The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic inclusion, wealth creation, and job sustainability as beneficiaries of the Startright Lagos Entrepreneurship Programme graduated and pitched innovative business ideas at a Graduation and Business Pitching Ceremony held on Thursday at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
The programme, which commenced with 250 aspiring entrepreneurs and MSME owners drawn from across the state, was designed to equip participants with practical skills, the right entrepreneurial mindset, and strong business foundations required to build viable enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to Lagos’ growing economy.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Foluke Osafile, described the programme as a timely and strategic intervention that empowers young people to build financially sustainable businesses. She commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment for their sustained commitment to youth empowerment and economic development, noting that the programme clearly reflects a Lagos that is working.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described Startright Lagos as a deliberate, results-driven initiative designed to move Lagosians from ideas to execution and from survival to sustainability. According to him, the programme goes beyond conventional training, focusing on building confidence, discipline, and capacity.
He stressed that “Startright Lagos is about helping our people start right, grow right, and build businesses that will stand the test of time,” while reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to empowering citizens to become wealth creators and employers of labour in the state.
Implemented in partnership with W-Holistic Business Solutions, the programme featured weeks of intensive training in financial literacy, record keeping, brand development, digital skills, and business growth strategies. Participants underwent a blend of physical and virtual bootcamps supported by hands-on mentorship and exposure to real-world business tools.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Lolade Aina, emphasised that StartRight Lagos was designed to help entrepreneurs build strong foundations from the outset. She noted that many businesses fail not because ideas lack potential but because they are built on weak structures, adding that the quality of ideas presented reflected the effectiveness of the training.
Also addressing the gathering, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, highlighted Lagos’ youth population, estimated at 60 per cent, as a major asset for economic growth. She stressed the need for targeted skills development and strategic collaboration to fully harness the potential of young people across the state.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Oluyemisi Obe, Managing Director of Prothrive Astute Heights Ltd., emphasised the importance of intentional foundations, resilience, and continuous learning in building sustainable businesses, urging participants to remain adaptable in a changing economic environment.
Providing an overview of the programme, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of W-Holistic Business Solutions, Mrs. Lanre Oniyitan, outlined the structure and outcomes of the initiative, while the Ministry commended facilitators, mentors, and members of the panel of judges for their professionalism and dedication throughout the programme.
The high point of the ceremony was the final pitching session, where Ms. Oluwakemi Olajiyan of Nutraboom Nutrition emerged overall winner and received ₦2 million. Ms. Olamide Olajide of Shoniverse Leathers emerged second with ₦1.5 million, while Ms. Deborah Fadunsanya of The De Savour Shop emerged third with ₦1 million.
In addition, 30 existing business owners received laptops, while 170 participants were supported with financial grants to strengthen their enterprises and expand operations. The event concluded with certificate presentations and moments of celebration, with the cutting of the graduation cake reflecting the Ministry’s core values of purpose, excellence, and growth.
Startright Lagos is a flagship initiative under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, aligned with the administration’s vision for economic inclusion, skills development, wealth creation, and sustainable employment across the state.
