VFD Group Boss, Okpala urges Strong Enterprise for Enduring Wealth, Positive Impacts

By Praise Chinecherem

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, VFD Group PLC, Nonso Okpala has charged entrepreneurs to build long lasting generational enterprise capable of creating lasting wealth and positive impacts to better society and inspire Africa’s next generation of responsible business owners.

Okpala gave the charge at the 2026 Pre-Conference Symposium of Accountancy Department, Faculty of Management Sciences of Nnamdi Azikiwe University themed “From Vision To Legacy Inspiring Africa’s Next Generation of Responsible Business Owners” held at UNIZIK Business School.

He also called for stronger synergy between government, educational institutions, investors, civil society organizations and communities to address nation’s current socio-economic challenges and improve education system.

Okpala reiterated his organization’s commitment to improving education and supporting what he termed Retail Revolution with focus on sustainability and impact.

He announced plans by his organization to build 20 free schools across Nigeria, saying they had already building one in his own community in Uga, Aguata local government area of Anambra State.

“This gesture is part of our contribution for a better Nigeria as well as showcase my company’s track records as a leading principal investment company

“Education opens up ones mind, gives ability to solve problems and to build models. With education, technology has made it possible for many to be self-educated.

The VFD Group boss who supported the Faculty with a donation of N5million called for more conferences to equip the students with requisite confidence, boldness and contacts for future prosperity, just as he urged them to be technologically advanced to enable them create value for themselves ahead of graduation.

Describing wealth without impact as undesirable, Okpala argued that building a successful business starts with turning a great dream into vision, scale it with passion so it will impact on people and outlive the owner.

“That’s why most businesses in Africa die after the owner passes away due to to lack of succession plan or endowment that could have sustained it.

“We started VFD Group with N2.5 million. Today we’re doing in excess of 4 billion. That’s the secret of a skilled and strong team,” he added.

Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake stressed the need for entrepreneurs to develop mindset of building sustainable businesses that would not only outlive them but sustain development of African continent.

Declaring the symposium open, Vice Chancellor of the universe, Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie described the symposium as essential in inspiring young entrepreneurs, adding that it created a synergy between town and gown with presence of industry leaders.

Anyaehie, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof Alex Asigbo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partnering industries and providing institutional support.

In his contributions, Head of Debt Solutions & Financial Advisory at FirstCap Ltd, Dr. Tonna Ejiofor identified actionable planning, prudent resource management, innovation and record-keeping as key to enterprise growth.

Also speaking, Directorate Head, East Directorate, UBA Plc, Mr. Sampson Aneke identified hard work and smart innovation as critical to success and outlined loan requirements for credible organizations.

Head of Anambra Emerging Tax Audit, Nigeria Revenue Service, Mrs. Joan Oluchi Emegoakor stressed the importance of proper documentation and tax compliance in achieving enterprise development.

On his part, MD/CEO of Afriland Properties Plc, Mr. Azubuike Emordi spoke on the role of education and effective processes in achieving success in the real estate sector.

Re-echoing the views of other panelists, Mr. Ikeazor Okonkwo, Chairman/CEO of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, and Dr. Kamsolibe Ben-Emeasoba, GMD of Hardley Grey Group, affirmed that education and ethical leadership were central to enterprise success.

Earlier, Head of Accountancy Department, Prof Onyinye Eneh said the event created platform for experts in business, finance and policy influencing to cross-fertilize ideas and enrich educational pedagogy.

The symposium also featured panel discussion with business owners, including Managing Director of Afriland Properties PLC, Azubuike Emordi, financial experts, policy influencers emphasizing enterprise leadership in Nigeria and across Africa anchored on motivation, education and sustainability.