Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has praised the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation for its outstanding contributions to human capital development, empowerment, and job creation, which are making significant impacts on the Nigerian economy.
Dr. Koroma who is in Nigeria for medical treatment amid treason charges, made these remarks during a grant presentation ceremony hosted by the Foundation at The Delborough Lagos Hotel. The event saw 80 Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) receive grants totaling N40 million as part of a mentorship and business masterclass initiative.
Expressing his admiration for the Foundation and its founder, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, the former president said, “I am overwhelmed by what I have seen and heard today. It fills me with hope to witness the success of young African leaders like Dr. Stanley.”
Dr. Koroma, who helped present the grants to beneficiaries, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for Africa’s economic growth.
“The moment I experienced today is the kind of moment needed across all African nations to stimulate economic growth. Governments cannot achieve this alone without the involvement of private entities, such as the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation,” he added.
He further stressed the critical role that SMEs play in a nation’s economy and encouraged African business leaders to replicate similar initiatives in their countries.
The event was attended by notable figures including Adeoye Ojuroye, Executive Director of Providus Bank; Chief Uzochukwu Akunedozi, Managing Director of Blake Resort; Mr. Emmanuel Azuka Okofu, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI); and Miss Uchechi Rochas, Director-General of the Rochas Okorocha Foundation.