Leading business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs addressed young Nigerians at the 2026 Workers’ Day edition of The Platform Nigeria, urging resilience, discipline and value‑driven enterprise as the foundations of success. The gathering, themed “Unlocking the Second Half Advantage: Transition, Impact and Legacy,” highlighted entrepreneurship as both a personal responsibility and a collective engine for national development.
Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun opened the session by recounting her experience of launching nine businesses, six of which failed. She framed failure as a diagnostic tool rather than a defeat and warned against the belief that entrepreneurship is the sole path to prosperity. Adeosun identified four “laws” that govern business outcomes: market demand, financial metrics, timing and team composition. Emphasising validation, she said, “Moses needed Aaron. Every founder needs a team,” and urged entrepreneurs to combine diligent research with prayerful preparation.
Moniepoint founder Tosin Eniolorunda shifted focus to self‑mastery, describing anxiety as the biggest obstacle for entrepreneurs. He stressed the need for clear goals and purpose, arguing that “you cannot set up a profit‑driven business without clarity about where you want to go.” Eniolorunda also cautioned against glorifying quick wealth, calling for investment in human capital to sustain Nigeria’s growth.
Group Executive at Coronation Group Ngozi Akinyele highlighted trust, structure and intentional leadership as drivers of innovation. She warned that organisations lacking a clear organogram “are simply saying they are not intentional about anybody’s growth,” and encouraged leaders to become “Sponge Bosses” who absorb and apply new ideas rapidly.
Reel Fruit founder Affiong Williams and Capital Sage Holdings founder John Alamu reiterated the role of enterprise in economic transformation. Williams advocated for long‑term, sustainable business models, while Alamu emphasized the importance of identifying core competencies and flawless execution to secure future market leadership.
South African entrepreneur Vusi Thembekwayo addressed xenophobia concerns, stating that portrayals of a uniformly xenophobic nation are misleading and suggesting that external agendas fuel division. His remarks underscored the broader theme of unity across the continent.
Convener Poju Oyemade noted that The Platform, launched in 2007, entered its 20th year, reinforcing the message that success is measured by the ability to lift others. The event featured other notable speakers, including Sinari Bolade Daranijo and Nancy Ogbue, who also addressed enterprise, leadership and the future of work.
The conference reinforced the view that entrepreneurship, when grounded in resilience, disciplined planning and collaborative effort, remains a pivotal catalyst for Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic development.
