The former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and Chairman, DSE Foundation, Chief Tunde Fanimokun has identified mismanagement of abundant natural resources, negligence of agriculture, import orientation and uncoordinated ecosystem as some of the major challenges inhibiting the advancement of Nigeria as a nation
He listed other challenges to include oil doom instead of oil boom since 1958 in Oloibiri and ferocious escalating youth unemployment as the major constraints facing the country aside problem of leadership.
Chief Fanimokun was speaking during the maiden edition of Annual Lecture series of the Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre and Business Idea Competition, titled: Entrepreneurship: The Central Pillar of Accelerated Sustainable Development in Nigeria, held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium of Yaba College of Technology.
“Inexhaustible abundance is the natural gift of the Almighty who created absolutely nothing in vain in the entire Universe and consequently, visionary leadership is the key to sustainable development at each and every level of environment worldwide”, DSE Foundation Chairman said
Entrepreneurship according to him, is a distinct field in management studies and has become a compulsory subject at the undergraduate level, virtually at all universities in Nigeria.
Fanimokun attributed the recent upsurge in entrepreneurship to the government's initiative in setting up the Enterprise Development Services which was partly funded by the World Bank.
He cited the era of the former governor of Lagos State, late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande’s (LKJ) successes in the 1980s and that of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the 1990s as a case study which according to him, are documentary evidence for entrepreneurial studies within the public administration in Nigeria.
“The case-study of LKJ in the history of Nigerian public administration and as a political leader in government, reveals some novel findings of great relevance. It is observed for instance, that his management profile, his orientation and his remarkable accomplishments provide suitable materials for entrepreneurial studies”; Fanimokun explained.
Sharing the lifetime experiences of Chief Yinka Iyanda Folawiyo, the speaker described him as a successful entrepreneur
“it is amazing how an individual as a student abroad could opt for entrepreneurship ventures and ultimately back home in Nigeria proceeded to establish, expand and consolidate a wide range of business venture in Banking and Finance, Real Estate, Food Industry, Oil & Gas, Shipping, Fishing and Shrimps, Trawling, as well as, Commodity Trading”.
The chairman, governing council, Yaba College of Technology, who is also the chairman of the lecture, Prof. Funsho Afolabi declared that the Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre Annual Lecture Series is a launchpad, for new ideas, bold ventures, and future leaders.
He said that it carries the legacy of a man whose name is synonymous with resilience, enterprise, and vision, Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the founding figure whose entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire generations.
“In a time where our nation stands in urgent need of job creators, not just job seekers, this series offers a timely and necessary intervention. The Yinka Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Model Series is more than a concept, it is a movement. One that seeks to empower young minds with practical skills, mentorship, and access to networks that can bring their dreams to life”,Afolabi said
Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, in his welcome address averred that the annual lecture series will serve not only as a tribute but a dynamic platform to inspire, educate, and nurture the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs who, like Chief Folawiyo, uphold the values of integrity, innovation, and impactful leadership.
Dr. Abdul said that Chief Folawiyo was more than a successful businessman but a visionary who firmly believed in the transformative power of enterprise and as the founding father of the Folawiyo Group, built a formidable business empire spanning oil and gas, shipping, real estate, agriculture, and international trade.
“His legacy stands as a striking symbol that Nigerian enterprises, founded on discipline and driven by innovation, can excel on the global stage” he stated
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