… As Sanwo-olu Assures MBA Graduates Of Support
L-R: Director, Entrepreneurship, Lagos State Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Abiose Taiwo; Founder Small-Scale Enterprise Lab, Desola Jimmy- Eboma; Director, Programmes and Co-ordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Oyindamola Egbeyemi; and Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Mrs. Hauwa Adeeyo, at the official launch of Small-Scale Enterprises Lab (SSE LAB) and MBA Business Showers in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday
KOREDE DAMIFOGO
The founder of Small Scale Enterprise Lab, ‘Deola Jimmy-Eboma, on Wednesday, said investing in Small and Medium Scales Enterprises (MSMEs), is a sustainable legacy for Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the launch of her MBA Business Shower titled, ‘From Vision to Venture: Unleasing Entrepreneurial Potential,’ held in Lagos, Jimmy-Eboma, stated that small scale manufacturers will uplift Nigeria’s creative arts, cuisine and dynamic fashion industry into the global stage.
According to her, Nigeria’s rich agricultural landscape presents another avenue for the nation’s innovation and growth.
“Today, we are planting the seeds of our shared future by supporting small businesses and MSMEs, investing in a sustainable legacy for Nigeria’s economy. Here, we are building success not just through profits but through the positive impact we can have on our communities. Today’s showcase is a testament to that potential to drive real, meaningful change.
“Our creative arts, our tantalizing cuisine, and our dynamic fashion industry—all these areas are ready to be uplifted by small-scale manufacturing. We can transform local materials into products cherished both locally and globally, reduce our dependence on imports, and build a sustainable, production-based economy from the ground up.
“Furthermore, our rich agricultural landscape presents yet another avenue for innovation and growth. States such as Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau offer unique opportunities for developing products ranging from chocolate and gluten-free cereals to sesame oil and other food products.
“Lagos itself, where we gather today, is a testament to this vision. It is a state woven with history, vibrant culture, and abundant resources, reaching back centuries. Among Nigeria’s 36 states, Lagos has consistently stood out—not only for its economic strength but also for its unmatched cultural depth. Rooted in traditions that endure through generations, Lagos is a place where heritage is cherished, celebrated, and continuously reimagined.
“Over the years, we’ve seen Lagos’s stories encapsulated in high-quality fashion crafted from local fabrics, artisanal jewelry inspired by indigenous art, bottles of iconic Lagos spices, or music compilations that carry the sounds of Afrobeat, Fuji, and highlife across the globe. These products aren’t just items; they are ambassadors of Lagos’s identity, resilience, and creativity, allowing anyone, anywhere, to hold a piece of this remarkable city.
“By elevating our arts, crafts, and culinary traditions to international markets, we’re not only sharing our culture but also building a sustainable, production-based economy from the ground up. As we look toward this future, let us be inspired by the words of Warren Buffett: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
” Today, we are planting the seeds of our shared future by supporting small businesses and MSMEs, investing in a sustainable legacy for Nigeria’s economy. Here, we are building success not just through profits but through the positive impact we can have on our communities. Today’s showcase is a testament to that potential to drive real, meaningful change.”
She, however, informed the graduates that they are the pioneers of a new economic narrative for Nigeria, saying their hard work has the potential to redefine marketplaces and reposition Nigeria on the world stage
“To all the participants, your hard work has the potential to redefine marketplaces and reposition Nigeria on the world stage. You are not just business owners; you are pioneers of a new economic narrative for our nation.
“Over the past 12 weeks, we have supported one another, discovering and validating business ideas, curating brands, and navigating the many facets of launching a product.
“The results are before us today, a testament to your dedication and hard work, and a reason for us all to celebrate.
Also speaking, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, said the state government will support and encourage the graduates of the MBA who have dared to innovate to succeed.
According to the governor who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Hauwa Adeeyo, said the participants have undergone rigorous incubation and training, and are ready to showcase their market-ready products to the world.
She further stated that the graduates represent the lifeblood of Lagos’ economy, and their success reflects on everyone.
“We are here to support and encourage the men and women who have dared to innovate, who have undergone rigorous incubation and training, and who today stand ready to showcase their market-ready products. These individuals are the lifeblood of Lagos’ economy, and their success reflects on all of us.
“As a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, I assure you of our unwavering support in initiatives such as these. We are fully committed to policies that simplify business processes, improve access to financing, and create an enabling environment for MSMEs to thrive. Through platforms like the SSE Lab, we are creating pathways for collaboration and growth, setting a foundation for sustainable ventures that will drive our economy forward.
“This gathering today is also a testament to our collective effort. Each of you plays a role in this ecosystem—whether as entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, or policymakers. It is our shared responsibility to nurture and sustain this ecosystem, as every small business that thrives contributes to a stronger, more resilient Lagos.
“I encourage each participant here today to make the most of this opportunity. Engage with each other, learn from one another, and explore new avenues for growth. Let us use this platform to break boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create a new future for Lagos where entrepreneurship and innovation are cornerstones of our prosperity.
“I thank the organisers, particularly Kraftthouse Media and the visionary leadership of the Small-Scale Enterprises Lab. Your commitment to building a robust MSME sector is commendable, and the Lagos State Government stands with you in this transformative journey,” the governor stated.
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