Govt Unveils Business Platform in Lagos Community

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Iru Kingdom, has unveiled the Oniru Business and Cultural Day, a new platform designed to formally connect culture, commerce and community development within the Iruland axis of Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots economic growth.

The initiative was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday, following a press conference held at the Palace of the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, where key stakeholders gathered to outline the vision and objectives of the programme.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, described the initiative as a strategic response to the need for structure, collaboration and inclusive partnerships in driving sustainable local economic development.

She explained that the Oniru Business and Cultural Day, scheduled to hold on February 14, 2026, will serve as a platform for indigenous and expatriate businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with clients and investors, and engage with government agencies, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector.

Ambrose noted that the platform is designed to move discussions beyond theory, focusing instead on practical solutions to real issues such as access to finance, regulatory compliance, infrastructure, tourism development, local content, digital adoption and youth employment, while also embedding cultural identity as a foundation for growth.

“The Oniru Business and Cultural Day provides a space where businesses can tell their stories, connect meaningfully with partners, and engage government MDAs and development institutions in conversations that lead to real solutions, not abstract discussions,” she said.

“It also serves as a cultural anchor, reminding us that development thrives best where people feel respected, included and seen. This is not merely an event, but a thoughtful and intentional intervention in how we organise the relationship between culture and commerce in Lagos,” she added.

In his address, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal said the Oniru Business and Cultural Day and the Oniru Business Network were conceived to create a credible and trusted interface for stakeholder engagement, acknowledging the support of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and describing the partnership as a sustainable model that blends cultural legitimacy with regulatory leadership and policy direction.