Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and CEO of Moniepoint Incorporated, addressed a gathering of entrepreneurs and young Nigerians at the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, held on Workers’ Day. Speaking under the theme “It’s About Making Ideas Happen,” he urged participants to prioritize self‑mastery, purpose clarity and strong personal values as essential foundations for lasting business success.
Eniolorunda highlighted seven core assets that have guided his own entrepreneurial journey. He emphasized that internal challenges, particularly anxiety and self‑doubt, often outweigh external obstacles. “The biggest problem of an entrepreneur is yourself. When you conquer yourself, you conquer the world,” he said, noting that personal mastery is a prerequisite for effective leadership.
The speaker warned against launching enterprises without clear objectives. “You need to set clear goals in your mind. You cannot run a profit‑driven business without knowing where you want to go,” he added, stressing that goal‑setting provides direction and resilience for founders.
On organisational design, Eniolorunda argued that structures should serve business goals rather than accommodate favored individuals. He observed that many leaders mistakenly place “smart” people in roles based on personal preference, compromising alignment with strategic objectives.
Addressing broader societal influences, Eniolorunda pointed to a “role‑model problem” among Nigerian youth, driven by the glorification of quick wealth through illicit activities. He warned that the proliferation of such narratives diverts attention from legitimate, productive pathways to success. “With a population of 200 million, there are many alternatives to becoming a ‘big yahoo boy’ or a social‑media “hook‑up” influencer,” he asserted, calling for a re‑orientation of values.
Despite these concerns, Eniolorunda expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential. He described Nigerians as driven, motivated and hardworking, and he highlighted human‑capital development as the key to national progress. “All we need to do is develop our human capital,” he concluded.
The May Day event, designed to inspire a new generation of innovators and nation‑builders, featured a lineup that included former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, entrepreneur Vusi Thembekwayo, and other notable figures such as Affiong Williams, Sinari Bolade Daranijo, Nancy Ogbue and John Alamu. The speakers discussed enterprise, leadership and the future of work under the broader theme “Unlocking the Second Half Advantage: Transition, Impact and Legacy,” reinforcing the platform’s role in shaping Africa’s emerging business landscape.
