ENUGU, Oct. 5, 2026: The fifth edition of the Amadeo Business Summit (ABS 5.0) opened today at Charis Hall, Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, under the theme “Sustaining Growth & Soaring.” Entrepreneurs, executives, and young business owners gathered for the first of five days of masterclasses, exhibitions, and networking.
Welcome address
Rev. Dr. Ugochukwu Obiora Chime, founder and convener of the summit, gave the welcome address and programme overview. He established ABS under the Amadeo Initiatives foundation to mentor young entrepreneurs and help build businesses that can survive tough economic conditions. For 2026, he introduced the “First 100” early attendance initiative to promote punctuality and discipline among business leaders.
Understanding the business of your business
Dr. Emerie Agunwa delivered a masterclass titled “Understanding the Business of Your Business: Organisational Restructuring for Sustainable Growth.” She urged participants to look beyond rivals in their own sector, arguing that the real threat often comes from industry-wide shifts. She described a “battle for the wallet,” in which every business competes for a share of customers’ limited spending. A business that fails to make a customer’s top priorities, she said, will struggle no matter how polished its branding.
Dr. Agunwa also stressed repurposing as a route to new markets, citing wedding rings, which moved from royal signets to marriage bands to fashion pieces, and real estate, which grew from housing into holiday homes and investment property. Her message to participants: “Repurpose your business.”
Leadership and legacy
Dr. Niyi Adesanya, executive coach and strategist, led the Executive Masterclass on Exclusive Leadership & Advanced Business Strategy. Using Nokia as a case study, he warned that following every rule and checklist does not protect a business from disruption, and that competitors may come from outside one’s own industry.
He also urged business owners to build institutions their children can inherit, and noted that children often distance themselves from a family business that took parents away from them. “If you do not intend to stay rich, don’t get rich,” he said, adding that staying rich is harder than getting rich.
He also emphasised the importance of building an audience, noting that a visible digital presence now leads to more opportunities.
Vote of thanks
In the vote of thanks, Barr. Rikky Agu commended young entrepreneurs who are using social media to sell and deliver products. He cited the pace of change since the Industrial Revolution to urge adaptability.
He pointed to philanthropic institutions such as the Gates, Rockefeller, and Ford foundations as models of legacy, and encouraged business owners to set up trusts so that wealth is not lost between generations. He closed with a prayer that participants gain access to mentorship, capital, and connections.
What’s next
Day 1 also featured cultural exhibitions and showcases. The summit runs through Friday, Oct. 9:
* Oct. 6: Core Business Day and launch of the SME Mami Market shopping exhibition
* Oct. 7: Amadeo Skills Day
* Oct. 8: Real Estate and Finance Day
* Oct. 9: SME Day
A Cookathon Competition and the Eat & Win Competition begin tomorrow.