The Ògbómòṣo Enterprise Dialogue 2025, hosted by Ominira Initiative in partnership with The Assembly by Ennovate Lab, brought together 55 young entrepreneurs, innovators, tech enthusiasts, and students for a transformative conversation on the future of youth innovation and technology-driven business growth. Held on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, the event focused on the theme, “Youth Innovation & Startups: Leveraging Tech for Service and Profit Optimization,” and provided practical strategies for building sustainable enterprises in a digital age.
The Dialogue opened with an engaging networking session anchored by Adedapo Akinola and Bayonle Fesobi, setting the stage for active participation and knowledge sharing. In their opening remarks, Temiloluwa Oyeniyi and Elizabeth Olasunkanmi emphasized the value of innovation-led entrepreneurship and the importance of digital tools in helping young founders scale their businesses. They introduced the work of Ominira Initiative and Ennovate Lab and highlighted their shared commitment to strengthening the local innovation ecosystem in Ogbomoso.
A lively 1-minute business pitch competition followed, featuring five young entrepreneurs who presented their ideas with clarity and creativity. Two winners emerged after evaluation by the judges, inspiring participants to refine their ideas and explore new opportunities.
The keynote address, delivered by Ola Okegbemi of Ennovate Lab, centered on the theme “Innovating with Purpose: Thinking, Building, and Scaling in a Digital Age.” He stressed that innovation begins with identifying and understanding real human pain points before building solutions. He encouraged entrepreneurs to build “painkillers” rather than “vitamins”; solutions that solve urgent problems, and reminded the audience that technology amplifies existing value rather than creating it. He also emphasized the importance of micro-improvements, niche solutions, and strong organizational culture. His message concluded with reflective questions that challenged participants to think intentionally about the problems they aim to solve and the long-term passion that drives them.
A short video session reinforced key ideas around disciplined innovation and thoughtful decision-making. The panel discussion that followed which was anchored by Temiloluwa Oyeniyi featuring Favour Afolabi, Funto Adesola, and Ola Okegbemi, delivered practical insights on the realities of growing a business. The panelists discussed the non-linear nature of entrepreneurial success, the importance of focusing on impact over income, and the value of affordable digital tools like Google Sheets and Google Keep Notes for early-stage founders. They pointed out common mistakes made by young entrepreneurs, such as unclear target markets, weak business structures, and poor financial systems, and stressed the importance of good governance, discipline, and consistency. The panel concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs to start small, grow gradually, and use technology as an enabler rather than the core of their business.
The event also featured a book presentation by Bayonle Fesobi, who reviewed two entrepreneurship-focused books by Eammon Butler. Participants received free copies, thanks to the event’s sponsors, adding to the practical value the Dialogue offered.
Closing remarks by Temiloluwa Oyeniyi expressed appreciation to the sponsors and partners who made the Dialogue possible. Even after the programme formally ended, participants continued networking, exchanging ideas, and capturing memorable moments. Many described the Dialogue as inspiring, practical, and deeply relevant to their entrepreneurial journeys.
The 2025 Ògbómòṣo Enterprise Dialogue successfully equipped young innovators with clarity, knowledge, and tools to build impactful, technology-enhanced businesses. Through powerful conversations and hands-on insights, the event reaffirmed Ominira Initiative’s and Ennovate Lab’s commitment to empowering youth entrepreneurship and supporting a digitally enabled economic future for Ogbomoso and beyond.
