10/12/2025
UNIBEN Honours Business Leaders and Public Icons in Prestigious Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Induction
Benin City, Nigeria – December 5, 2025 – The University of Benin (UNIBEN) cemented its role in fostering business leadership yesterday with a grand ceremony inducting a new cohort of distinguished individuals into its Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. The event, hosted by the Department of Entrepreneurship within the Faculty of Management Sciences, celebrated a diverse array of leaders from banking, academia, public service, and industry.
Headlining the list of honourees was Emmanuel Onokpasa, the Executive Director of Wholesale Bank and Treasury at NOVA Merchant Bank. His induction follows closely on the heels of his recently announced appointment to the bank's board, approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Onokpasa, a UNIBEN Accounting graduate with nearly three decades of experience in treasury and corporate finance, embodies the professional excellence the hall seeks to champion.
The department, which is also responsible for the International Journal of Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation (IJETI), stated the induction recognizes those who have distinguished themselves in entrepreneurship, public service, and private practice.
A Gathering of High Achievers
The ceremony was a convergence of top-tier achievers. From within the university itself, the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba B. Omoregie, SAN, and senior academics like Professor Patrick Oseyomon and Professor Eddy Erhagbe, the Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, were honoured for their institutional leadership.
Edo State's public sector was also prominently represented. Key figures included Julius Anelu, the state's Accountant General; Andrew Ijegbai, Commissioner of Mining; Dr. (Mrs) Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, Director-General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission and Mrs Ese Martina Omoruyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mining
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit
The event shone a spotlight on thriving private enterprise. From the culinary sector, pioneers like Prince Excellent Efedomha of Fresh Affairs Bakery and the proprietors of Nadia Bakery & Stop 2 Shop Supermarket were recognized. Serial innovators such as Engr. Davidson Uvietowhado and Pharm Dr. Agbroko of Thelver were also inducted.
The list extended to finance, development, and commerce with Ordia Newman, former Executive Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank; Dr. Kenneth Ikhide; Hon. Pius Alile; Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma; and Prince Julian Osula, noted in luxury goods. Corporate entities like MAT-ICE and representatives from Agrocode Global Food Network, Mr. Osahon Paul, were also welcomed into the hall of fame. Barr. Dr Jonathan Ekperusi, a renowned legal practitioner was also inducted