Ibadan witnessed a vibrant gathering of young entrepreneurs and business owners on Friday, February 27, 2026, as Growth Tribe Ibadan successfully hosted its maiden edition of Connectify — a hangout-style networking event designed to foster collaboration, learning, and business growth.
The event, held in Bodija, brought together small business owners, creatives, and professionals from across the city in an atmosphere that blended networking with real opportunities for economic empowerment.
A major highlight of the gathering was the live business pitching session, where entrepreneurs stepped forward to present their ideas and ventures before the community. Participants not only pitched their businesses but also learned practical techniques on how to confidently present their ideas and communicate their value. Attendees also networked extensively and showcased products, with some making sales during the event.
At the end of the session, five outstanding small businesses were awarded micro grants as seed support to strengthen and grow their ventures. The beneficiaries are:
• Adeleke Temiloluwa
• Salawudeen Maryam Motunrayo
• Oladeebo Omolola
• Fagbamila Ayomide Joseph
• Ogungbemi David
Speaking at the event, one of the founders of the tribe, Olaniyan Matthew Jesugbemi, noted that the initiative was born out of a long-standing vision.
According to him, “It has always been our vision to create a tribe where people in Ibadan can come together to network and grow. We are happy that in this first edition, we were able to support five businesses with a token. This is just the beginning — Connectify will now be a monthly gathering where like-minded individuals meet, share ideas, and access opportunities that help them move forward.”
He further emphasized that the goal is to build a supportive ecosystem where growth is collective.
Also in attendance was Ayo Adams, who spoke on the importance of visibility and positioning for small businesses in today’s competitive environment.
Similarly, Hon. Balogun Danjuma led a practical session where he guided participants on how to structure and deliver compelling business pitches, equipping many first-time entrepreneurs with valuable skills.
Co-founder of the tribe, Boluwatife Ayileka, highlighted the significance of community-driven growth, noting that initiatives like Connectify create platforms where young entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and access real support systems.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the micro grant beneficiaries, marking an important step in their entrepreneurial journey.
Organisers expressed optimism that the success of the maiden edition sets the tone for future editions, reinforcing Growth Tribe Ibadan’s commitment to supporting small businesses and strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
