International Students’ Day: Entrepreneurship is viable economic engine, not a plan B – CEO, Lahmad Concept

The Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday disbursed a total of N5.4 million to support 15 student entrepreneurs across the state to transform traditional celebrations into meaningful empowerment

The event, held in commemoration of the 2025 International Students’ Day and themed “Entrepreneurship for Development: Igniting Students as Catalysts for Economic Prosperity,” brought together policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and hundreds of applicants at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.

Representing the Governor, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and economic opportunity, noting that the state’s vision is to produce young people who are bold, skill-driven, and future-ready.

“This initiative aligns with our long-term effort to inspire innovation, reduce unemployment, and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kwara State,” he stated.

The keynote address was delivered by CEO, Lahmad Concept Limited, Mr. Ahmad Lawal, who challenged students to view entrepreneurship as a viable economic engine, not a plan B.

He encouraged the students to be creative and start business early, adding financial literacy is an important skill to make and keep money.

“Branding is the promise you give your customers about your business and identity. Building a brand is different from building a business. Many students study businesses without understanding the brand. You need to understand the two clearly,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Salami Wasiu Onidugbe, explained that the initiative was fully funded by the Kwara State Government. He emphasized that celebrations like this should translate into life-changing impacts and not just ceremonies.

“We will be conducting strict post-assessments to ensure accountability and proper utilization of funds,” he added.

Also addressing the beneficiaries, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Abdulrazaq Jiddah, encouraged the recipients to make the best use of the funds. He shared his personal story, noting that he had been an entrepreneur all his life and never earned a salary from anyone until he was appointed SSA.

“Take your business seriously, because entrepreneurship is not just survival; it is a pathway to independence, dignity, and impact,” he said.

Delivering her address, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, encouraged students to leverage available opportunities to build capacity and strengthen self-reliance.

In addition to the keynote presentations, the highlights of the ceremony included competitive business pitch presentations judged by a panel led by Professor Mubarak Soni. After a highly engaging pitch session, Zainab Omodolapo, a 500-level University of Ilorin student and founder of Beyond Beans, emerged as the overall winner, receiving a ₦1,000,000 grant.

In her speech, Zainab described Beyond Beans as more than food calling it “a lifesaver for students who crave the warmth of home, need convenience, or have very little to survive on.” She appreciated the government for investing in youth-led enterprise and pledged proper accountability and impact.

The first runner-up, Waheed Lukman Olarewaju, received ₦800,000, while the second runner-up, Lawal Atinuke Faizat, received ₦600,000. The remaining 12 finalists received ₦250,000 each.

In closing, Hon. Onidugbe noted that this edition builds on last year’s cultural celebration and assured participants that next year’s observance will be even bigger and more impactful.