Inside the LAYEAWARDS 2025: An Exclusive Interview with the Visionary Behind Lagos’ Biggest Entrepreneurial Night
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- August 23, 2025
Lagos is a city like no other. It is more than a commercial capital, it is Africa’s heartbeat, a bubbling hub where millions of creative minds wake up every day to craft their dreams into reality. From tech innovators to fashion moguls, from music producers to media powerhouses, Lagos is the land of hustlers, builders, and visionaries. But behind the glitz and the Instagram worthy wins, these self made entrepreneurs fight battles the world rarely sees. They face funding struggles, sleepless nights, trial and error experiments, and sometimes crushing failures, yet they rise again and again, driven by passion and resilience.
Over the years, some of these hustles have birthed empires. Names that started in small studios or shared offices now echo across the continent as big African brands. And as new dreamers rise every day, the need to celebrate the grind, the wins, and the undiluted dedication of these emerging business leaders has never been more urgent.
That is where Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Awards (LAYE Awards) comes in. For five consecutive years, LAYE Awards has been more than an event, it has been a movement. A platform that recognizes raw ambition, celebrates disruptive ideas, and shines the spotlight on the future giants of Africa’s business ecosystem. Now, as they gear up for their sixth edition, scheduled to hold on September 27, 2025, at the prestigious Watercress Hotel and Suites, Ikeja.
Expectations are sky high. It is more than an award night, it is a statement that Lagos will always remain the launchpad for innovation in Africa.
Today, we sit with the man behind this incredible vision, Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola, the CEO and Creative Director of LAYE Awards. In this exclusive conversation with Desauce Magazine, he opens up about the challenges, the wins, and why the sixth edition will be the boldest yet.
Desauce Magazine: How early did preparations for this year’s edition begin, and what has the planning journey been like so far?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola, CEO and Creative Director, Lagos Young Entrepreneur Awards: “We kicked off preparations about four months ago, around April. We started with an official press briefing and shortly after, we opened the portal for applicants to register. Honestly, planning events in Nigeria is not a walk in the park, especially when you do not have big corporate sponsors backing you. But here we are, pushing through with passion because we believe in what this award stands for.”
Desauce Magazine: What key milestones have you already achieved in getting ready for the big night?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “One of the biggest wins so far was securing Watercress Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, a five star venue that perfectly fits the prestige of the awards. That is a game changer for us. Beyond that, we have also locked down major vendors, media houses, video production teams, photographers, ushers, top notch catering, and even artists for live performances. Everything is shaping up to make this edition unforgettable.”
Desauce Magazine: Who are some of the confirmed special guests or VIPs attending this year, and why were they chosen?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “We are expecting some very influential names. Senator Idiat Adebule, who represents Lagos West, Mr Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Arc Ibrahim Olayinka, CEO of Arch Assured Consult, and Mr Omogboye Saheed Ayodeji, MD and CEO of AY Homes Investment. There is also Ms Dolapo, the CEO of TMO Interior Decor, among others. These are people who have not only achieved success but also inspire the younger generation to dream big.”
Desauce Magazine: How will this influence the atmosphere and prestige of the event?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “Their presence speaks volumes. It validates the vision of LAYEAWARDS and raises the bar for what we stand for. When these dignitaries show up, it sends a strong message that entrepreneurship matters and that the efforts of young business owners deserve recognition.”
Lagos State Government Involvement
Desauce Magazine: Has the Lagos State Government shown interest or provided any support for this year’s edition?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “So far, individual personalities within the government have shown interest and support. However, the state as a whole has not been fully involved yet. That said, we are using this platform to appeal to the Lagos State Government for greater support because this is not just an event, it is an initiative that aligns with their mission to empower youth and grow the economy.”
Also, entrepreneurship is the backbone of Lagos’ economy. Our goal with LAYEAWARDS is to inspire young entrepreneurs, reward hard work, and shine a light on how much small businesses contribute to making Lagos the fifth largest economy in Africa. Government involvement would amplify that impact.
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Desauce Magazine: What new twists should we expect at this year’s awards compared to previous editions?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “For one, the venue itself is an upgrade. But beyond that, we are adding new entertainment elements, surprise recognitions, and even expanding the award categories. We are also working on a red carpet experience that will rival some of the biggest events in Lagos. This is not just another award night, it is going to be a full cultural experience.”
About the Organization and The Journey
Desauce Magazine: For those who may not know, tell us about the organization behind LAYEAWARDS.
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “The Lagos Young Entrepreneur Awards was created to celebrate and encourage young business owners who are making waves in their industries. We started this journey because we saw a gap, young entrepreneurs were not getting enough recognition. Over the years, we have grown from a small gathering to a major event that attracts top influencers, business leaders, and media attention.”
Desauce Magazine: What challenges have you faced while putting this year’s edition together?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “The biggest challenge has always been sponsorship. Planning an event of this scale without strong financial backing is tough, but passion drives us. Every edition teaches us something new about resilience, creativity, and community support.”
Desauce Magazine: Looking back at the first edition, how far have you come?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “We have come a long way. From a modest event in its early days to hosting at a five star venue like Watercress Hotel, it shows growth, it shows consistency. Some moments from past editions still give me goosebumps, especially when winners share how the award changed their business trajectory.”
Desauce Magazine: Where do you see LAYEAWARDS in five years?
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “Bigger, global, and more influential. I see us creating platforms for entrepreneurs across Africa and even beyond. This is just the beginning.”
Final Words
Ashifat Saheed Oluwahnisola: “If you are a young entrepreneur in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria, this is your event. Mark the date, September 27, 2025. It is not just an award ceremony, it is a celebration of hustle, innovation, and dreams. Come network, come shine, and let us make history together at Watercress Hotel, Ikeja.”
Event Details:
Date: 27th September 2025
Venue: Watercress Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Lagos
Tickets: +234 903 630 5825
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