IBARAPA RISES: BUSINESS SUMMIT 3.0 IGNITES ECONOMIC BOOM WITH ₦1 MILLION SALES AND LIVE SME INVESTMENTS

Eruwa Town Hall came alive with energy, innovation, and enterprise on Saturday, March 28, as the Ibarapa Business Summit (IBS) 3.0 delivered a groundbreaking experience now regarded as a major turning point for economic development in Ibarapaland. With an impressive turnout of 438 participants, including 381 physical attendees and 57 virtual participants, the summit, themed “The Growth Code: The New Age of Business in Ibarapa,” reinforced its position as a leading platform for business transformation, successfully bridging the gap between informal trading and structured enterprise.

Declaring the summit open, the Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Prof. Akinlabi Akinola, challenged young entrepreneurs to harness opportunities within their immediate environment and build globally relevant ventures from the grassroots. He also commended the convener, Amos Akintola Adejesubisi, describing him as a model of excellence and proof that impact-driven initiatives can emerge from local communities. In his welcome address, Adejesubisi stressed the importance of execution over mere ideas, urging participants to embrace collaboration and strategically implement their plans.

The summit featured high-level insights and institutional support tailored to the local business ecosystem. The Oyo State Manager of SMEDAN, Mrs. Iyabo Mabel Ojogbede, introduced the Federal Government’s “GROW Nigerian” initiative, outlining practical pathways for micro, small, and medium enterprises to access funding and institutional backing. Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sunday Omotayo, Director-General of Hotel Managers Conference Africa, challenged prevailing mindsets with the statement that “potential is a polite word for unfinished business,” while presenting Ibarapa as a “Blue Ocean” of untapped opportunities. Guest lecturer Dr. Kunle Awotiku further energized participants with his “API” framework—Anger, Passion, and Interest—encouraging entrepreneurs to take full control of the agricultural value chain from production to packaging. An interactive panel session featuring Hon. Tokunbo Toriola, Hon. Bosun Ibikunle, Alhaji Rahman Alayande, and Mr. Muyiwa Ajibola provided practical insights into digital disruption, discipline, and building sustainable business structures.

Beyond knowledge sharing, the summit demonstrated real economic impact through its concurrent trade fair, which showcased a mix of local brands such as Lyzbat Global Resources, Benifera Mode, and NutriGen Bios Foods Ltd, alongside established companies including Airtel Nigeria and Jubaili Agrochemicals. The exhibition recorded over ₦1,000,000 in direct sales within a single day, underscoring the growing purchasing power and business viability within the region.

The event also recorded significant philanthropic contributions during the launch of the convener’s book, “The What Next Blueprint,” which Prof. Akinlabi described as a “mathematically sound manual for survival.” The launch sparked generous support, as Mr. Muyiwa Ajibola donated 20 copies to early participants, Alhaji Rahman Alayande purchased 30 copies for his interns, and Mr. Opeyemi Ilesanmi secured 50 copies for a prison outreach initiative, further extending the impact of the summit beyond the venue.

The climax of the event was the Pitch-A-Thon competition, where seven entrepreneurs presented innovative business ideas before a panel of judges including Mrs. Bola Akinteye and Amb. Jumoby Daniel Ayomide. Benifera Mode, led by Okegbenle Benjamin, emerged as the overall winner for its premium locally manufactured leather footwear. Eminent Pigs Farm, founded by Oladokun Emmanuel Miracle, secured the first runner-up position for its approach to modern pig farming, while Mimetes Educational Center, led by Oluwasemire Esther Oreoluwa, emerged as the second runner-up for its personalized educational solutions. In a remarkable development, the pitch session evolved into a live investment platform, as Akoolere secured an immediate partnership with Amb. Jumoby, Envoy Farms entered a strategic expansion agreement with Alhaji Alayande to venture into smoked fish processing, and Charis and Irene Agribusiness attracted investment interest from both Mr. Sunday Omotayo and Hon. Tokunbo Toriola.

Overall, the Ibarapa Business Summit 3.0 proved to be more than just an event; it served as a catalyst for economic transformation by connecting local innovation with institutional support, generating significant trade activity, and unlocking real-time investment opportunities. As anticipation builds for the next edition, stakeholders agree that Ibarapa is no longer waiting for growth but actively creating it. For further information and partnership opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.ibarapabc.com.ng.