dr. Chime concluded in his address, “Our destiny is in our hands, and it is up to each of us to find a reason to do good and make a difference in the world.”
Among top dignitaries who graced the opening ceremony were, Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Adora Chukwu, former deputy governor of Enugu State, Cecilia Ezeilo, Honourable Commissioner of Labour and Employment, Enugu State, Hon. Engr Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Honourable Commissioner of Science & Technology, Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke, Special Adviser to Enugu Governor on MSMEs and Digital Economy, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, President of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, MD/CEO of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Deputy Managing Director of COPEN Group, Mrs. Chinelo Chime, Vice President, Works Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Pastor Engr Makuachukwu Udeigwe, CEO, Seeds of Greatness Institute, Anayo Agu among others.
Notable leaders still expected at the summit include Senator Osita Ngwu, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eximia Realty Co. Ltd., Hakeem Ogunniran, MD/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Osidi, CEO of Fesadeb Media Group and Convener of the Africa International Housing Show, Festus Adebayo among others.