By Abubakar Yunusa
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria and the Lagos state employment trust fund (LSETF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote entrepreneurship and provide critical support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
According to a statement, the agreement, signed during a recent event held at LSETF’s office in Lagos, would stimulate economic growth within the state and Nigeria.
Feyisayo Alayande, executive secretary of LSETF, was said to have signed on behalf of the agency, while Oluwatoyin Atanda, the 2025 national president of JCI Nigeria, represented the organisation.
“The event was graced by prominent stakeholders from both organizations, underscoring the importance of this joint effort,” the statement reads.
“Also present at the signing were Yudhish Rohee, International Vice President of JCI, and leaders from various JCI local organizations across Nigeria, demonstrating the nationwide significance of this partnership.”
Speaking at the signing, Alayande said the collaboration aligns with LSETF’s mandate to drive job creation and economic empowerment.
Sharing similar sentiments, Atanda emphasised the partnership’s potential to uplift and support young entrepreneurs.
“JCI Nigeria is dedicated to empowering young people to become active citizens and create sustainable impact,” Atanda said.
“This partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund will provide crucial resources, mentorship, and opportunities for young entrepreneurs to thrive, contribute to the economy, and build a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria.”
On his part, Rohee described the agreement as a “powerful example” of what can be achieved through collaboration.
“The synergy between LSETF and JCI Nigeria will spark the vital innovation and contribute to the development of SMEs in Nigeria,” Rohee was quoted as saying.
“I am immensely proud to witness this historic moment and am eager to see the widespread positive outcomes this collaboration will foster throughout Nigeria and beyond.”
The statement added that the partnership underscores a shared commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, creating employment opportunities, and driving sustainable economic development within Lagos and across Nigeria.
During the proceedings, NBC acknowledged that the FCCPC had obtained evidence showing that the mislabelling of the zero-sugar Limca Lime-Lemon variant was caused by a production error at its Abuja factory — one of eight facilities operated by the company.
In its revised appeal, NBC emphasised that the mislabeling was unintentional and not deliberate.
Represented by Oluseye Opasanya, NBC’s legal team filed an appeal with number CCPT/APP/6/2024 on September 5, 2024, arguing that the commission’s conclusions were unfounded and exceeded its statutory authority.
In response, Ojenike defended the commission’s statutory mandate, empowering FCCPC to issue and enforce penalties for corporate or consumer violations.
The counselor urged the tribunal to dismiss NBC’s appeal as lacking merit and to uphold the FCCPC’s directives.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.

