The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) organised the Community Business Meet 2026 at the Mission Centre of the Western Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (WCBCC), Kozabe, Chümoukedima district, on Saturday, on the theme “Economic Self-Reliance and Entrepreneurship”.
The programme was hosted by Kudecho Khamo, MLA and Advisor, Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD), Government of Nagaland, and brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals and aspiring business leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and sustainable economic growth within the community.
Addressing the gathering, Khamo emphasised that integrity, honesty and respect for customers must form the foundation of every successful business. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to conduct proper market research, identify gaps and unmet needs, and make informed decisions before venturing into any trade or enterprise.
He stressed that entrepreneurship should not be driven solely by profit but guided by ethical practices and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Building trust and maintaining integrity in business dealings, he said, were essential for long-term credibility and sustainable growth.
Observing that the Chakhesang community was known for its honesty, bravery, hard work and integrity, Khamo urged people to translate these qualities into economic opportunities by harnessing their inherent strengths and human resources.
He acknowledged that despite linguistic, geographical and social differences, the community had demonstrated unity and active participation whenever collective decisions were taken.
Pointing to the growing presence of Chakhesang people in vegetable vending and thrift businesses in Kohima, he also highlighted the emergence of young entrepreneurs and encouraged them to build on existing ventures while exploring new opportunities.
Warning that poverty and backwardness could become serious challenges without social reforms, Khamo called for a shift away from the tendency to depend on leaders and expect others to create opportunities. Individuals, he said, must take responsibility for their own economic well-being rather than blame leaders or those who had progressed through their own efforts.
He underscored the importance of financial literacy, proper planning and specialisation in one’s chosen field, while encouraging individuals to identify and develop their gifts and talents. He also called for stronger business partnerships within the community to pool resources, knowledge and capabilities.
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Noting that the world had become increasingly competitive, with growing emphasis on capitalism, Khamo urged the community to preserve its traditional and cultural values, along with its Christian faith and beliefs. He called for a strong work culture rooted in the community’s identity and cautioned against external influences that could erode its cultural foundations.
He said the future of the Chakhesang community should not depend solely on government employment, although those seriously preparing for competitive examinations should continue to be encouraged. He also cited limited land holdings as one of the challenges in relying on government employment as the primary source of livelihood.
Instead, he urged people in the Western Chakhesang area to take the lead in transforming community resources, human potential and traditional strengths into viable business ventures and set an example for others.
Khamo maintained that money alone could not sustain a business, stating that the ability to think and the willingness to work constituted the real capital. He also emphasised sacrifice, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the fear of God.
The inaugural session was chaired by Lhikhro Kreo, Press Secretary, WCH, while the invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev. Sevie Koza, Pastor, CRC Soudzulhou. The welcome address was delivered by Lhoupe Koza, Chairman, Kozabe Village, followed by the summit perspective presented by Yetshuli Ngatsi, President, WCH.
A notable feature of the meet was the presentation of “Bubble Soft”, a homemade, chemical-free soap venture introduced by Sapralu Nyekha, Joint Secretary of the Western Chakhesang Mother’s Association. Presented as a family venture, the initiative offered an example of grassroots entrepreneurship and the potential of locally developed products to evolve into viable business opportunities through innovation and enterprise.
The highlight of the meet was the plenary session on “Interaction and Way Forward”, which provided a platform for participants to deliberate on the existing business landscape, entrepreneurial experiences, emerging opportunities and challenges confronting business ventures within the community.
The panel discussion was moderated by Elizabeth Dozo Semp, Principal, Great Commission Higher Secondary School, and Elijah Pfuno, entrepreneur and social worker. The panelists were Vepozo Dozo, entrepreneur and social worker; Azolo Nuh, proprietor of Kee Space; Akho Kezo, businessman; and Werite Kevichusa, entrepreneur.
The discussion focused on presenting existing businesses and business interests, sharing entrepreneurial experiences and ideas, exploring collaboration and partnership opportunities, identifying key challenges and encouraging constructive suggestions. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening community business networking, revitalising the business association and developing a future-oriented action plan.
The meet underscored the need to move beyond individual business ventures towards a more collaborative and interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem, emphasising that economic self-reliance requires a collective vision, innovation, mutual support and a willingness to explore new avenues of enterprise.
The gathering adopted two resolutions: to revitalise the Western Chakhesang Business Association and to organise the Community Business Meet as an annual event.
Through the initiative, WCH seeks to promote a culture of entrepreneurship, strengthen business relationships and create an enabling environment for economic cooperation and sustainable development, while harnessing the community’s collective resources, knowledge and entrepreneurial potential for present and future generations.
The programme concluded with a summary of proceedings and vote of thanks by the rapporteur, followed by the valedictory prayer pronounced by Neizo Koza, Pastor, CBC Kozabe, and lunch.
