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By Henry Ojelu

Growth Africa Startup, a growth frontier dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs has graduated it’s first set of trainees in it’s training and mentorship programme.

The training which started in January, had 50 young startups trained at the Lagos Business School for a week.

The firm had said the training is to empower these startups to become billionaire entrepreneurs through training, technology, and reorientation.

Samuel Ajiboyede,  Group Managing Director,  Growth Africa, at the graduation ceremony said the company is glad to have successfully completed the training which started early this year.

He said with the training each startup is to experience a shift towards growth and expansion, adding that out of the 21 startups, seven of them will be full partners with Growth Africa.

“I congratulate you all on your journey towards being billionaire entrepreneurs.” Ajiboyede  said.

On her part, Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, LBS’ academic director, entrepreneurship innovative centre, congratulated the entrepreneurs for successfully scaling through both the training  and mentorship. 

She added that the graduation shouldn’t  be the end of it for them, putting into consideration the main purpose for being entrepreneurs which is to solve problems. 

“What I see is the future of Nigeria, as far as I’m concerned, Nigeria is different. Also, we must use what we have to transform societies and the lives around us,” she said.

“Honestly, I am proud of all of you because you’re not just seen as entrepreneurs  but there is now a difference in you people. Please don’t  forget to solve problems facing the world because it provides an easier way for people to live better.”

She further urged then to  remain consistent and jeep a track record wherever they are.

“So don’t  be surprised where you are, you are on a ladder and have to remain steady. So no matter where you are, keep a track record. That you came into this programme, some of you must have thought you’ve been trained, mentored and so the next thing is to change your status,” she added.

“Your attitude is your altitude. The way you were able to maintain your steadiness when you were small should be same when you become big. Also, when the changes come, be ethical. Being ethical makes you sharp and wise but being unethical could  cost you to losing some businesses.”

Some outstanding startups were present with gifts and wards.