By Esther Onyegbula

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Entourage Integrated Trust Limited, Mr. Seyi Asagun, has been named among Nigeria’s Top Strategic CEOs of the Most Transformative Companies in 2025, in recognition of his role in expanding access to finance for small businesses and deepening financial inclusion.

The recognition, published in The Guardian Special Projects, spotlights business leaders whose organisations are contributing significantly to economic growth and innovation across key sectors.

Asagun’s inclusion is largely attributed to his impact in the microfinance sector, where he has led Entourage Integrated Trust Limited to scale its operations across 31 states, providing funding support to thousands of micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMEs.

Under his leadership, the firm has adopted a hybrid model that combines digital lending platforms with grassroots financial engagement, aimed at reaching underserved entrepreneurs who are often excluded from traditional banking systems.

Industry observers note that the expansion comes at a time when access to credit remains a major constraint for small businesses in Nigeria, many of which struggle with high interest rates and stringent lending conditions.
Reacting to the recognition, Asagun reiterated that limited access to capital continues to pose a significant challenge to MSMEs, stressing the need for more structured and inclusive financial systems.

He said: “Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses in Nigeria. There is a need to improve financial literacy and build structured lending systems that support sustainable growth.”
With over two decades of experience spanning banking and microfinance, Asagun has focused on developing financing solutions tailored to the needs of small business owners, while also promoting financial education as a tool for long-term business sustainability.

His leadership, stakeholders say, is helping to bridge the funding gap in the MSME segment, a critical driver of employment and economic activity, thereby reinforcing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial inclusion landscape.