By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The initiator of Ughoron Group, Mr. Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa has said that the Benin Investors Conference (BIC) will promote the most needed economic growth, stimulate peace and progress among the people of Edo State.
He said this while speaking with journalists ahead of the programme in Benin.
Mr. Izoduwa said the BIC, an annual strategic economic platform is designed to advance the prosperity of the Benin people through structured collaboration, enterprise development, and intentional investment.
Izoduwa added that the Benin homeland carries a legacy of organization, trade, governance, and craftsmanship that once positioned it among the most respected empires in Africa.
He said that legacy is not merely history but it is a reminder of what is possible when a people built with direction and unity come together to champion a common cause.
He pointed out that today, the Benin sons and daughters contribute meaningfully across industries around the world however, one critical question remains before them. How do we intentionally connect that experience, capital, and influence back to the economic development of the Benin people?
He maintained that the answer they are presenting is the Benin Investors Conference.
He stressed that the BIC 2026 is a four-day gathering that will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, creatives, and members of the global Benin community here in Benin City.
He said the conference is built on a guiding philosophy — The Benin First Philosophy.
He said the Benin First Philosophy is not a slogan. It is a principle of priority.
He said this philosophy ensures that investments connected to Benin land, culture, and economic
activities intentionally prioritize Benin participation and ownership.
He said it is not about exclusion. It is about responsibility. It means that when capital flows into Benin-related ventures, Benin people must be active beneficiaries as owners, partners, professionals, and decision-makers, because the only people that can truly help them grow is they themselves.
According to him, 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 recognizing outstanding contributions within the
Benin community.
“In addition, BIC 2026 will formally present key long-term initiatives, including: The Benin Trust Fund — a collective investment purse designed to empower the future of our people”.
Speaking further, the initiator of the programme reiterated that one of the most important initiatives connected to this movement is the Benin Trust Fund (BFT) stressing that it is a collective investment platform created specifically for the Benin (Edo) people.
He hinted that its idea is simple and practical.
According to him, Benin sons and daughters across the world contribute small, consistent amounts as little as N500 daily, weekly, or monthly into a structured digital platform.
He said these contributions are pooled together and used to establish businesses, support economic ventures, and fund projects that directly benefit the Benin community adding that this is not a political fund and it is not a personal fundraising but it is a disciplined, transparent system designed to build economic strength collectively.
He said the fund operates with clear governance. It has a Board of Directors, structured management, defined bylaws, and strict rules guiding how funds are used.
