Ughoron Group, a Benin-based consultancy, has rolled out initiatives to reenergise the Benin economy through massive investments.
The group is geared towards redefining the economy based on the seven Benin-speaking local government areas that make up the Edo South Senatorial district.
The local government areas are Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West and Uhunmwonde.
Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa, founder/chief executive officer of Ughoron Group, disclosed this at a press conference in Benin City.
Izoduwa said the renaissance of the Benin-speaking people’s economy would be achieved through the Benin Investors Conference (BIC), which is expected to come up by October 2026 in Benin City.
He said that the economic rebirth of the senatorial zone would be such that it would navigate away from being individualistic to collective.
He listed the initiatives to include the Benin Trust Fund, the Benin Film Enterprises and the Benin School of Mentorship and Enterprises.
According to him, the Benin Investors Conference is an annual strategic economic platform designed to advance the prosperity of the Benin people through structured collaboration, enterprise development, and intentional investment.
“The Benin homeland carries a legacy of organisation, trade, governance and craftsmanship that once positioned it among the most respected empires in Africa. That legacy is not merely history; it is a reminder of what is possible when a people build with direction and unity.
“Today, Benin sons and daughters contribute meaningfully across industries around the world. However, one critical question remains before us is how do we intentionally connect that experience, capital, and influence back to the economic development of the Benin people?
“The answer we are presenting is the Benin Investors Conference ( BIC). BIC 2026 is a four-day gathering that will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, creatives, and members of the global Benin community.
“This conference is built on a guiding philosophy- the Benin First philosophy. Benin’s first philosophy is not a slogan, it is a principle of priority,” he said.
He posited that the philosophy of the initiative ensures that investments connected to Benin’s land, culture, and economic activities intentionally prioritise Benin’s participation and ownership, noting that it is not about exclusion, but about responsibility.
Izoduwa stated that the initiative also entailed that “when capital flows into Benin-related ventures.
He opined that Benin people must be active beneficiaries as owners, partners, professionals, and decision-makers because they are the only people who can truly help the senatorial district to grow.
“We are also developing collective investment structures that allow Benin people, both at home and in the diaspora, to pool resources into structured funds. These funds will support sectors such as film, agriculture, technology, real estate, and creative industries.
“The goal is simple: move from individual effort to coordinated economic strength, supporting viable Benin-led businesses and talents anywhere in the world and building institutions that can sustain growth for generations.
“The conference will feature high-level keynote sessions, curated investment pitch presentations, structured networking engagements, business hubs, product showcases, cultural exhibitions, and an award night recognising outstanding contributions within the Benin community,” he added.
He explained that under the Benin Trust Fund, every son and daughters of across the world are expected to contribute small, consistent amounts as little as N500 daily, weekly or monthly into a structured digital platform.
The Ughoron Group boss added that the contributions are pooled together and used to establish businesses, support economic ventures, and fund projects that directly benefit the Benin community.
“The Benin Film Enterprises is a landmark 10-year initiative dedicated to transforming Benin City and Edo State into a premier filmmaking hub in Nigeria and Africa, with a focus on high-quality productions that celebrate Edo culture and stories.
“The Benin School of Mentorship and Enterprise focused on leadership development and economic empowerment through structured programs. It is designed to close a mentorship gap thathas existed in our community for decades”, he added.
He stated that the Benin Trust Fund is not a political fund, not a personal fundraising, but a disciplined, transparent system designed to build economic
