LCCI Promotes Youth Innovation Ahead of Annual Omolayole Lecture

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians as it prepares to host the annual Omolayole Management Lecture. The forum, which is one of the country’s most respected platforms for leadership and economic dialogue, will once again bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and emerging innovators to address Nigeria’s pressing developmental challenges.

This year’s edition of the lecture is themed around the critical role of innovation in transforming Nigeria’s economy, with a strong focus on empowering the youth. LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, noted that the lecture provides an opportunity to highlight how Nigeria’s large youth population can be turned into an engine of growth if given the right tools, mentorship, and opportunities. “The future of our economy rests on our young people. By supporting their creativity and drive, we can unlock new solutions to the challenges we face today,” he said.

The Omolayole Lecture, named after the late Dr. Michael Omolayole, a celebrated Nigerian corporate leader and management expert, has become a platform where the values of ethical leadership, innovation, and enterprise are promoted. Organisers stressed that this year’s event would not only honour his legacy but also spotlight the need for fresh ideas in tackling Nigeria’s economic headwinds.

According to LCCI, the choice to centre youth innovation in this year’s discussions reflects the realities of the Nigerian economy, where unemployment and underemployment remain high among the youth demographic. The Chamber believes that addressing these issues requires a deliberate strategy to channel young Nigerians’ creativity into productive ventures that can generate jobs, wealth, and inclusive growth.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as timely given the country’s economic climate. With inflationary pressures, high interest rates, and a challenging business environment, the private sector has increasingly looked to digital technology, startups, and innovation hubs as pathways to resilience. By giving young entrepreneurs a platform, the Omolayole Lecture is expected to spark conversations that can shape policy and inspire action.

Several young innovators are expected to share their experiences at the event, showcasing solutions they have developed in sectors such as fintech, agriculture, energy, and creative industries. LCCI believes that these stories will demonstrate the transformative power of innovation and serve as encouragement to other youths who are struggling to navigate Nigeria’s difficult economic environment.

The Chamber also revealed that the event would host government representatives and corporate executives who will interact directly with the young entrepreneurs. This, according to Idahosa, is critical for bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that innovative ideas receive the support they need to scale.

Experts argue that one of the most significant contributions of the Omolayole Lecture is its emphasis on values-driven leadership and mentorship. In past editions, business icons and thought leaders have emphasized the need for discipline, integrity, and adaptability—qualities that are essential for young innovators seeking to thrive in Nigeria’s fast-changing economy.

As preparations intensify, there is growing anticipation about the practical outcomes of this year’s discussions. Analysts believe that beyond the dialogue, what will matter most is how stakeholders commit to actionable steps that can translate ideas into impact. These include funding support for startups, investment in innovation hubs, and stronger collaborations between universities, the private sector, and government agencies.

Dr. Omolayole’s legacy as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s corporate world continues to inspire the lecture series. Known for his passion for excellence and his contributions to management practice, his vision for a vibrant private sector driven by innovation remains relevant today. Organisers stressed that this year’s lecture, while forward-looking, is deeply rooted in those values.

The LCCI leadership noted that the Nigerian economy cannot continue to rely solely on traditional sectors such as oil and gas for growth. Instead, the future lies in the creativity and resilience of young Nigerians who are building solutions in technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and services. By spotlighting youth innovation, the Omolayole Lecture seeks to send a clear message that the country’s most valuable resource is not its natural endowments, but its people.

The 2025 edition of the lecture is therefore expected to serve as a rallying point for collective action in transforming the ideas of Nigerian youth into sustainable businesses that can compete on the global stage. It is anticipated that commitments made during the forum will feed into policy advocacy efforts by the Chamber, ensuring that the voices of young innovators are amplified in national discourse.

As the countdown to the event begins, expectations are high that this year’s Omolayole Lecture will not only honour a legend of Nigerian corporate history but also chart a path for the next generation of innovators to thrive. In a nation eager for solutions to economic hardship, the spotlight on youth innovation could not be more timely.