By Yemisi Suleiman

Abiola Kila Onalaja, founder of Abiola Inspires and convener of the Inspire To Excel programme, is redefining youth empowerment in Nigeria.

Through mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and financial opportunities, she is paving the way for young Nigerians to break barriers and achieve success in their careers and businesses.

At the recently concluded Inspire To Excel event at Lagos Oriental Hotel, industry leaders, innovators, and seasoned professionals came together to share insights, strategies, and financial resources to help young entrepreneurs and professionals navigate their journeys. The programme, designed to equip participants with practical skills and tools, tackled the real challenges facing Nigeria’s youth while offering actionable solutions to accelerate their growth.

One of the event’s standout moments was the provision of startup funding, giving participants a much-needed financial push to scale their businesses. This hands-on approach reinforced Onalaja’s mission: to not just inspire but actively equip young Nigerians with the resources to succeed.
Reflecting on her journey, Onalaja shared: “Many young people have the drive to succeed but lack guidance. If I had more mentorship early on, I could have advanced faster. This realisation pushed me to create Inspire To Excel—so that as I rise, I take others with me. Success should not be a solo journey.”
Beyond just business, Onalaja emphasised the critical role of entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s economic future:
“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy. They generate revenue, create jobs, and fuel innovation. But beyond entrepreneurship, technology and innovation are vital for professionals in any field. To remain competitive in today’s fast-paced world, Nigerians must not only keep up but lead.”
Onalaja also urged participants to embrace self-reliance and proactive growth, rather than depending solely on government interventions.
“Government initiatives exist, but real change begins with us. If every individual commits to personal and professional growth, we’ll build a stronger nation. The government is the people—when we rise, the nation rises with us.”
Beyond a one-time gathering, Inspire To Excel is building a mentorship-driven community, offering continuous support through webinars, networking, and hands-on business guidance. Participants will have ongoing access to tools and strategies that ensure they not only dream big but achieve big.
“This is only the beginning,” Onalaja declared. “We’re not just gathering people; we’re creating a system that ensures growth. Nigerian youths have all it takes to excel—now, we’re giving them the tools to do it. And as you climb, don’t go alone. Take as many people as you can with you.”
Also speaking at the event, Founder, Generation Next, Olufunke Fajusibe, said, “a world without the next phase is a dead world. The next generation is the power and future of the world. For us at Generation Next, our goal is to ensure that young Nigerians have two feet on the ground in all ramifications. The youths need to be supported and encouraged and this is what Inspire to Excel is about – dream, grow and achieve.”
Through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Inspire To Excel is not just transforming lives—it’s shaping Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.