Abuja recently hosted a major entrepreneurship support initiative, as cleric Jerry Eze awarded grants totalling N1.1 billion to 240 entrepreneurs selected nationwide.
The ceremony, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, saw each beneficiary receive N4.6 million to launch, expand, or reposition their businesses. The initiative was delivered through the Jerry Eze Foundation as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s small business ecosystem.
The event attracted dignitaries from government, business, faith, and entertainment. Among those present were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu; the Group Managing Director of UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba; the Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Mr. Olugbenga Agboola; the founder of Delborough Group, Mr. Stanley Uzochukwu; and businessman Mr. Obi Cubana.
Clerics including Mr. Poju Oyemade and Mr. Emmanuel Iren were also in attendance, alongside entertainment figures such as Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo, Mr. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Ms. Tonto Dikeh, Mr. Cross Okonkwo, Mr. Timi Dakolo, and Mr. Bucci Franklin.
During the event, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, recounted how the agency had previously investigated Eze following significant foreign inflows into his accounts.
“I investigated this man for six months for money laundering. We work by intelligence; we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was a domiciliary account, and dollars and pounds were dropping into it like raindrops from Colombia, America, Sri Lanka, even from Togo. I asked, ‘Who is this man?’ and they told me it was one pastor, Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy. So we went into investigation and combed the books,” he said.
“I didn’t call you here to explain to me—we have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he added.
In his remarks, Eze thanked guests for their attendance and reflected on the inspiration behind his philanthropic efforts, which he attributed to his late mother. He spoke emotionally about her generosity and its lasting influence on his life.
“What is life if people don’t experience love through you?” he said, describing his journey as one shaped by grace.
Former First Bank Chairperson, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, urged beneficiaries to translate opportunity into impact, describing the grant as a bridge between ideas and execution.
“Today, the Jerry Eze Foundation has done something profound; it has built a bridge between potential and progress, and each awardee must harness their potential to the fullest. The smartest entrepreneurs are not the ones who know everything; they are the ones who know they do not,” she said.
