By Rukayat Moisemhe
Business leaders have called on entrepreneurs and CEOs to build strong, globally competitive businesses to help drive Nigeria’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
They gave the advice in Lagos following the two-day business and leadership LIMBSimple Strategy Growth Convention 2025.
Its convener, Mr Ezekiel Solesi, noted the role of entrepreneurs in supporting the Federal Government’s target of a one trillion dollar economy by 2030.
He challenged entrepreneurs to rethink traditional business approaches and prioritise collaboration, leadership development and strategic growth.
Solesi stressed the need for Africa to build systems that consistently support entrepreneurs toward sustainable growth and global relevance.
He also urged business leaders to step out of their comfort zones, build strategic networks and leverage collaboration, noting that meaningful partnerships often unlock new growth opportunities.
Also speaking, Dr Niyi Adesanya, Chief Executive Officer of FifthGear, said revenue growth alone was insufficient to guarantee long-term business sustainability.
According to Adesanya, organisations must strengthen leadership pipelines, improve operational discipline and adopt effective risk management practices to build resilient enterprises.
Mr Kola Adesina, Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Power Group, stressed the importance of integrity, disciplined financial governance and continuous innovation in building enduring businesses.
Adesina warned against mixing personal and business finances, describing ethical leadership as fundamental to enterprises capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ms Ini Abimbola, Founder of ThistlePraxis, underscored the need for leadership evolution as businesses scale, warning that excessive founder involvement in daily operations could limit growth.
She advised entrepreneurs to focus on strategic leadership while empowering teams to drive execution.
On financial strategy, Dr Adaeze Udensi, Founder of Orbit Financial Services, urged entrepreneurs to align funding sources with their business structures and long-term goals.
Udensi cautioned that poorly structured financing could strain operations and hinder sustainable expansion.
Also, Dr Onuha Nnachi, Group Managing Director, TTL Group, highlighted the importance of persuasion and confidence in leadership.
He cited his experience during Nigeria’s power sector privatisation, where strategic negotiation helped secure significant equity funding.
Mr Ugochukwu Omeogu, Chief Executive Officer of Merignos Consult, advised participants to distinguish clearly between building businesses and accumulating personal wealth.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on creating transformational enterprises with lasting economic impact.
Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, Dr Moji Davids, Group Managing Director of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, said resilience, reinvention and consistent follow-up were critical to long-term relevance.
She recounted how perseverance and strategic repositioning helped transform her venture into a successful agribusiness and hospitality enterprise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola
