The Fifth Edition of the Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2024, Celebrating Innovation, Vision, and Resilience in Lagos
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- November 11, 2024
Guests were welcomed with an electric red‑carpet reception, lively networking sessions, and light refreshments that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The air was alive with the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats, performed by talented artists from Lagos and its environs, keeping the energy high throughout the night.
The event’s MCs, Seyi Emmanuel (MC Chicago) and Bukola Neville, carried the audience with charm, humor, and an undeniable connection to the spirit of the evening.
Honoring Visionaries Who Drive Lagos Forward
The LAYEAWARDS has become one of Lagos’s most anticipated platforms for recognizing the outstanding contributions of young entrepreneurs to the economic and social growth of the state, which proudly stands as one of Africa’s leading economies.
In his keynote address, Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola, CEO and Creative Director of LAYEAWARDS, emphasized the critical role that small and medium‑scale enterprises play in shaping the future of Lagos. He highlighted that the Lagos State Government has acknowledged these contributions and expressed that the awards aim to inspire, reward, and spotlight the tenacity of these entrepreneurs.
“The purpose of this event is to inspire the younger generation, reward hard work, promote entrepreneurship, and raise awareness about the vital role young business owners play in building the socio‑economic wealth of Lagos State,” he said.
Saheed took the audience on a journey through the evolution of LAYEAWARDS, explaining that to be nominated, an entrepreneur must have successfully run a business in Lagos for over three years, a standard that reflects both stability and impact.
A Night of Recognition and Government Support
One of the most anticipated speeches of the evening came from Senator Tokunbo Abiru, represented by Mr. Enitan Olupitan. The Senator praised the organizers for creating such a meaningful platform, aligning with his vision of supporting young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
He shared details about his constituency intervention revolving loan, a ₦300 million fund designed to help genuine business owners access capital at a low interest rate of 6 percent per annum. This initiative has already empowered many enterprises, and alongside his digital skills training programs, it reflects a growing synergy between government policy and entrepreneurial growth.
“Seeing young entrepreneurs rewarded for their hard work gives me hope. It proves that the future of our country is bright and full of promise,” he said.
Awards Across Industries
This year, twenty exceptional entrepreneurs received awards in diverse categories such as hospitality, real estate, oil and gas, logistics, ICT, fashion, and entertainment. Additionally, three seasoned business leaders received Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring over twenty five years of remarkable contributions to Nigerian enterprise.
From Chief Dr. Folashade Tinu‑Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, to emerging talents like Mr. Dovi Kiki Eric of Black Nation Music, the evening highlighted how diverse, dynamic, and determined Lagos’s entrepreneurial community has become.
Entertainment Meets Enterprise
Beyond the awards, the stage became a spotlight for emerging artists, proving that Lagos is not only a hub for commerce, but also a fertile ground for creativity. Performances flowed seamlessly between speeches, blending culture, entertainment, and celebration in true Lagos fashion.
The Bigger Picture
The LAYEAWARDS is more than a night of glitz and glamour. It is a movement that champions youth empowerment, encourages sustainable business growth, and builds a legacy of recognition for African entrepreneurs. Each award given is a spark, a reminder that Lagos is not only an economic powerhouse, but also a place where dreams are nurtured, supported, and celebrated.
As the curtains closed on the 2024 edition, one message lingered, the future of business in Lagos is in the capable, creative, and courageous hands of its young entrepreneurs. With continued government backing, private sector collaboration, and unwavering community support, the best is yet to come.
Full List of Awardees
- Emerging Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year — Dr. Noah Onuche, President and Founder, African Mixtures International Limited
- Import and Export Entrepreneur of the Year — Dr. Demurin Oyebola James, Chief Executive Officer, Deliz Global Concepts Limited
- Leisure Tourism and Travel Entrepreneur of the Year — Princess Olivia Chukwuma, Founder and CEO, TravelsByLygold Limited
- Real Estate and Property Development Company of the Year — Guava Homes
- Oil and Gas Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Olisa Emeka Mkpuluma, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Bridge Energy Limited
- Security Expert Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Umoh Udakobong Paulinus, Chairman and CEO, Sasefa Experts
- Fashion Style Entrepreneur of the Year — Ms. Adebambo Olubambi Okpara
- Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year — Chiemeka Chiedozie Joseph, Founder and CEO, The Writer College
- Equipment and Facility Management Entrepreneur of the Year — Engr. Godgrace Ime Joseph
- Hotel and Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Ekinne Titilayo Samuel, Chairman and CEO, Royal Ascots Events and Suites
- Online Media Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Bamidele Adeyemi, Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, Conquest Magazine
- Lifetime Entrepreneurship Achievement and Philanthropist of the Year — Chief Dr. Folashade Tinu‑Ojo, Iyaloja General of Nigeria
- Emerging Entertainment and Talent Promotion Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Dovi Kiki Eric, Chairman and CEO, Black Nation Music
- Outstanding Chef and Grills Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Rilwan Kolawole Yusuf, Chief Chef and CEO, Set It Up Entertainment
- Lifetime Entrepreneurship Achievement of the Year — Chief Mrs. Yetunde Babajide
- Lifetime Entrepreneurship Achievement Award — Alhaji Ibrahim Adeshola Olayinka, Chairman and CEO, Arch Assured and Partners
- Sports Promotion Entrepreneur of the Year — Mr. Otunola Benard, Chief Executive Officer, Unbox Sports
- Logistics Entrepreneur of the Year — Mrs. Omoudu Anna, Chief Executive Officer, Ski Current Logistics and Cargo Services
- Female Entrepreneur of the Year — Honourable Princess Iyabo Iyanda, Chief Executive Officer, ISIL Group of Companies
- Early Childhood Educator of the Year — Mrs. Akano Bukola Adebimpe, Chief Executive Officer, Nikrayo Academy
- ICT Company of the Year — Softcity Group
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