The Kwara State Entrepreneurship Expo ended on Monday with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq empowering fifteen outstanding student business creators with start-up funds after a competitive pitching session that drew hundreds of entries from across the state.
The programme, which marked the 2025 International Students’ Day, was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant on Students Affairs, Hon. Wasiu Salami Onidugbe, under the theme Entrepreneur for Development: Igniting Students as Catalysts for Economic Prosperity. The Expo highlighted the growing interest of young people in business development, innovation, digital services, and financial literacy as tools for economic growth.
From a pool of 582 student entrepreneurs who applied, fifteen finalists were selected after a rigorous screening process. Their business pitches cut across fashion designs, solar-powered sunpod systems, fishery farming, web hosting service, bakery, ushering and food delivery, event management, poultry ventures, and other creative industries. After the final pitch, Zainab Omodolapo Olatumbi, a 500-level student of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ilorin, emerged as the overall winner with her beans delivery business, receiving a cash prize of N1million.
The first runner-up, Waheed Lukman from the University of Ilorin, secured N800,000, while the second runner-up, Lawal Atinuke of Kwara State University, Malete, was awarded N600,000 for her proposal. The twelve other finalists each received N250,000 to strengthen their businesses and scale their ideas.
Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, said the programme reflects the state’s long-term plan to support innovation and youth empowerment. He stated that “today’s Entrepreneurship Expo is another important step towards the goal of building a Kwara where every young person can succeed, regardless of background.”
The Governor added that the initiative was created to encourage innovation among students and expand the culture of entrepreneurship in a way that aligns with the economic vision of the state. He noted that the large number of applicants demonstrates the creativity, passion, and enterprising spirit of young people in Kwara.
The Governor said the International Students’ Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential of students globally. “Here in Kwara, we mark this day by investing in what truly matters: the minds and future of our students,” he said.
He explained that the administration has spent the last six years repositioning education and youth development through infrastructural renewal in schools, merit-based teacher recruitment, bursaries, scholarships, student safety initiatives, and digital literacy programmes that expand access to quality learning.
The event also had in attendance the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi, represented by Hon. Seun Oguniyi, along with top government officials, youths, students, and union leaders. Danladi said entrepreneurship is now a necessary path for young people who want to attain greater success, commending the youth-focused programmes of the Governor. According to him, the state’s continued investment in technology, education, and skill-based opportunities will help young people create sustainable ventures.
Hon. Onidugbe said the Expo was designed to support students who already run small businesses, with the goal of identifying their strengths and providing opportunities for growth. He said the initiative mirrors the shared vision he has with the Governor, especially the emphasis placed on innovation and enterprise development.
“Under His Excellency’s leadership, Kwara State has redefined what student development means. It has moved beyond classroom learning to nurturing young minds that can create opportunities, provide solutions, and become employers of labour,” he said. He advised the finalists to see the programme as a foundation for future achievements and to stay consistent in building their businesses.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, said the education sector under Governor AbdulRazaq has undergone major improvements. She listed several infrastructural projects across tertiary institutions, including classroom construction, ICT upgrades, and laboratory renovations, noting that these changes have helped create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning. She stated that education in Kwara has become a life-changing tool for youths, contributing to the social and economic development of the state.
The keynote speaker, CEO of Lahmad Concept, Ahmed Lawal, encouraged students to embrace creativity and begin their business journey early. He highlighted the importance of financial literacy as a tool for managing and sustaining income. He explained that branding is essential to business identity, adding that “branding is the promise you give your customers about your business and identity. Building a brand is different from building a business. Many students study businesses without understanding the brand. You need to understand the two clearly.”
Responding after her victory, Zainab said the grant is a major opportunity for her to expand her beans delivery business and inspire other students to pursue entrepreneurship. She thanked the Governor for supporting young entrepreneurs and giving them a platform to grow.
