The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic inclusion, wealth creation, and sustainable employment as beneficiaries of the Startright Lagos Entrepreneurship Programme graduated and pitched innovative business ideas in Lagos.
Eko Hot News reports that the Graduation and Business Pitching Ceremony was held on Thursday at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, bringing together government officials, private sector partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the state.
The Startright Lagos programme commenced with 250 aspiring entrepreneurs and MSME owners, selected to receive practical training, entrepreneurial orientation, and business development support aimed at building viable and job-creating enterprises.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Foluke Osafile, described the initiative as a 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 consistent investment in youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described Startright Lagos as a results-driven programme focused on moving participants from ideas to execution and from survival to sustainability.
He noted that the initiative goes beyond conventional entrepreneurship training by building confidence, discipline, and long-term capacity among participants.
“Startright Lagos is about helping our people start right, grow right, and build businesses that can stand the test of time,” the Commissioner said.
Implemented in partnership with W-Holistic Business Solutions, the programme featured intensive training in financial literacy, record keeping, branding, digital skills, and growth strategies through physical and virtual bootcamps.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Lolade Aina, explained that the programme was designed to address the structural weaknesses that often lead to business failure.
She added that the quality of ideas presented by participants reflected the effectiveness of the training and their readiness for long-term success.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu highlighted Lagos’ youth population as a key asset and stressed the importance of targeted skills development to unlock economic potential.
In her keynote address, the Managing Director of Prothrive Astute Heights Ltd., Mrs Oluyemisi Obe, urged participants to prioritise resilience, continuous learning, and intentional foundations in building sustainable businesses.
Providing an overview of the programme, the Founder and CEO of W-Holistic Business Solutions, Mrs Lanre Oniyitan, outlined the structure, milestones, and outcomes of the initiative.
The highlight of the event was the final pitching session, where Ms Oluwakemi Olajiyan of Nutraboom Nutrition emerged overall winner, receiving ₦2 million.
Ms Olamide Olajide of Shoniverse Leathers placed 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.
The ceremony concluded with certificate presentations and a graduation celebration, reinforcing the state’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs under the THEMES Plus Agenda.
