The 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 billed to hold between September 23rd – October 1st, at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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.
There are 14 engaging businesses and trade related events that have been lined up for the festival including, The MaIN Expo, MaIN Idea, MaIN Agenda, MaIN Summit and The Supremacy festival; 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.
The festival is open to all Nigerian brands and businesses providing products and services for the Nigerian market. It is designed to create opportunities and foster networking as over 600 exhibitors comprising global brands and Nigeria’s biggest brands and businesses make up the exposition.
MaIN Expo will cover over 22 sectors including key thematic areas among which are telecommunications, banking and finance, healthcare, furniture, food and beverage, automobile, fashion and beauty among others.
One of the interactive sessions billed for the event are designed to engage entrepreneurs and 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.
MaIN Festival – which runs from September 23-October 1st, 2016, comprises a 3-day Summit, an exhibition, a technology expo 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 organised 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.
