By Jimmy Fatunbi
Business leaders, policymakers and representatives of the organised private sector gathered in Lagos on Wednesday as Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under the leadership of Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo hosted the maiden edition of the Chairman’s Business Exchange – “Give to Gain” Corporate Engagement, a high-level forum designed to deepen collaboration between government and the corporate community.
The event, held at The Grandeur Event Centre, also commemorated the global celebration of International Women’s Day and attracted senior executives from companies operating within the Onigbongbo business corridor, alongside political leaders and policymakers.
Among dignitaries present were Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya Special Adviser to the Governor on SGDs, Mr. Abdul‑Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation & Revenue, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change & Circular Economy, Mr. Durojaiye Babatunde SSA to the Governor on Local government and rural developments, and Mr. Michael Folorunsho SSA to the governor on SDGs alongside leaders from across the business community.
The evening began with a cocktail reception and curated business networking session that enabled executives and entrepreneurs to interact with government representatives before the formal programme commenced.
Addressing participants during the event, the Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and enterprise in building sustainable economic growth.
“Strong economies are not built by government alone they are built through partnership. Government may create policy, but businesses create opportunity, and when both work together with clarity and trust, development moves faster and prosperity becomes shared,” he said.
The Chairman noted that the initiative was designed to establish a structured platform where the local government and private sector could engage on issues affecting the business environment within the LCDA, including security, enterprise growth, and public–private collaboration.
Highlighting the administration’s development framework, he explained that the council’s policy direction is guided by the FINE Agenda an acronym representing the administration’s priorities to Foster economic growth and equitable resource allocation, Invest in the people, Nurture ideas and enterprises, and Ensure wellbeing, security, and good governance.
He further announced steps taken by the council to institutionalise collaboration with the private sector.
“Let tonight not just be a conversation. Let it be the start of a new alliance between government and enterprise one that will shape the economic future of Onigbongbo LCDA for years to come,” the Chairman said.
“To support this vision, we have established a Public–Private Partnership Desk in the Office of the Chairman to engage with organisations interested in partnering with the LCDA on initiatives that promote economic development and community wellbeing.”
Participants at the event were also encouraged to scan QR codes placed on each table to submit partnership ideas, proposals, and recommendations aimed at improving the business ecosystem within the council area.
In recognition of the significance of International Women’s Day, the Chairman also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s leadership.
Reflecting on his personal inspiration, he said he was raised by a mother who instilled in him the values of supporting and empowering women, noting that those values continue to guide his leadership.
According to him, this commitment was recently demonstrated through the composition of the council’s executive cabinet, which includes 35 percent female representation.
“When women rise, societies rise with them. When women lead, the future becomes stronger,” he stated.
Stakeholders who attended the event described the Chairman’s Business Exchange as a timely initiative that could strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector within one of Lagos State’s most commercially active districts.
The engagement concluded with continued networking among corporate leaders and policymakers, with many participants expressing optimism that the platform would become a regular forum for dialogue and partnership in the development of the business ecosystem in Onigbogbo LCDA.
