The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, in collaboration with Lagos-based firm Pelse Consulting, has organised a business and leadership dialogue aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and grooming emerging business leaders in Nigeria.
The event, themed “Dialogue that Matters: Building Businesses that Strengthen Communities,” drew participants from across Lagos State, including members of the Mandela Washington Fellows Network and selected entrepreneurs from the Amplifier Business Clinic organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in partnership with Pelse Consulting.
Speaking at the dialogue held in Yaba, Lagos, the Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy, Abuja, Raisa Dukas, highlighted the critical role of small-scale businesses in driving Nigeria’s economy.
“Entrepreneurship drives innovation, creates jobs, and provides livelihoods. The ability to create new businesses, jobs, opportunities, and livelihoods is critical anywhere, including the United States. We believe in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. businesses to promote economic growth,” she said.
Dukas also spoke on the Mandela Washington Fellowship Programme, a six-week initiative that provides young African leaders the opportunity to study at top U.S. universities and engage with leading business and policy experts.
“Our hope is that this dialogue marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the fellows. We want to remain connected and track how their businesses and initiatives grow in ways that deliver meaningful impact,” she added.
In his address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, represented by the Deputy Director, Youth Engagement and Education, Mrs. Rasheedat Umar, said the Business Connection and Leadership Dialogue was designed to stimulate conversations on building sustainable businesses, strengthening communities, and preparing young people for the future.
Ogunlende described the theme as a reminder that business success should go beyond profit to focus on people, job creation, and value addition to society.
“When businesses succeed in these areas, communities become stronger and economies more resilient,” he said.
He commended the U.S. Consulate for its consistent and practical support for youth development and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, while also acknowledging members of the Mandela Washington Fellowship as young leaders whose global exposure enriches the local business ecosystem.
Highlighting the impact of the Amplifier Business Clinic and Accelerator, Ogunlende noted that the initiative started with five beneficiaries receiving ₦5 million and has since grown into one of Lagos State’s most impactful youth enterprise interventions. In 2024, seven entrepreneurs received ₦15 million, while ₦20 million was disbursed to 10 business owners this year.
He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills development, enterprise support, and social empowerment, and commended Pelse Consulting for convening the dialogue.
In his lead presentation, Managing Partner of Pelse Consulting, Adeniji Boboye, emphasised the pivotal role businesses play in job creation, economic development, and social well-being.
Citing World Bank data, Boboye said Small and Medium Enterprises contribute 48 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and provide 70 per cent of employment.
“SMEs are essential engines of economic and social development. By sourcing locally, they circulate wealth within communities,” he said.
Boboye also stressed the importance of sustainability, noting that long-term business success must integrate profitability with social and environmental responsibility.
“To thrive consistently, businesses must prioritise ethical sourcing, green technologies, employee well-being, and responsible corporate governance,” he added.
Additionally, he explained how data-driven Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives can help address community challenges such as unemployment, limited access to services, and infrastructure gaps.
“By aligning profit with purpose, businesses can achieve economic, environmental, and social sustainability while making a lasting community impact,” he said.
Speaking on the value of the fellowship, one of the Mandela Washington Fellows, Seyi Akinsanmi, said entrepreneurship remains central to innovation and problem-solving.
“The fellowship has reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration, and community-focused leadership. It has taught us how to build solutions that are not only profitable but also impactful and sustainable,” he said.
Also speaking, Opeoluwa Shobowale, an entrepreneur and participant from the Amplifier Business Clinic, said the training had strengthened his business mindset.
“The programme exposed me to critical thinking, strategic planning, and practical tools for scaling my business. It has helped me better understand how to position my enterprise for growth while creating value for society,” he said.
The dialogue concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to build resilient businesses capable of driving inclusive growth across Nigeria.
