The Lagos State Government has pledged stronger collaboration with private sector initiatives to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), describing them as vital engines of grassroots innovation and job creation.
Speaking at the unveiling of The Next Titan Nigeria Season 10, themed “The Unconventional”, at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the government is committed to opening fresh opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
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Ajigbotafe noted that the Titans initiative serves as a springboard for identifying and nurturing ambitious entrepreneurs at the grassroots level, equipping them with mentorship, finance, and market access to scale their businesses. “Our focus is to ensure that these emerging entrepreneurs receive the right tools to thrive, because SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy,” he said.
He added that collaboration with private investors through platforms like The Next Titan would not only unlock inclusive growth but also strengthen the state’s economic foundation.
Executive Producer Mide Akinlaja praised the government’s commitment, noting that the platform has already produced multi-billion-naira brands and is set to inspire a new wave of unconventional entrepreneurs
