WED AUG 12 2026-theGBJournal| The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has officially launched Access to Market, a strategic initiative designed to connect Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with real commercial opportunities, while unveiling the Lagos on Display Pop-Up Market 2.0 at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja.
The three-day event, held from August 6th to 8th, 2026, brought together 300 MSMEs from across Lagos State to showcase the diversity, innovation, and quality of products and services developed by Lagos entrepreneurs
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs. Oyindamola Egbeyemi, Director of Programmes and Coordination at LSETF, said the initiative reflects the Fund’s recognition that business growth requires more than just access to finance.
Mrs. Egbeyemi expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment for its support and commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for creating an enabling environment for enterprise development across the state.
She noted that Lagos, with a population of over 20 million people, remains one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic markets, offering businesses the opportunity to grow beyond the state and into regional and international markets.
Highlighting the impact of LSETF’s interventions, she shared the story of a beneficiary who progressed from receiving an LSETF grant to accessing a ₦2 million loan, expanding her business to Kenya, and exporting products to the United Kingdom. “These are the kind of success stories that inspire us, and we believe many more will emerge from the entrepreneurs participating in this event,” she added.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Lateef Demilola Shitta, Director of Employment, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, described Access to Market as a major milestone in strengthening Lagos State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
He stated that as the Ministry and LSETF mark 10 years of impact, the Fund has achieved significant measurable results.
He added that LSETF has also supported over 82,000 businesses through capacity-building initiatives, including training, advisory services, and business development support.
“Capacity without access to markets limits the full potential of enterprise growth. An entrepreneur may be trained and financed, but without meaningful opportunities to reach customers and commercial partners, that knowledge can not translate into sustained business success. Access to Market is designed to close that gap,” he said.
Supporting the Digital Entrepreneur
Mr. Shitta observed that many of the exhibitors have built successful businesses primarily through digital platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and online marketplaces.
On legislative support for entrepreneurship in Lagos State, in a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the Clerk of the House, Hon. Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for entrepreneurship and economic development.
On Business Support and Government Collaboration, LSETF announced that loan application support and business advisory services will be available throughout the event.
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