The outlook for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions is gaining renewed optimism following the elevation of renowned business development strategist, Larry-Goodwill Akintoba Ajiola, to a series of high-profile international roles.
Ajiola, widely recognised for his work in advancing SME growth and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), now holds several key positions across global diplomatic and academic institutions. These include Head of Policy and Diplomatic Affairs at the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), Head of Training and Capacity Development at the African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR), Distinguished Fellow and Global Expert in Political Economy at the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), and Head of Communication, Marketing and Branding at the African Academic Achievers’ Awards (A4).
In his new capacity, Ajiola will lead multiple initiatives — from mobilising prominent individuals for membership in the UN-WCD, to organising leadership and diplomacy training programmes under ASDIR. He will also facilitate academic collaborations, promote research-driven governance reforms through IIEPEA, and drive institutional recognition via A4’s awards and ratings systems.
According to a statement issued by Professor Tunji John Asaolu, Secretary-General of UN-WCD, the appointments reflect the organisation’s mission to strengthen “global peace, understanding, and cooperation” through capable leadership. The statement described Ajiola’s involvement as pivotal to expanding the Congress’s socio-economic and diplomatic impact in Africa and beyond.
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem have welcomed the news, expressing confidence that Ajiola’s international exposure and policy experience will open up new channels for regional businesses to access the global frontier market.
In an interview with BusinessDay in Port Harcourt, Ajiola said the recognition represents not just a personal milestone but an opportunity to amplify economic inclusion and peace-building efforts across Nigeria.
“It’s an acknowledgment of years of commitment to promoting enterprise, peace, and diplomacy,” he said. “The journey won’t be without challenges, but with collective focus, I believe we can create tangible impact across the diplomatic, academic, and socio-economic landscapes.”
Beyond his new roles, Ajiola serves as Managing Director of I-Connect.Connect Ltd, a Port Harcourt-based consultancy that supports emerging businesses in the South-South and South-East regions. His consistent advocacy for peace, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development has earned him recognition as an International Ambassador for Peace.
Most recently, in August 2025, Ajiola partnered with the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) to commemorate World Humanitarian Day in Enugu — an event that further reflected his commitment to humanitarian and developmental causes.
With his expanded responsibilities and growing global influence, many expect Ajiola’s leadership to strengthen the bridge between grassroots enterprise and international opportunity, helping regional SMEs compete and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
