Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a thriving innovation ecosystem following an interactive session with entrepreneurs from the School of Founders of IESE Business School at Lagos House, Marina.
The engagement brought together emerging founders who are developing innovative solutions across various sectors, providing a platform for open conversations on leadership, resilience, and the realities of starting and scaling businesses in Nigeria’s dynamic economic environment. Governor Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as an opportunity to learn directly from entrepreneurs who are navigating challenges and creating value through creativity and determination.
He noted that founders play a critical role in shaping the future of Lagos’ economy, particularly in areas such as technology, logistics, financial services, and the creative industry. According to him, understanding the day-to-day experiences of business owners enables government to design policies and programmes that respond to real needs rather than assumptions.
Discussions during the session focused on the importance of strong leadership, adaptability, and long-term vision in building sustainable enterprises. Participants also shared insights on access to finance, regulatory hurdles, market expansion, and the role of partnerships in driving growth. The governor assured the entrepreneurs that Lagos State remains committed to improving the business climate through reforms that promote transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that innovation thrives best in an environment where ideas are encouraged, risks are supported, and failures are treated as learning opportunities. He added that the state government is keen on strengthening collaboration with global institutions and local founders to ensure that Lagos continues to position itself as Africa’s leading hub for enterprise and innovation.
In their remarks, members of the IESE School of Founders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with government leadership, noting that such dialogue helps bridge the gap between policy and practice.
The session underscored a shared vision of building an economy where entrepreneurship is nurtured, innovation is rewarded, and young businesses are empowered to grow and compete globally from Lagos.
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