Abuja: Dr. Stephen Akintayo, a renowned business strategist and convener of the Business Growth Conference, has described entrepreneurs as solution providers who must continuously evolve to meet challenges within the Nigerian business environment. Akintayo shared these insights at the 2025 Business Growth Conference in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akintayo emphasized that while Nigeria remains a difficult terrain for businesses, entrepreneurs must rise to the occasion by innovating and adapting to changing realities. “Entrepreneurship is about solving problems. When petrol became too expensive, smart entrepreneurs shifted to CNG and vehicle conversion. That is what being an entrepreneur is all about, constantly creating solutions,” he stated.
He noted that although the economic environment is harsh, business owners have the responsibility to adapt, restructure, and find alternative pathways to thrive. Akintayo said, “The darker the environment, the brighter the light. That is the mindset every entrepreneur must embrace.”
Akintayo also urged authorities, particularly state governments, to engage more actively with entrepreneurs by organizing regular consultative meetings and creating policies that encourage investment. “I want to see governors sit down with business owners quarterly, listen to their challenges, and develop policies that make it easier for businesses to grow,” he suggested.
On the subject of capacity development, the business strategist stressed the importance of training and mentorship, noting that many business failures stem from a lack of knowledge rather than poor infrastructure or policy. “Many founders have not attended training in years, yet the business landscape is changing every day. Without constant learning, there’s no growth,” he remarked.
Additionally, gender advocate and entrepreneur Mrs. Hansatu Adegbite highlighted the importance of collaboration, networking, and volunteerism in building strong, resilient businesses. “This conference is not just about survival; it is about growth, partnerships, and scaling up to solve bigger problems,” she said. Adegbite encouraged young people to take advantage of free resources online and learn from successful individuals in their communities, saying, “There are free tools everywhere, YouTube, Google, books. Start from where you are and stay aspirational.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference featured sessions on funding, virality, customer growth, and leadership, with speakers from various sectors sharing insights and practical tools for business success. The Lagos edition of the conference is scheduled to hold from April 19 to April 20.