World Entrepreneurs Day 2026 Zazzau Version 5.0 Convenes in Zaria
Entrepreneurs in Zaria, Kaduna state, converged for World Entrepreneurs’ Day 2026 Zazzau Version 5.0, focusing on building resilient enterprises for the future, [nannews.ng] reported. Bello Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of BYY Innovation, convened the annual gathering of development stakeholders, mentors, business owners, innovators, students, and entrepreneurs.
The fifth edition grew the initiative, which started in 2023 to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities for growth and networking. Yusuf stated that the programme was originally scheduled for August 21 but was shifted following the death of the programme’s legal adviser, Dr Umar Bebeji, and to avoid the rainy season, which has previously affected vendors and exhibitors. Organisers committed to honoring the late legal adviser by continuing to build and support people.
Entrepreneurs Receive Financial Support Through Pitching Session
Organisers provided mentorship, networking opportunities, and a pitching session through which selected entrepreneurs would receive financial support. Three entrepreneurs would receive N350,000, N250,000, and N150,000 respectively, totaling N750,000 in support. Yusuf explained that the support would help beneficiaries purchase equipment, improve packaging, increase stock, test ideas, and reach new customers.
Hassan Yakubu, founder of KADA SMEs HUB and chief judge for the pitching session, stated that small businesses need programmes that strengthen capacity and mindset. Yakubu noted that entrepreneurs inevitably encounter challenges, but their ability to learn from setbacks and bounce back constitutes entrepreneurial resilience.
Strategies for Resilient Enterprises
Malam Hassan Muhammad, a lecturer in the Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Kaduna Polytechnic who served as the keynote speaker, delivered an address focusing on resilient enterprises. Muhammad noted that business survival and success depend fundamentally on enterprise resilience regardless of company size, pointing out that history features numerous instances of high-potential ventures that ultimately collapsed due to insufficient preparation for external and internal obstacles.
Muhammad explained that resilient enterprises are businesses capable of surviving, adapting and coping with environmental pressures and internal crises. He urged entrepreneurs to prepare for uncertainty by strengthening their systems and understanding their operating environment. Yusuf added that resilient businesses must adapt to changing technology, markets, and customer preferences to overcome emerging challenges.
Participants Expand Businesses Through Mentorship and Networking
Bilkisu Abdulkadir, founder of Nuriya Turban, stated that participating in WED since its first edition exposed her to mentorship, partnerships, and new business relationships that helped her understand the importance of branding, trust and networking in strengthening her business. According to Umar Imam, founder and chief executive officer of Sir Tech GSM Clinik, the initiative showed him the potential to grow his phone repair venture beyond its original boundaries, allowing him to branch out into selling accessories and additional products while mentoring upward of 100 apprentices.
Abubakar Sani, founder and director of The Life We Deserve Foundation, noted that more than 20 stalls were available for participants to display and sell their products while gaining knowledge on business adaptation, scaling, policy issues, funding, and risk management.
Frequently Asked Questions About WED Zazzau 5.0
Who convened World Entrepreneurs Day 2026 Zazzau Version 5.0?
The annual event was convened by Bello Yusuf, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of BYY Innovation.
How much total financial support was distributed during the pitching session?
Organisers provided a total of N750,000 in financial support to three selected entrepreneurs, who would receive N350,000, N250,000, and N150,000 respectively.
Why was the date of the 2026 event shifted from August?
Organisers shifted the date following the death of the programme’s legal adviser, Dr Umar Bebeji, and because of the rainy season, which had previously affected vendors and exhibitors.
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