Something extraordinary happened recently at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. A group of international postgraduate students gathered to learn about a Nigerian idea that could change how people see community development. The idea is called OKOBI, short for One Kindred One Business Initiative. It was created in Imo State, Nigeria.
OKOBI started under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s government to fight poverty, joblessness, and economic exclusion. The concept of Okobi is simple. Here, family groups, called kindreds, are supported to start and run their businesses. This is not just about providing capital in isolation, but mentorship, and a network of support. It mixes old family unity with new ways of doing business, helping people build strong and self-reliant communities.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, an expert in sustainable finance and Africapitalism, found OKOBI interesting. He shared it at Oxford, not just as a study example, but as a real African solution to big problems. In his lecture, “Africapitalism and the OKOBI Model,” he explained how good leaders can help shape business to help everyone, not just make profits. He encouraged policymakers and governments across Africa to think like businesspeople who solve real problems that benefit their people. The idea got strong interest from the Oxford students and teachers. They were excited about how OKOBI connects culture, business, and new ideas. From Owerri to Oxford, OKOBI’s story shows that African ideas are not just local; they can help the world.
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