Another impactful session on Day Two of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit featured Mikko Ben Tudor, who began his address by expressing appreciation to the organizers for the opportunity to engage with participants. He described the summit as a timely and strategic platform, asserting that the next phase of business and economic transformation in Ogoniland will be driven by the very individuals present at the event.
In setting the tone for his session, Tudor emphasized that the core objective of the summit is to inspire self-reliance and proactive entrepreneurship among Ogonis. He noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved through dependency or political patronage, stressing that the era of waiting for handouts must give way to a culture of value creation and initiative. According to him, entrepreneurship flourishes when individuals take responsibility for their growth rather than relying on external interventions.
A central theme of his presentation was the need to move away from what he described as an “entitlement mentality.” Tudor urged participants to focus on building strong personal and professional character, explaining that integrity, consistency, and accountability are key factors that attract investors, mentors, and long-term partnerships. He emphasized that opportunities often align with individuals who demonstrate credibility and ethical conduct.
Speaking further, Tudor highlighted the strong connection between integrity and success in business. He noted that access to opportunities alone does not guarantee success, stating that how individuals manage trust and responsibility ultimately determines their progress. In his words, “Coming from privilege is no guarantee for success.” He explained that many opportunities are lost not because of a lack of access, but due to poor character and weak value systems.
Tudor also advised participants to prioritize personal development beyond academic qualifications. While acknowledging the importance of formal education, he encouraged entrepreneurs to invest in self-improvement, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making. According to him, these attributes are essential for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and sustaining growth in competitive environments.
His session served as a strong reminder that the future of entrepreneurship in Ogoniland depends not only on access to capital and opportunities but also on the character, mindset, and personal discipline of its entrepreneurs.
