By: Kelechi Uzomah, 08064075316
The phrase “Mike Ejiogu and the imperative of the Sun Newspaper Entrepreneur of the Year” speaks to a powerful narrative about recognition, role modeling, and the strategic importance of celebrating business leadership in Nigeria.
Let’s break down the significance of this, using Mike Ejiogu’s recognition as a focal point.
- Who is High Mike Ejiogu?
Mike Ejiogu is Traditional Prime Minister of Anara Ancient Kingdom in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and the Onowu Igbo Nile and a respected Nigerian entrepreneur, best known as the Chief Executive officer of the City Gate Homes Abuja, and is a leading conglomerate in Nigeria with interests spanning Real Estate, hospitality (hotels, Cocorico), food production, cinemas, and catering services, primarily serving the oil and gas sector in Abuja and beyond.
His entrepreneurial journey—from humble beginnings to building a diversified empire—epitomizes the grit, innovation, and vision that The Sun Awards seek to highlight.
- The “Imperative” of The Sun Newspaper Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The word “imperative” here means it is absolutely necessary, crucial, and urgent. The award is not just a ceremonial event; it serves several critical functions:
· A Beacon of Hope and Validation: In an often challenging business environment plagued by infrastructure deficits, inflation, and regulatory hurdles, the award validates that success is possible. It tells the broader business community that perseverance and excellence are seen and celebrated.
· Setting a Standard of Excellence: The award isn’t just for the wealthiest individual. The Sun’s criteria typically consider innovation, impact, job creation, corporate governance, and resilience. By choosing entrepreneurs like Ejiogu, The Sun sets a standard for what truly valuable entrepreneurship looks like—businesses that create sustainable value, not just personal wealth.
· Combating Negative Narratives: Nigeria’s public discourse is often dominated by stories of corruption and failure. Awards like this actively reshape the national narrative by spotlighting heroes of industry, hard work, and ethical business practices.
· Inspiring the Next Generation: For young aspiring entrepreneurs, seeing a Mike Ejiogu—a self-made, diversified business leader from the Niger Delta region—receive such a prestigious award is profoundly inspiring. It provides a tangible role model and a roadmap of possibilities.
· Promoting Economic Patriotism: Celebrating home-grown businesses fosters a sense of pride in Nigerian enterprise and encourages consumer support for local brands, which is crucial for economic development.
- Why Mike Ejiogu Embodies This Imperative
Mike Ejiogu’s selection (if awarded or even nominated as a prime example) would be symbolic because his profile addresses multiple facets of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial imperative:
· Sector Diversification: His success is not tied to oil alone but to hospitality, entertainment, and FMCG—sectors critical for domestic economic growth and job creation.
· Geographical Spread: While rooted in Port Harcourt, Genesis’s expansion challenges the notion that major business success must be Lagos-centric.
· Resilience and Longevity: Operating in the volatile Niger Delta region and surviving economic downturns demonstrates the resilience The Sun award would seek to honor.
· Corporate Citizenship: Businesses like Genesis contribute to the social and infrastructural fabric of their communities, aligning with the broader social responsibility expected of modern entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: A Symbiotic Relationship
The “imperative” is a two-way street:
· For The Sun Newspaper: It is an imperative to seek out, vet, and honor individuals like Mike Ejiogu to maintain the award’s credibility, impact, and role in national development. Their choice must continually reflect the true pillars of nation-building through enterprise.
· For the Nigerian Ecosystem: It is an imperative to have and pay attention to such awards. They are not mere pageantry but vital tools for orientation, motivation, and signaling what society values.
In essence, “Mike Ejiogu and the imperative of the Sun Newspaper Entrepreneur of the Year” represents a powerful case study in how strategic recognition can fuel a culture of productive entrepreneurship. It underscores the idea that for Nigeria to realize its economic potential, it must deliberately and consistently celebrate its business builders—and Mike Ejiogu’s profile is a prime example of who those builders are.
This recognition cycle creates a positive feedback loop: celebrate success → inspire effort → generate more success → celebrate again. That is the fundamental imperative at play.
Kelechi Uzomah is a PR Practitioner and Developmental Communication Strategist based in Owerri, the Imo State Capital.
