The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, in partnership with Keystone Bank Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, urging policymakers to create conditions that allow small businesses to flourish.
The call was made during the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), where both organisations hosted the EDC Walk for Entrepreneurship to spotlight the role of innovation and enterprise in national development.
Speaking at the event, Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services at EDC, Dr Nenna Ugwu, said: “We want to continue to make the statement that without entrepreneurship, there's no life. So, we, of course, walk, drink, eat, think entrepreneurship.”
She noted that the third week of November has, for nearly two decades, been dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. “Just like every other year, we've started the year filled with loads of activities for this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). So, we are working across all the federations, all the 36 states of the federation, and Abuja. We have all the points; I mean, visible prints of GEW Today,” she added.
Highlighting what sets the 2025 edition apart, Dr Ugwu explained: “This year’s programme is different because we are in a world where sustainability is the real game. Different because people want to embrace innovation. They want to look at the things that could disrupt the way we have been doing business. We want to continue moving. As it is said, when the going gets tough the tough get going.”
Also speaking on the significance of the event, Martins Kelechi Ojiegbe, Unit Head, Retail Products and Liabilities Banking at Keystone Bank, said: “We want to create awareness about entrepreneurship, create more awareness for individuals to take up businesses, for the SMEs as well as MSMEs, and to also let people know that Keystone Bank and the Enterprise Development Centre, EDC, are in partnership to continue to foster SME development and help SMEs grow from one point in their business category to another and ensure that there is a sustainability of business.”
He noted that collaboration is the defining feature of this year’s activities. “Every year has its own unique features. But for me, I think the unique feature of this year's event is the extent of collaboration. You can see two great institutions and two great brands, having the same focus, having the same mindset, and of course, having the same objective to drive the spirit of entrepreneurship,” he said.
Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking at Keystone Bank, Olayemi Sule, added that the bank remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs. “We have various products to support entrepreneurs, and we will continue to grow with them in this industry,” she said.
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