Team Edo

Meet the Team Edo

Victor Odion Osemwengie

Biography of Osemwengie Victor Odion  

Osemwengie Victor Odion is a dynamic entrepreneur, accomplished leather industry expert, and influential business leader with over 18 years of experience in leather production and skills development. He is the CEO and co-founder of Hybridteck Global Business Consult, a firm dedicated to empowering small businesses and artisans through innovative solutions, mentorship, and market access.  

Victor also serves as the CEO of Edoshoe Manufacturing Company, a prominent footwear and leather goods producer in Nigeria. Under his leadership, the company has spearheaded initiatives such as the Shoe4Kids program, providing free school shoes, bags, and lunchboxes to low-income families, while also offering free leather skills training to empower local communities. His commitment to social impact extends to establishing Edoshoe Leather Cluster Markets, which train aspiring artisans and provide them with employment opportunities and access to global markets.  

Victor’s contributions to the leather industry are marked by innovation and advocacy. As the State President of the Edo State Footwear Designers Practitioner and Material Sellers Association, he has forged partnerships with local and international organizations to elevate the Nigerian leather industry. His role as a national leader is further demonstrated through his campaign for the position of National Vice Chairman of the National Association of Leather Products of Nigeria (NALPAN), where he advocates for capacity-building initiatives, such as collaborations with the Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) to establish satellite campuses for leather training across the country.  

Victor's entrepreneurial excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the Future Award Africa (2018), the Global Students Entrepreneurship Award (regional and national) in 2017, and the Access to Success Foundation USA Award (2023). These honors reflect his dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.  

In addition to his business ventures, Victor is committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through the Hybridteck National MSMEs Awards Challenge, he promotes skill development and provides financial support to emerging businesses in technology, agriculture, and entertainment. His efforts have transformed countless startups into sustainable enterprises.  

Victor’s innovative vision extends to financial empowerment. He is a Partner at ECF Micro Finance Ltd, where he facilitates affordable loans for artisans and MSMEs, ensuring their growth and sustainability. His latest project, the Hybridteck Artisan and Business Crowdfunding Program, exemplifies his dedication to building an ecosystem that enables artisans and entrepreneurs to thrive financially.  

A prolific writer and thought leader, Victor is the author of Hope in Business in Africa, where he shares insights on fostering resilience and growth in African entrepreneurship. He is also actively involved in inspiring others through daily stories on his Facebook page, engaging followers with actionable advice and earning opportunities.  

With a passion for innovation, a track record of success, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others, Osemwengie Victor Odion continues to drive transformative change in Nigeria’s business and artisan communities.

Victor’s dedication to capacity building is evident in his numerous programs designed to uplift communities and individuals. His collaboration with financial institutions like the Bank of Industry has led to impactful proposals, including a ₦90 billion initiative to boost leather production, set up new tanning factories, and establish cluster markets nationwide. These efforts aim to position Nigeria as a global leader in leather and leather products manufacturing.  

As a visionary, Victor has also developed strategic solutions for artisans and MSMEs. His innovative business incubators, implemented in partnership with artisan associations and cooperatives, provide funding, mentorship, and market access to startups and existing businesses. Through this initiative, Victor ensures that financial partners and cooperatives work together seamlessly to empower artisans while fostering accountability and sustainability.  

Victor is a staunch advocate for the economic inclusion of young people and marginalized groups. Programs like the Hybridteck Skills TV Show are testament to his belief in nurturing talent and creativity. This platform provides hands-on training in leather, fashion, and ICT, culminating in funding and marketing support for outstanding participants.  

Furthermore, Victor has laid the foundation for long-term financial growth for artisans and small business owners through the Hybridteck Crowdfunding Program. This structured system allows participants to contribute and receive cumulative payouts annually, supplemented by 18% interest. Such initiatives are designed to ensure that artisans not only survive but thrive in their respective industries.  

Victor’s influence is not limited to the business and artisan sectors. He has played a vital role in the education and empowerment of future leaders. His ongoing support for academic research includes assisting students like Nosakhare John with groundbreaking HND projects. This demonstrates his commitment to fostering innovation across diverse fields.  

Victor’s journey is driven by an unrelenting passion for creating opportunities and solving challenges within Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His initiatives, books, and public engagements continue to inspire hope and ignite a spirit of enterprise across Nigeria and beyond.  

As a trailblazer in his field, Osemwengie Victor Odion remains a symbol of resilience, innovation, and transformative leadership, embodying the belief that with the right support, African businesses and communities can achieve global excellence.

Career: Entrepreneurs

State of Origin: Edo

Local Gov't Area: Ikpoba-Okha

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