One of Nigeria’s foremost banking entrepreneurs and Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) PLC, Segun Agbaje, is billed to lead a roundtable for entrepreneurs at the forthcoming Made-In-Nigeria (MaIN) Festival – holding between September 23rd – October 1st, at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With 14 engaging business and trade related events lined up, MaIN Festival promises to be invigorating. They include: The MaIN Expo, MaIN Idea, MaIN Agenda, MaIN Summit and The Supremacy.
Open to all Nigerian brands and businesses providing products and services for the Nigerian market, Made-in-Nigeria (MaIN) Expo, is designed to create opportunities and foster networking. Over 600 exhibitors comprising global brands and Nigeria’s biggest brands and businesses make up the exposition.
MaIN Expo covers over 22 sectors including key thematic areas. They include: food and beverage, auto, healthcare, fashion and beauty, telecommunications, furniture, banking and finance.
The Made-In-Nigeria (MaIN) idea –is a private sector-driven initiative that seeks to create a platform for the maximum expression of the true Nigerian spirit of creativity, enterprise and resilience among others.
An interactive session designed to engage entrepreneurs, the session will highlight the role of small businesses in transforming the Nigerian economy. The session would also address pertinent issues including funding for SME’s, innovation and emerging opportunities for entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Agbaje is also expected to underscore the impact of Made-In-Nigeria innovation as the panacea to reducing unemployment and creating wealth for Nigerians.
With over three decades of experience in the banking and finance sector, Agbaje joined GTBank – one of Africa’s foremost banks – based in Lagos, Nigeria, as a pioneer staff in 1991. He served in different capacities – across different groups in the bank.
On account of his exemplary style and work ethic, Agbaje rose through the ranks. In 2000, he was appointed as an Executive Director and later appointed as Deputy Managing Director in 2002. By 2011, he was appointed as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer.
With the theme: “Innovate. Connect. Power The Future” MaIN Festival seeks to enhance innovation and productivity while improving domestic and foreign investments. Entrepreneurs, especially small scale businesses would be empowered to reach new markets and potential investors during the festival, while international Trade Missions would also explore opportunities that are available in Africa’s largest economy.
MaIN Festival – which runs from September 23-October 1st, 2016, comprises a 3-day Summit, an exhibition, a technology exposition and a daily showcase of Nigeria’s finest foods and flavours, movies, fashion, music and art. Over 5,000 Nigerians have already signed up to be part of this year’s festival.
The grand finale of the festival is a special celebration of Nigeria’s independence comprising a phenomenal showcase of music artistry that would also take place at Eko Atlantic City.
MaIN Festival is being organized by the MaIN Group in partnership with Business Day Newspapers as well as other private sector organisations. Board of Advisors of the initiative include: Prince Adesegun Oniru, Mr. Aliko Dangote, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Okoli, Mr. Ronald Chagoury, Mr. Jim Ovia and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.