Dr. Chima Anyaso delivered a powerful keynote at the Mentor Matchup Challenge 7.0, sharing deep insights that kept the hall electrified. Discover the inspiring message that captured the audience — click below to read the full story.
The highly anticipated 7th edition of the Mentor Matchup Challenge lived up to its billing on Saturday as the Group Chairman of CAADES Group of Companies Ltd, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, delivered one of the most inspiring keynote addresses the entrepreneurial community in Nigeria has witnessed in recent years.
The event, held at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel, echoed this year’s theme: “Building Bridges for Equitable Trade.” Dr. Anyaso opened his speech by welcoming participants and offering heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for their resilience over the years. He recalled the humble beginnings of the initiative, which started in a “small box room on Lagos Island” with only a handful of participants.
“From that small matchbox somewhere on Lagos Island, see where we are today,” he noted with pride, applauding the visionary behind the platform, his niece Mrs. Ezinne Nwazulu, whose determination transformed the program into a national hub for mentorship and business learning. The hall erupted in applause as he celebrated her grit and leadership.
The CAADES Story: Built on People, Purpose and Partnerships
Dr. Anyaso took the audience on a gripping journey through his life as a 26-year-old entrepreneur who dared to venture into the capital-intensive and highly competitive oil and gas sector. According to him, the success of CAADES did not come from luck but from three foundational pillars People, Purpose and Partnerships.
He highlighted the role of mentors such as Mr. IK Okolo, the only man he ever worked for, who not only gave him his first job but also requested that NYSC repost him back due to his outstanding performance. Others, such as Mr. Walter Wagbatsoma and his elder sister Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma, played critical roles in providing guidance, industry access, contacts, finance, and moral support.
Purpose: Seeing a National Problem and Solving It
Dr. Anyaso explained that at the launch of CAADES Oil and Gas in 2006, he had a clear mission to fix the inefficiencies, scarcity, and structural problems within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
He immersed himself in understanding supply chains, coastal vs. inland logistics, procurement patterns, and distribution failures. This deep understanding positioned CAADES as a dependable, solution-driven partner in an industry plagued by inconsistencies.
Partnerships: The Power That Elevated CAADES
The CAADES boss emphasized that early partnerships gave him access to supply, credibility in the market, and the ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with much bigger competitors. Through collaborations with depot managers, marine logistics operators, financiers, and major marketers, CAADES grew from a small trading outfit into a respected pillar in the petroleum supply ecosystem.
“Instead of competing against the established system, we worked with it until we became an essential part of it,” he said.
Key Lessons for Today’s Entrepreneurs
Dr. Anyaso rounded off with three core principles:
Strategic Diversification: Only enter industries where your organization can truly add value.
Strong Systems: People ignite vision, but systems sustain vision.
Talent Development: A CEO cannot run every unit, grooming young leaders is the only way to build legacy.
He encouraged young founders not to chase shortcuts but to embrace discipline, mentorship, and long-term thinking. According to him, “Discipline is the bridge between vision and achievement.”
A Future Built on Vision and Generational Thinking
The speech ended with thunderous applause as Dr. Anyaso urged the audience to build businesses that will outlive them, stressing that the future belongs to leaders committed to knowledge, resilience, and generational impact.
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