In a strategic move to strengthen entrepreneurship and small business development, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The signing ceremony took place at the LSETF headquarters in Lagos, drawing stakeholders from both organisations and highlighting the nationwide significance of the agreement. Representing the Lagos State Government, Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of LSETF, signed the MoU, while Oluwatoyin Atanda, JCI Nigeria’s 2025 National President, represented the youth-led nonprofit.
Also present at the event was Yudhish Rohee, JCI International Vice President, alongside leaders from various JCI local chapters across Nigeria.
Driving Economic Growth Through Strategic Collaboration
Alayande described the partnership as perfectly aligned with LSETF’s mission to drive job creation and economic empowerment, especially through support for innovative local businesses.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lagos and across Nigeria,” Alayande stated.
Atanda echoed this vision, emphasising JCI Nigeria’s focus on empowering young people and nurturing a new generation of business leaders. “Through this partnership, we’ll provide vital resources, mentorship, and opportunities that will allow young entrepreneurs to grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
A Historic Collaboration for Sustainable Impact
International Vice President Yudhish Rohee hailed the partnership as a landmark step toward fostering innovation and economic development through collective effort.
“This is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when visionary institutions collaborate. I’m proud to witness this pivotal moment and excited about the transformative impact it will have on Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape,” Rohee remarked.
Long-Term Vision for Entrepreneurship in Nigeria
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, creating employment opportunities, and driving long-term, sustainable economic growth throughout Lagos and beyond.
By combining the policy support of LSETF with JCI Nigeria’s grassroots youth engagement, the MoU sets a solid foundation for programs that will uplift small businesses, fuel innovation, and empower the next wave of entrepreneurial leaders in Nigeria.
