Stephen Akintayo foundation hosts business growth conference in Abuja, Lagos to tackle economic hardship

In a bid to promote business sustainability and entrepreneurship in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges, the Stephen Akintayo Foundation has announced its Business Growth Conference scheduled to take place in Abuja and Lagos.

Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday in Abuja, Dr. Stephen Akintayo, Chairman of Gtext Holdings and convener of the conference, said the event will bring together experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to equip business owners with strategies to scale and survive during tough economic times.

According to him, the Abuja edition of the conference will be held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on April 12, while the virtual session will hold on the 13th. The Lagos edition will take place at Eko Hotel and Suites on April 19, and the virtual session will hold on the 20th.

“This is more than just a conference—it’s a movement to support and empower entrepreneurs across Nigeria,” Akintayo said. “We are currently navigating an economy that is unpredictable, but with the right strategies and support systems, Nigerian businesses can still grow and thrive.”

He noted that the Business Growth Conference is an initiative of the Stephen Akintayo Foundation, which focuses on entrepreneurship development, capacity building, and economic empowerment, particularly for youths and small business owners.

The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions with top business leaders, financial experts, and successful entrepreneurs. Topics will range from investment opportunities and digital transformation to marketing strategies and accessing funding.

Dr. Akintayo emphasized that with over 300 million naira in grants, resources, and business tools to be shared, the conference offers a rare opportunity for participants to gain not only knowledge but also practical support for scaling their ventures.

He urged interested entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and aspiring business owners to register and take advantage of the opportunities the conference presents.

While emphasizing the importance of the conference to young entrepreneurs, Ogenna Ekwubiri, a mentee of Dr. Akintayo and Chief Executive Officer of Havllah Water Limited, stated that the event would equip business owners with practical knowledge on scaling up, succession planning, building the right team, and creating sustainable networks.

Highlighting the value of mentorship, another mentee, Busayo Aderemi, Managing Director of HD Homes Limited, said, “One major gap in Nigeria’s business structure is the lack of mentorship. But as a mentee of Dr. Akintayo, I’ve gained invaluable insights and experience that have helped me avoid many of the mistakes my peers have made.”