By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Big Ballers Entertainment, Ambassador Jude Ugochukwu Ezeokwelume, has revealed plans to expand the operations of the popular entertainment outfit by establishing a new branch in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
This, he said, is in line with his vision of creating more opportunities for youths and adding value to the entertainment and hospitality landscape of the state.
Mr. Ezeokwelume made this known while interacting with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, at the Big Ballers Apartment in Awka, shortly after being honoured with double awards by the publishers of Free News Magazine. The awards, conferred during a moderate ceremony, included Senior Ambassador of Entrepreneurship, Employment and Development, and Big Ballers Entertainment Centre as Street of Opportunities.
Speaking during the presentation, the Chairman of Free News Editorial Board, Comrade Obinna Mbaonu, commended Ambassador Ezeokwelume for his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. He described Big Ballers Entertainment as a veritable platform that has provided jobs and lucrative engagements for many young people, fostered local enterprise, and added to the hospitality status and general economic growth of Anambra State.
According to him, Ambassador Ezeokwelume is among those who heeded the call by the first civilian governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, and succeeding governors, for Ndị Anambra to return and invest at home or at least bring part of their investments home.
He noted that, despite having a flourishing business overseas in Japan and Lagos, Ambassador Ezeokwelume chose to bring his investments back home, where they now serve as hubs of opportunities and hospitality for many.
While noting that the Big Ballers MD also has other subsidiaries establishments (like the Big Ballers Apartment, and others) which have also impacted many people in many significant ways; Mr. Mbaonu lauded him for creating an umbrella under which Anambra and many other entrepreneurs thrive, as well as for his role in engaging youths meaningfully, adding that such efforts deserved honour and recognition, hence the double awards.
Responding, Ambassador Ezeokwelume expressed deep appreciation to Free News Magazine for finding him and his establishment worthy of the awards. He stated that beyond profit, his greatest joy lies in the impact Big Ballers is making in society, particularly in creating job opportunities, empowering the youth, and offering a safe space for leisure.
This, he said, is the driving force behind his plan to open a new branch in Oko. He explained that the new branch, which is set to open this July, will meet the same high standards already associated with the Awka Big Ballers, and will also come with additional benefits such as free gym space and equipments for youths. He further disclosed that, among other benefits, the new branch will also provide part-time job opportunities for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, while enabling them to combine work and study seamlessly.
When asked how he started the Big Ballers, Ambassador Ezeokwelume recounted that the brand originated in Japan, where he was selling street wears in Yokohama. He said, however, that challenges with customs and importation led to the collapse of his clothing business in Japan, prompting him to return to Nigeria.
According to him, in 2012, he launched Big Ballers in Lagos before expanding it to Awka in 2019, where the enterprise has continued to grow steadily. He noted that both the Lagos and Awka centres are still expanding and that the vision is to spread further, driven by passion and a commitment to create opportunities for others.
Speaking on the challenges of doing business in Anambra, Ambassador Ezeokwelume emphasized that the business environment is now far more conducive, especially with improved security across the state. He commended the government for restoring peace and safety, which has allowed businesses like his to thrive. According to him, Anambra State today is peaceful and welcoming to investors, and he encouraged people to explore the vast opportunities that abound in the state.
Ambassador Ezeokwelume, who hails from Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, concluded by stressing that his vision for Big Ballers, goes beyond entertainment, as it aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of Anambra State while inspiring other entrepreneurs to invest and empower the youth meaningfully, for greater Anambra and more meaningful society at large.
