The United States Consulate and Lagos-based firm, Pelse Consulting, has organised a dialogue to support and groom young entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders in Nigeria.
The event, themed “Building Businesses that Build Better Communities,” drew participants from across Lagos State, including members of the Mandela Washington Fellows Outreach, according to a statement shared with Sunday PUNCH.
Speaking at the dialogue held in Yaba, Lagos, the US Consulate Representative, Riase Dukas, highlighted the vital role small-scale businesses play in Nigeria’s economy.
“Entrepreneurship drives innovation, creates jobs, and provides livelihoods. The ability to create new businesses, jobs, opportunities, and livelihoods is critical anywhere, including the United States. We believe in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and US businesses to promote economic growth,” she said.
Dukas also spoke on the Mandela Washington Fellow programme, a six-week initiative that allows young entrepreneurs to visit the United States, access top universities, and meet leading business leaders.
“Our hope is that this dialogue marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the fellows. We want to stay in contact with them to see how their businesses and efforts grow in ways that connect with the government and make meaningful impacts,” she added.
In his address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the Business Connection and Leadership Dialogue aimed to spark conversations shaping how businesses are built, communities supported, and young people prepared for the future.
Ogunlende described the theme, “Dialogue that Matters: Building Businesses that Strengthen Communities,” as a reminder that business growth should go beyond profit to focus on people, job creation, and value addition to society.
“When businesses succeed in these areas, communities become stronger and economies more resilient,” he said. He commended the US Consulate for its long-standing commitment to youth development and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, noting that its support had been practical, consistent, and intentional.
He also acknowledged members of the Mandela Washington Fellowship as young leaders whose global exposure enriches the local business ecosystem and recognised the Young African Innovators for their creativity and resilience.
Highlighting the impact of the Amplifier Business Clinic and Accelerator, Ogunlende said the initiative began with five beneficiaries receiving N5 million and has since grown into one of Lagos State’s most impactful youth enterprise interventions. In 2024, it supported seven entrepreneurs with N15 million, and this year, N20 million was distributed to 10 business owners.
Ogunlende reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills development, enterprise support, and social empowerment, stressing that young people, when given the right tools, can transform their lives and uplift their communities. He also commended Pelse Consulting for convening the dialogue and urged participants to actively engage, share ideas, and build lasting connections to position Lagos entrepreneurs for global competitiveness.
In his lead presentation, Pelse Consulting Managing Partner Adeniji Boboye highlighted the pivotal role businesses play in societal progress. He emphasised that businesses influence job creation, economic development, and social well-being.
Citing World Bank data, Boboye noted that Small and Medium Enterprises contribute 48 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and provide 70 per cent of employment. He said the dialogue focused on how businesses drive community growth, the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the adoption of sustainable business models.
“SMEs are essential engines of economic and social development. They are the primary employers in local communities, and by sourcing locally, they circulate wealth within the community,” he said.
On building sustainable and impactful businesses, Boboye said sustainability integrates long-term profitability with social and environmental stewardship.
“To thrive consistently, businesses must focus on ethical sourcing and green technologies, employee well-being, and responsible corporate governance,” he added.
He further explained how Nigerian businesses can integrate CSR into their strategy.
“Our communities face challenges like limited access to services, unemployment, and resource inefficiency. By analysing data from local initiatives, we can identify trends, optimise resources, and create targeted solutions, such as job programs or improved healthcare access. Using data to address local challenges helps identify infrastructure or education gaps. Communities can then make informed decisions on where resources are most needed,” he said.
Boboye concluded by urging businesses to contribute to community development while achieving growth.
“By integrating social responsibility into business models, companies can contribute to economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Start incorporating CSR into your business model today. Align profit with purpose and make a lasting impact on your community,” he said.
He added that his firm, which started in 2019, has worked with thousands of businesses and SMEs, estimating 2,000 to 3,000 over the years.
“We run various programs serving 300–500 people annually in private business programs. We also organise webinars, workshops, and consulting services, and work with organisations that run empowerment programs for businesses, inviting us to train and mentor participants,” he said.
