Celebrating Youth Entrepreneurship in Lagos. The Fifth Edition of Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Award

Entrepreneurship – ARDnig

The fifth edition of the Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Award (LAYE2024) will recognize and reward young business owners for their contributions to Lagos State’s economic growth. Organized by Acme Multimedia Integration, LAPO Microfinance Bank Plc, and Grand Oak, the awards aim to inspire and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Lagos youth. The event will honor entrepreneurs who have demonstrated commitment to their businesses and the state’s economy, with eligibility criteria including residency, business ownership, and age.

Recognizing the Impact of Young Entrepreneurs

In a significant move to acknowledge the contributions of young business owners to Lagos State’s economic growth, Acme Multimedia Integration, LAPO Microfinance Bank Plc, and Grand Oak have come together to organize the fifth edition of the Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Award (LAYE2024). This event aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Lagos youth, whose innovative ventures have played a crucial role in elevating the state’s economy to become the fifth-largest in Africa. The LAYE Awards serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of business leaders, rewarding hard work and promoting the values of entrepreneurship in the community.

The Vision Behind LAYE2024

Saheed Okeowo, the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of LAYE2024, recently outlined the significance of the awards during a press conference in Lagos. Okeowo emphasized that the award, which began five years ago, is more than just an accolade; it is a platform designed to inspire young entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of innovation. Over the years, LAYE Awards have nurtured and developed over 100 young talents, helping them achieve their dreams and contribute significantly to the state’s economic fabric. This initiative underscores the vital role that young entrepreneurs play in driving Lagos State’s prosperity and solidifying its economic status on the continent.

The LAYE Awards inspire young entrepreneurs to push boundaries and contribute to Lagos State’s prosperity.” – Saheed Okeowo, CEO of LAYE2024.

Criteria for Award Selection

As the LAYE2024 event approaches, Okeowo elaborated on the stringent criteria for entrepreneurs to qualify for the awards. To be eligible, candidates must have been living and running their business in Lagos State for at least the past five years, be under the age of 45, be the CEO of a registered business entity, and must have received nominations and votes. These criteria ensure that the award recognizes only those who have shown consistent commitment to the growth of their businesses and the Lagos economy. The awards ceremony, scheduled for October, is expected to be a grand celebration of entrepreneurship, bringing together the brightest minds in the Lagos business community.

Lagos business community – ARDnig

Calls for Expansion of LAYE Awards

Despite the success of the LAYE Awards in Lagos, there have been increasing calls from other states for the program to be expanded. During the press conference, the spokesperson for LAYE2024, Ademola Adesokan, revealed that many have requested the extension of the awards to other states and an expansion of the age bracket. However, Adesokan stated that while the feedback is appreciated, the focus remains on Lagos, the city where the awards were conceived. The LAYE Awards aim to maintain their original goals and template, ensuring that the program remains dedicated to celebrating the youth of Lagos and their contributions to the state’s economic landscape.

Conclusion

The LAYE Awards continue to play a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship among Lagos youth, providing a platform for recognition and growth. As the program gains popularity, calls for expansion are on the rise, but the focus remains on celebrating the unique contributions of Lagos-based entrepreneurs. The awards not only highlight the achievements of young business leaders but also inspire the next generation to contribute to Lagos State’s thriving economy.