Regina’s Nigerian Entrepreneurs Showcase Thrives with Over 60 Vendors

What began as a simple WhatsApp group three years ago has evolved into a thriving community of entrepreneurs.

Ola Sanusi, the visionary behind the Nigerian Entrepreneurs Summer Hangout (NESH), initially launched the initiative on WhatsApp in 2020. In its inaugural year in 2021, the NESH event featured just eight vendors. However, this past Saturday witnessed an impressive growth, with more than 60 vendors participating in the showcase at Kiwanis Park in Regina.

The diverse array of vendors offered a variety of products, ranging from clothing and food to jewelry and beauty items.

Sanusi, who relocated from Nigeria to Canada in 2019, is the founder of Entrepreneurs and More, the non-profit organization hosting the event. Despite its Nigerian-centric name, NESH is an inclusive platform that welcomes Black entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, including African countries and the Caribbean, providing them with opportunities to network and showcase their products.

Expressing her broad vision, Sanusi remarked, “We have to do more. I don’t want to restrict myself to Nigerians; I want to go beyond that, and that’s why I’m extending myself to Black entrepreneurs. I’m very happy. My vision is coming to reality.” As someone dedicated to supporting others, Sanusi looks forward to further expanding the event in the coming years.

For young Black entrepreneurs like Shalom Okegeo, the representation offered by NESH holds significant importance. Okegeo, who runs an Italian fashion stall with her father Daniel, emphasized the value of representing her Italian-born, ethnic-Nigerian background.

“It’s important to represent your culture and keep it going,” she stated. Inspired by the popularity of Italian brands among the business class in Nigeria, Okegeo sells Italian shoes, bags, and more.

Surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs at NESH, Okegeo is motivated by the entrepreneurial spirit she witnesses. Despite being a teenager, she has plans to take over the family business one day.”