Umaru Abu Turns 50, Launches Enterprise Support Initiative
Dr. Umaru Abu, a philanthropist, marked his 50th birthday on Sunday with the launch of the Umaru and Hilda Abu Foundation (UHAF), a non-profit organisation focused on enterprise development, leadership and opportunity creation for young Nigerians. The event also featured the unveiling of a N10.3 billion enterprise support package for 19 young entrepreneurs selected […]
Dr. Umaru Abu, a philanthropist, marked his 50th birthday on Sunday with the launch of the Umaru and Hilda Abu Foundation (UHAF), a non-profit organisation focused on enterprise development, leadership and opportunity creation for young Nigerians.
The event also featured the unveiling of a N10.3 billion enterprise support package for 19 young entrepreneurs selected from more than 500 applicants who applied for the foundation’s inaugural enterprise development programme from across the country.
Speaking during the celebration and presentation of support to the first cohort of beneficiaries in Abuja, Abu said the foundation was established to create opportunities for talented young Nigerians who often lack access to the resources needed to grow their businesses.
”As I turn 50, I find myself reflecting not only on success, but on responsibility. At some point, success must become service, gratitude must become responsibility, and one must intentionally create opportunities for others,” he said.
Abu, who co-founded UHAF with his wife, said the foundation was inspired by his encounters over the years with young Nigerians possessing talent, resilience and ambition but lacking the support structures required to succeed.
According to him, many of the young people he met did not need charity but opportunities, guidance and individuals willing to believe in their potential early enough.
The foundation’s first enterprise development programme attracted more than 500 applications from young entrepreneurs across Nigeria after applications opened on March 13, 2026.
Abu disclosed that after a rigorous screening process, the applications were narrowed to 144 candidates who met the initial requirements before undergoing interviews and detailed assessments conducted by the Beneficiary Selection Committee.
He said the process eventually produced 16 beneficiaries approved for enterprise support and mentorship, while three others were selected for mentorship and engagement support.
”We are proud to unveil the first cohort with a total support package of N10.3 billion,” Abu stated.
He added that the support package would be provided through a revolving enterprise financing model designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen and expand existing businesses.
”The support is not a handout; it is trust, belief and opportunity,” Abu told the beneficiaries. “What you do with it will determine not only the future of your business but also the opportunities available for others who will come after you.”
According to him, repayments from beneficiaries will be recycled into the programme to support future entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable funding system capable of generating long-term impact.
Abu said the foundation plans to launch a second cohort later this year, with applications expected to open in August and disbursements scheduled for November to enable beneficiaries take advantage of increased commercial activities during the Christmas season.
He called on individuals, private organisations, government institutions and development partners to support the initiative through mentorship, partnerships, sponsorships and financial contributions.
”Sometimes, one opportunity is all a person needs for their story to change forever,” he said.
Chair of the Board of Trustees of UHAF, Dr. Habiba Lawal, congratulated Abu on attaining the milestone age of 50 and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring the foundation achieves its objectives.
Lawal urged individuals and organisations to partner with the foundation in expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through mentorship, training and financial support.
She also charged beneficiaries to utilise the revolving loans responsibly, noting that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure the funds are recovered and recycled to support future participants.
The launch of UHAF and the unveiling of its first beneficiaries marked the formal commencement of the foundation’s efforts to promote enterprise, leadership and economic opportunities for young Nigerians while creating a sustainable platform for entrepreneurship development.