The Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA) is pleased to announce that its Director General, Dr. Stephen Odo, will be speaking at the forthcoming After WAEC Conference organized by the DemureXXY Youth Development Foundation. The theme of the event is “Leveraging Opportunities”, and it promises to be a transformational experience for young minds preparing to transition into the next phase of life.

This unique conference is specially designed for teenagers, fresh secondary school graduates, teachers, and youth-focused stakeholders, with the aim of equipping participants with the tools, mindset, and exposure needed to make informed, impactful life and career choices after their WAEC examinations.

Dr. Stephen Odo will be delivering a keynote session titled:
“Enterprise and the Role of Youth-led SMEs in Economic Development.”
In this session, he will highlight the importance of early exposure to entrepreneurship and the vital role young people play in shaping a thriving, self-sustaining economy. He will challenge students to look beyond academic certificates and embrace a broader perspective — one that includes acquiring relevant skills, developing marketable products, adopting a solution-driven mindset, and delivering services that address real needs in society.

The session is expected to be both practical and inspiring, offering students a vision of what is possible when they begin early to think innovatively, act responsibly, and lead boldly. As Ebonyi continues to foster youth enterprise through EBSMEDA’s various programs, this engagement underscores the agency’s commitment to building a generation that is not just employable — but entrepreneurial.

We look forward to a powerful gathering of youth leaders and educators, and to the insights Dr. Odo will bring to the conversation. The future belongs to the bold — and Ebonyi’s future is already beginning to shine.