The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has launched the StartRight Entrepreneurship Development Support Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build sustainable and competitive businesses.
Speaking at the official launch held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the STO Resource Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, described the programme as a major step in advancing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's vision of a Greater Lagos driven by enterprise, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
Ajigbotafe explained that the StartRight Lagos Programme was designed to help entrepreneurs establish strong business foundations and adopt strategic approaches that ensure sustainability and scalability. He stressed that it is no longer enough to start a business — entrepreneurs must start right, sustain right, and scale right — adding that the initiative reflects government's investment in nurturing future-ready entrepreneurs who will drive Lagos' economic growth.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to promoting youth empowerment, skill development, business incubation, and access to finance, in line with the State Government's T.H.E.M.E.S Plus development agenda. He commended facilitators and development partners for their role in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the government's efforts in building a self-reliant and productive citizenry.
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In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, described the StartRight Lagos Programme as another milestone in the State's continuous effort to foster innovation, enterprise, and economic inclusion. He noted that the programme was structured to equip participants with the right knowledge, business ethics, and management skills needed to start, manage, and sustain successful enterprises.
According to him, the initiative aims to help Lagos entrepreneurs transition from job seekers to job creators through practical learning, mentorship, and growth-focused training. Olayinka appreciated the facilitators for their contributions and reaffirmed the Ministry's readiness to deepen partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders to sustain entrepreneurship development across the State.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Lanre Oniyitan, Chief Executive Officer of W-Holistic Business Solutions, provided an overview of the StartRight Lagos Programme, outlining its structure, objectives, and expected outcomes in supporting startups and MSMEs to build strong and sustainable business foundations.
The StartRight Lagos Entrepreneurship Development Support Programme is one of the flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, designed to enhance entrepreneurial capacity, stimulate innovation, and promote wealth creation in alignment with the State Government's economic inclusion agenda.
