By Economics & Human Resources Correspondent
Lagos – May 1, 2026 – Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and CEO of Moniepoint Incorporated, sharply criticised Nigeria’s get-rich-quick culture. During the recent programme at The Platform Nigeria, convened by Pastor Poju Oyemade, he stressed self-mastery. Consequently, he emphasised execution over ideas. He insisted that disciplined follow-through guarantees success, not ideas alone. Furthermore, the event’s powerful theme, “Unlocking the Second Half Advantage: Transition, Impact and Legacy”, inspired entrepreneurs and professionals alike.
Eniolorunda’s session, titled “It Is Not About Ideas; It’s About Making Ideas Happen”, attracted a packed audience. First, he identified anxiety as the greatest enemy entrepreneurs face. He said, “The biggest problem of an entrepreneur is yourself, and when you conquer yourself, you conquer the world. Conclusively, as an entrepreneur, your biggest challenge is anxiety.” Then, he outlined a seven-point framework of foundational assets based on his experience building a fintech that processes billions of naira monthly.
Clarity Through Hard Numbers – “Go and Know Them”
Eniolorunda warned attendees against vague ambitions. Therefore, he urged business owners to know exact targets for revenue, market share, and profit. He stressed, “If you don’t know these numbers, go and know them.” Additionally, he challenged leaders who build organisational structures around smart individuals rather than business goals. He advised, “Structures should be done in service of the goals that you have, not in service of the individuals that are smart.” Ultimately, his core message underscored the importance of intentional systems designed to outlast any person.
Moreover, Eniolorunda addressed Nigeria’s misleading role model crisis. He stated, “We have a role model problem, and this stems from the people they see around them.” Furthermore, he noted Nigeria’s 200 million population offers many alternatives to negative role models like “big Yahoo boys” or “hook-up babes”. Therefore, young Nigerians should aspire to legitimate wealth through sustainable, productive pathways.
500 Vacancies Highlight Human Capital Alarm
Eniolorunda revealed a startling labour market issue: Moniepoint currently lists over 500 vacancies. However, qualified Nigerian applicants remain scarce. He explained that Moniepoint operates in a competitive global fintech environment. Therefore, it requires talent that meets international standards. He said, “All we need to do is develop our human capital.” Consequently, his insight highlights a growing skills mismatch threatening Nigeria’s ability to attract and grow tech-driven enterprises.
A Dual-Venue Format Targets Different Career Stages
The Platform Nigeria 2026 split into two parallel tracks to address varying career needs. First, Track One took place at The Covenant Place, Iganmu, under the theme “It Is Not About Ideas; It’s About Making Ideas Happen.” This track targeted young entrepreneurs actively building and running businesses. Former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun set the tone by sharing her experience running nine businesses, six of which she failed. Then, she reframed failure as a diagnostic tool, not a defeat. Additionally, notable speakers included Vusi Thembekwayo, who discussed xenophobia and African unity. Furthermore, Affiong Williams, Nancy Ogbue, John Alamu, and Ngozi Akinyele focused on enterprise, leadership, and future work trends.
Track Two took place at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, under the theme “Unlocking the Second Half Advantage: Transition, Impact and Legacy”. It targeted professionals over 40 navigating mid-career transitions. Speakers included Abubakar Suleiman (Sterling Bank), Dr Babs Omotowa, Prof. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu (Nairametrics), Temilola Adepetun, Mezuo Nwuneli, Ndidi Ukaonu, and Bode Abifarin.
₦150 Million Grant Bootcamp Supports Existing Startups
Pastor Poju Oyemade announced a ₦150 million grant pool aimed at startups seeking to pivot or scale. He described it as a “targeted economic safety net” responding to rising inflation and tighter credit conditions affecting MSMEs across Nigeria. Furthermore, registration officially opened May 1, 2026. The programme features a structured bootcamp and pitch-based funding. Moreover, selection criteria prioritise operational startups with clear metrics, scalable models, and compelling video pitches. Ultimately, this private-sector intervention aims to bridge critical funding gaps for struggling small businesses.
From Ideas to Action – A National Reorientation
Together, the dual-venue format, grant initiative, and Eniolorunda’s remarks craft a coherent national agenda. Speakers argued that ideas alone are cheap; instead, execution, discipline, and self-mastery remain rare. Moreover, Nigeria’s shift from an import-dependent economy to a producer nation requires more than capital. Therefore, it demands a workforce with globally competitive skills and entrepreneurs grounded in clarity and purpose.
As attendees departed under the Lagos sun, a pressing question lingered: will Nigeria’s second-half advantage belong to the disciplined and swift or to those chasing shortcuts?
