As an entrepreneur, I encountered challenges that tested my resilience, creativity – Omoyele

Funmi Omoyele is the founder & CEO, Perfect Exquisite Concept (PEC) Coordinator, Lagos Agrinnovation Club. In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA, she speaks on how she balances governance responsibilities with your entrepreneurial pursuits and moments and experiences that shaped her vision for innovation and community transformation, amongst others.

Could you tell us about your journey so far and what inspired you to venture into both entrepreneurship and governance?

I co-founded PEC Events and Service Limited in 2016 when I saw an opportunity to touch lives by empowering the youth through gainful employment, creating timeless memories for customers through our exquisite designs, investing in human capital development through training, and helping families in our community through corporate social responsibility initiatives. Then having worked the journey of successfully growing a business and creating value in the events industry, I felt the need to extend my passion and skill sets to make positive and transformative impacts on a wider scale.

The window for public service presented itself when I applied and got admitted into the maiden cohort of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy fellowship after a rigorous recruitment process in 2022; which gave me the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the brightest minds in the executive arm of the Lagos State Government, during and after the program. As a result of this exposure, I am currently engaged as a consultant at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems.

The incentive for me really is about providing creative and sustainable solutions to societal challenges and making lives better for our people through the platforms available to me.

What moments or experiences shaped your vision for innovation and community transformation?

When individuals and businesses were wondering how they will survive the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as a business, we came up with a crisis management initiative to help small scale businesses and individuals in our community with tools and resources to keep afloat during the lockdown and be able to bounce back post-pandemic. The fact that, despite being helpless like every other business at the time, we were able to rise above the uncertainty to create a path as well as support businesses and individuals to weather the storm shaped my understanding of how problems have latent opportunities that allow individuals to come up with unlikely and impactful solutions if they stay calm and reach deep into their inner resources.

Also, serving as the program coordinator for Agrinnovation club – an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and food systems, under the able leadership of the Commissioner, Abisola Olusanya, to support and create an ecosystem that promotes innovation and sustainable development for young entrepreneurs, – has afforded me the opportunity to work with vibrant entrepreneurs who are creating innovative solutions within the agri value chain in Lagos state. This experience further reinforces my belief that visionary leadership with cross-sectoral collaboration has the capacity to transform industries and businesses if properly harnessed.

What challenges did you face as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?

As an entrepreneur, I encountered several challenges that tested my resilience and creativity. One significant hurdle was getting quality products to execute our designs while we make do with the limited options available on the market. To surmount this difficulty we made the decision to set up a retail store, Myballoons, now The Balloons Hub(TBH) in order to cater for the growing needs of PEC, the alumni of PEC academy in their hundreds and the balloon sector that was beginning to have strong presence in the event industry in Nigeria.

A second challenge was creating a proper structure in the business for sustainable and profitable operations. In order to tackle this challenge, I did some research, took courses, consulted with successful entrepreneurs in other industries, embarked on capacity building for the team, and employed the services of professionals when required. Taking these steps have been quite rewarding; the business is functional, the team is productive and I am able to freely take on other assignments without any significant impact on the business.

Through PEC Academy, you’ve trained over 500 entrepreneurs. What is your advice for young people looking to start their own businesses?

We have had the privilege of training over 500 entrepreneurs over the past few years, and one key piece of advice I consistently share with young people in business and other vocations is this: start with purpose and passion, but build with strategy and resilience.

Identify a real problem that you are passionate about solving, and ensure that your business idea aligns with that purpose. However, passion alone is not enough. Take the time to thoroughly research your market, understand your customers, and craft a clear, scalable business model to deliver on the value you have promised.

Your role as a Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State and your involvement in impactful projects are remarkable. How do you balance governance responsibilities with your entrepreneurial pursuits, as well as family as a wife and mother?

Being a special assistant to the governor which was as a result of being a fellow of the prestigious Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, gave me the opportunity to work with leaders in the executive arm of the government and to be part of impactful community projects, thanks to the visionary leadership of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos state,

Having said that, at the very core of managing multiple demanding roles as a Special Assistant to the Governor, an entrepreneur as well as my personal commitments as a wife and mother, and achieving balance across these aspects of my life, is the ability to understand the importance of each element and how they enrich one another if properly handled. Prioritizing quality time with my family coupled with the blessings of a supportive husband and a solid support system keep me grounded and motivated to excel in all areas.

I am very intentional about focusing on my ‘focus’ and collaborating effectively with different stakeholders in the public sector to get things done despite the complexities – which is an entrepreneurial trait – while I leverage on the structure and the team’s capacity to keep my business pursuit going. By maintaining clear objectives, setting boundaries, and leaning on a strong support network, I am able to integrate these roles effectively, ensuring I give my best to each.

