#TEF2021: Goodwill Message By Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Protocol,

I want to appreciate the Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, an iconic personality, Mr. Tony Elumelu, CON. for the passion he has continued to demonstrate towards supporting young people on the African continents to develop their entrepreneurial skills into thriving business enterprises.

It is to the credit of this Foundation that since its inception, about 11,000 young entrepreneurs have been empowered and a lot more are still being supported as we are witnessing today. I am particularly delighted to note, that as a result of the commitment of Mr. Tony Elumelu and other members of the Foundation to this programme, we are witnessing the unleashing of extraordinary capacities by young people who are making great strides in the activities of their MSMEs, creating employment opportunities and alleviating poverty.

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives, businesses, national and global economies. I am however pleased and grateful that inspite of the setback occasioned by the pandemic, the Foundation is pushing through with the 2021 Entrepreneurship programme where selected beneficiaries will each receive a non-refundable seed of $5000 amongst other business management support. This is quite commendable and worthy of emulation.

To the beneficiaries of this year’s Entrepreneurship programme, I congratulate you. I believe your dreams, passion and ideas have brought you this far and I look forward to the positive impact you will make in your different areas of interest with this seed money.

Once again, I appreciate Tony Elumelu for this golden opportunity he is presenting to young African entrepreneurs through the Foundation and this entrepreneurship programme.

Thank you.

Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State
10th November, 2021