Biz Expert Urges Entrepreneurs to Master key Professional Skills

By Praise Chinecherem

Young entrepreneurs, professionals and emerging leaders have been urged to master key professional skills including powerful negotiations, striking effective deals, making indisputable offers and adopting strategic advertising methods.

President of Earth Manager’s Group and Chief Executive Officer of GEEPCHRIS Bridge Enterprise, Christopher Uchenna gave the advice at the UDUF Africa March Business Meeting, Mentorship Session and 2026 General Election held at Onitsha Business School.

He stressed that successful negotiation begins with listening, observation and proper research before engaging in business discussions.

According to him, entrepreneurs must understand their products or services better than anyone else, as confidence in business conversations comes from knowledge and preparation.

“We encourage you to adopt a solution-oriented approach when dealing with customers by carefully listening to clients’ needs before presenting products or services that deliver clear benefits and measurable results.

While urging entrepreneurs to avoid overwhelming customers with too many choices, Uchenna recommended that business solutions should be presented clearly and in limited options to help customers make easier decisions.

On pricing and offers, the CEO explained that customers rarely resist prices when the offer genuinely solves their problems.

“Entrepreneurs must understand a customer’s financial capacity and design offers that meet both the client’s needs and budget.

“You must also present your products and services in ways that clearly communicate value and credibility,” he added.

Earlier, Founding President of UDUF Africa, Ezuma Smart Chinedu emphasised importance of mentorship, leadership development and collaboration among young entrepreneurs and community leaders.

The session also highlighted the role of strategic advertising, noting that customers often begin forming purchasing decisions based on what they see and hear before analysing the details of an offer.

Major highlight of the gathering was the conduct of the UDUF Africa General Election 2026, which was was conducted peacefully and transparently, with 44 eligible members present onsite to cast their votes.

The process reflected the organisation’s commitment to accountability, democratic participation and responsible leadership.

At the end of the voting process, the following members emerged as winners and were duly elected into their respective offices: Vice President I – Dr. Edwin Obioma; Vice President II – Joshua C. Iheanacho; Secretary General – Precious Leonard Ani and Assistant Secretary General – Mrs. Gloria Odinakachukwu Ezeudo

Others are Director of Finance – Chira Chinyere Christiana; Director of Programs – Eke Chukwuemelie Miracle; Assistant Director of Programs – Joshua Ikechukwu; Director of Media – Owan Erico Itesi; Assistant Director of Media – Chukwuemeke Chimaobi Emmanuel

Also elected were Director of Assets – Onuigbo Chidubem Godwin; Assistant Director of Assets – Ikenna Valentine Ohagwu; Director for Women Affairs – Mary Okoye; Assistant Director for Women Affairs – Grace Chinemerem Ogbu

In addition, the Board of Directors elected Uchenna Christopher as President of UDUF Africa.

The organisation congratulated the newly elected leaders and expressed confidence in their ability to steer the organisation towards greater impact and service.

Another major highlight of the meeting was a business presentation titled “The Art of Selling, Negotiations, Deals, Profit and Market Success: How To Sell a Competitive Product or Service.”

Another key segment of the meeting was a review of the influential business book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras.

The session was facilitated by Owan Erico Itesi, who guided participants through the book’s central lessons on how visionary organisations build strong values, systems and leadership structures that enable long-term success.

The event also featured a parliamentary session, mentorship discussions and networking opportunities among participants.

These engagements allowed members and guests to exchange ideas, build partnerships and strengthen professional relationships.

Organisers described the March Business Meeting, Mentorship Session and General Election as a historic milestone in the continued growth of UDUF Africa.

With renewed leadership and strengthened networks, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to inspiring young leaders and entrepreneurs across the continent under its guiding vision: “Get Inspired! Transform Africa.”