21st July, 2014
Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government at the weekend explained the central reason for marking the state’s enterprise day annually, noting that the initiative was critical to socio-economic development of the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr. Olawumi Gasper, noting that the 2014 Enterprise Day was designed to celebrate ten successful entrepreneurs from different parts of the country.
Gasper said the initiative was “to promote networking of successful entrepreneurs with young aspiring entrepreneurs from the technical colleges in a one day open interactive forum while offering support for the promotion of enterprise education in the state’s technical and vocational education system.”
He added that the second edition, which will hold on 23 July at NECA House in Ikeja, was devoted “to celebrate legacies and promote immense opportunities in youth-led businesses and other entrepreneurial pursuits.”
He said legacies “will be celebrated just as ten successful entrepreneurs in the state will be honoured with admission into the hall of fame. The businesses of those honoured stood the test of time over a long period with seamless succession plan and continuity assured.
“Amongst the honourees also will be “game changers” such as Simzu Shagaya, Ibukun Awosika and Fola Adeola that have narrowed the gap between Nigeria and the global market in their various industrial sub-sectors.”
He said the strength of this administration “is in innovative thinking on the part of those managing the affairs of the state. This initiative, the first in the nation, is an addition to the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).”
In 2013, the executive secretary explained that the first edition of the state’s enterprise day was formally presented “to all stakeholders, specifically aimed at advocacy to instil positive attitude in Lagos Youths towards the world-of- work, entrepreneurship and business, fostering in Lagos Youths creativity, entrepreneurial spirit as well as self confidence.”
He added that the initiative was “to develop an entrepreneurial culture and financial skills, which he said, would play major roles in nurturing their businesses and accelerate the socio-economic development of Lagos and ultimately Nigeria. Lagos State Annual Enterprise Day has evolved into a brand that promotes entrepreneurship in Lagos Youths.”