Could you please share some key lessons from being part of initiatives like Ounje Eko and the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit?

Being part of initiatives like Ounje Eko and the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit has been both impactful and transformative. Through Ounje Eko, I witnessed firsthand the importance of prompt response and targeted interventions in addressing the hike in the prices of food in Lagos State. This experience taught me the value of empathy, detailed planning, and the power of community partnerships. It reinforced my belief in the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

The Lagos Agrinnovation Summit offered a different perspective by focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions in the agricultural sector. One key insight I gained is the importance of collaboration and leveraging technology for sustainable and scalable agri & food businesses that will meet our growing demand now and in the future.

The tangible impacts, especially the lives improved through Ounje Eko and the innovative projects launched through the summit, have helped me to see agriculture as a critical lever for human survival and economic empowerment. This, to me, is incredibly rewarding and motivating.

How has your background in economics and management shaped your approach to solving governance challenges?

My background in economics and management has profoundly shaped my approach to problem solving in the public sector by equipping me with both analytical and strategic tools. Economics taught me the importance of evidence-based decision-making, understanding resource allocation, and evaluating the community impact of projects or initiatives as well as making necessary adjustments based on feedback.

Management skills have been equally critical, particularly in organising teams, managing stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

By combining these disciplines, I have developed a problem-solving framework that balances analytical rigor with practical execution. Ultimately, my goal is to create solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and inclusive.

Many young people believe they must choose between governance and business. What is your message to them about combining both paths?

My message to young people is that you don’t have to choose between the public sector and private business – these paths are not mutually exclusive; they are, in fact, deeply interconnected. Generally, governance provides an opportunity to influence policies that create an enabling environment for businesses, while business equips you with the entrepreneurial mindset, innovation, and resilience needed to solve real-world problems.

From my experience, combining both has been immensely fulfilling; for instance, I applied my entrepreneurial skills to manage impactful initiatives, ensuring efficient project execution and measurable community outcomes. Also, my work in the public space has broadened my perspective on societal needs, enabling me to identify businesses that can address gaps and create meaningful value.

The key is balance and purpose without crossing the line. Approach governance with the mindset of a businessperson – focused on results and efficiency; likewise, bring the heart of a public servant into your business, ensuring your ventures contribute positively to society. By pursuing both governance and business, you can make a far-reaching impact, leaving a legacy that is both visionary and sustainable.

What keeps you motivated in the face of challenges?

Challenges are a natural part of any meaningful journey, because they test your resolve but also strengthen your capacity to achieve greatness.

What keeps me motivated in the face of challenges is a strong sense of purpose and the belief that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and to make a difference. Whether in governance, business, or my personal life, I have always been driven by the change I want to see and the understanding that my work has the potential to improve lives and create lasting impact.

I also draw strength from my support system – my family, mentors, and colleagues – who remind me of my potential and encourage me to keep pushing forward when I face difficulties. On top of that, my faith plays a significant role, grounding me in the belief that challenges are temporary and can be overcome with grace, determination and hard work.

If you were to advise your younger self, what would you say?

If I were to advise my younger self, I would say:

“Put God first and trust Him for direction. Always show up and give your best, no matter the circumstances. Be willing to put in the work and stand tall in the face of challenges – resilience is your superpower. Embrace your achievements confidently and accept your accolades with humility. Finally, don’t shy away from using your voice. Speak out boldly where it matters and make your presence count.”

Finally, what steps can young Africans take to start their journey toward making an impact like you have?

My message to young Africans is simple: the power to make an impact is already within you. It starts with discovering your purpose—identifying what drives you and the change you want to see in your community.

Next, invest in yourself. Equip yourself with knowledge and skills through education, training, and self-development. This foundation will give you the confidence to act and the tools to solve problems effectively.

Start where you are and with what you have. Making an impact doesn’t always require grand gestures; small, consistent actions can create significant ripple effects. Look around your immediate environment, identify a need, and take bold steps to address it.

Collaboration is also key. No one makes an impact alone. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, seek mentors who inspire you, and leverage your network to amplify your efforts. Working together strengthens your impact and broadens your reach.

Lastly, be resilient. Challenges will come, but they are part of the journey. Learn from failures, adapt, and keep pushing forward. Remember, every small victory brings you closer to your larger goals.

Africa is brimming with opportunities for transformation, and young people are at the heart of this potential. By taking these steps, you not only shape your future but also contribute to building a stronger, more vibrant continent. Your journey begins with action, and the possibilities are limitless.