LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship by sponsoring the grand finale of the UNILAG Press Week and the “Pitch Your Business with LAPO MfB” competition, held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the University of Lagos.
Organised by the UNILAG Press Club as part of its Press Freedom Retreat, the event brought together student entrepreneurs, media enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders in a vibrant showcase of innovation, creativity, and enterprise.
The highlight of the event was the “Pitch Your Business with LAPO MfB” competition, where participants were evaluated based on creativity, scalability, value proposition, originality, and presentation. After a highly competitive session, three outstanding entrepreneurs emerged as winners:
- Winner: Bobade Mosope — Chow by Momo
- First Runner-Up: Toluwalase Akinyemi — Vox Deed
- Second Runner-Up: Saidat Giwa — Heedar.co
Each of the top three winners received a cash prize of ₦100,000, courtesy of LAPO Microfinance Bank, to support the growth and development of their businesses.
Speaking on the Bank’s involvement, Oluremi Akande, Director, Marketing and Communications, LAPO Microfinance Bank, noted that the initiative reflects the Bank’s deliberate focus on empowering young people with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
“At LAPO Microfinance Bank, we believe that young people are critical drivers of innovation and economic growth. Platforms like this provide not just funding, but also visibility and confidence for emerging entrepreneurs to scale their ideas. Our support for the UNILAG Press Week and this pitch competition reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders and creators,” Akande said.
He further highlighted that LAPO MfB remains committed to creating sustainable pathways for youth entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and access to finance.
Also speaking, Mariam Tijani, President of the UNILAG Press Club, expressed appreciation to LAPO Microfinance Bank for its support and commitment to student development.
“The UNILAG Press Week is designed not only to promote press freedom and journalistic excellence, but also to broaden the horizons of our members and the wider student community. Partnering with LAPO Microfinance Bank has enabled us to provide a platform where young people can showcase their entrepreneurial potential and access real opportunities for growth. We are grateful for their support in making this a success,” she said.
The UNILAG Press Club, in hosting the Press Freedom Retreat and Press Week activities, reaffirmed its role in nurturing future media professionals while also creating platforms that encourage innovation beyond journalism.
The partnership between LAPO MfB and the UNILAG Press Club underscores the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and youth-driven organisations in building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
