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A Niche Entrepreneurial Mentorship Academy Berths in Lagos
The Entrepreneurial elite of Nigeria has come together under the umbrella of the Ausso Leadership Academy (ALA) to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem with personalized mentorship to maximize jobs created by entrepreneurs to ensure shared prosperity. This has been inspired by the unprecedented success in entrepreneurship at Silicon Valley, which has been underpinned by a strong mentorship culture.
ALA aims to Impact at least 200 Entrepreneurs each year in cohorts of 40 per Masterclass, with the first Masterclass coming on stream as early as April and for which registration has commenced. It is expected that the entrepreneurs will achieve double-digit growth in their Revenue a year after impact and would have imbibed a code of Governance and a culture of Succession and Legacy.
Nigeria is at a point when the ecosystem is visibly maturing and entrepreneurial opportunities are vastly increasing. ALA’s goal is to drive economic development through high-impact entrepreneurs, who will become a strong economic force that can take advantage of the opportunities to transform the country.
According to the promoter of ALA, Austin Okere, “One of the cardinal principles of the Ausso Leadership Academy is to instill the mentality of building a Solid Structure for the business with more emphasis on Institutionalization than the concept of an All-Knowing Strongman; an erroneous concept which has led to the demise of many enterprises after the departure of the founder.”
Austin Okere was also the founder of CWG Plc, the largest security in the ICT Sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Austin has subsequently honed his craft in Entrepreneurial Executive Education, becoming an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Columbia Business School, New York and being appointed into the Advisory Board of the Global Business School Network (GBSN) in Washington DC.
On what inspired him to set up the Academy, Austin explained: “Being a serial entrepreneur, it was intuitive for me to conceive the idea of the Ausso Leadership Academy and the unique differentiation it offers.” He continued “the first inspiration was what I would have advised my younger self, and the second inspiration was to be the Mentor I wish I had.”
The huge gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is due to the lack of a personalized mentorship program to complement what professors teach entrepreneurs at business schools. Entrepreneurs are best mentored by other entrepreneurs who understand the trailblazing journey and how to spot opportunities from challenges and create new businesses for themselves and others.
The need for resourcefulness and an innovative mindset to reinvent oneself when disruption knocks on the door is a key skill which entrepreneurs need to imbibe. ALA provides the medium for Veteran Entrepreneurs to pass on this experiential skill, emphasizing what has worked in their own journeys, and the pitfalls to avoid.
The Champions of Entrepreneurship are role models who reinvest their knowledge, credibility and time in the next generation of entrepreneurs, thus multiplying their network and influence. Among the Champions who will be sharing their experience are Ibukun Awosika, Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Tony Elumelu, John Momoh, Frank Aigbogun, Austin Avuru, Dotun Suleiman, Ndidi Nwuneli, Ernest Ndukwe, Mitchel Elegbe, Charles Anudu, Seyi Bickerseth and Deji Alli to mention a few.
The Faculty are seasoned practitioners who have also honed their skills working with entrepreneurs in various capacities. They include Austin Okere, Chris Stephenson, Opeyemi Agbaje and Rasheed Olaoluwa. On why he accepted to be a faculty at ALA, Chris said “Austin is one of Africa’s leading Tech Entrepreneurs, and I’ve been working with him since 2010. I want to get behind his exciting new venture and continue our partnership.”
He continued “I would recommend the Academy to prospective participants because Entrepreneurs need a clear Vision and Operational Plan with which to inspire colleagues, investors and other stakeholders. The Academy will bring them the thinking, approaches, tips and tricks that its faculty have all learned the hard way. More importantly, it will provide them with the framework, network and above all confidence for success, whatever their venture.”
According to Opeyemi Agbaje, he bought into the program because he believes that “efforts to tackle corruption must recognize its socio-economic linkages, especially poverty and unemployment. An effective and sustainable anti-corruption strategy must be anchored in the context of an ambitious economic reform program that creates employment in large numbers to foster inclusive economic growth. This is what I believe the Ausso Leadership Academy brings to the table and why I want to contribute my quota.”
Rasheed Olawoluwa, on the other hand, says “Entrepreneurial Leadership is incomplete without a Vision and a strong ability to Influence People to get Results. This is what we aim to impart at the Ausso Leadership Academy.”
The Ausso Leadership Academy recognizing that capital is essential to scaling has entered into partnerships with Investors including the African Wealth Partners AG of Switzerland to offer opportunities for capital to entrepreneurs who successfully articulate their growth plans.
Austin Okere, Founder, Ausso Leadership Academy, with Mario Marconi, of the African Wealth Partners and Martin Emodi, Founding Partner, African Wealth Partners
According to Martin Emodi, Founding Partner of the Africa Wealth Partners, “We were seriously impressed by the practical leadership development programme Mr Okere is putting together for Nigerian entrepreneurs. It is so important to give the entrepreneurs the tools and support to take their businesses to the next level. This will be good business for all involved but most importantly for the country and its development.”
He continued “We are delighted to partner with the Ausso Leadership Academy and contribute to this laudable initiative. We believe strongly in long-term partnerships and we are convinced we have found such a partner in Austin Okere and the Ausso Leadership Academy.”
Clarifying the perceived ‘Premium Recruitment’ of the ALA First Masterclass, Austin Okere said “We are looking to work with entrepreneurs that have the potential and capability to become leaders in their sectors, and are willing to invest to achieve this. The goal is to crystalize a multiplier effect, as the first cohort of entrepreneurs, by their success, will become beacons to other aspiring high growth entrepreneurs”.
Social impact and industry leaders have called on Global Conglomerates, African Businesses, Philanthropies and Foundations meeting in Davos to support the advancement of social progress for African women and Girls.
Speakers from the ‘Reimagining the Business Case for investing in Africa’ Goals House event (21st January 2025) World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland pictured together left to right: Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission; Sophie Hodder, Director and Pillar Lead, Girl Capital Africa at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF); The Honourable Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry of Nigeria; Paul Polman, Business Leader, climate and equalities campaigner; Nicola Galombik, Executive Director of Yellowwoods and Payal Dalal, Executive VP of Global Programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
Leaders who attended the two events organised by Brands on a Mission (BoaM), Children’s Investment Finance Foundation (CIFF) and Tiko – a non-profit leveraging technology to transform sexual and reproductive health – emphasised the social and economic advantages that can be won through investment in African women and girls.
BoaM Founder and Chief Mission Officer Professor Myriam Sidibe said, “as a woman and a lifelong advocate for sustainable business practices, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in Africa’s greatest resource: its girls. They are not only the future of our continent but also the untapped potential that can drive unprecedented economic and social change.”
Investment in women and girls, who make up 50 percent of Africa’s population – makes good business sense with African women and girls driving up to 70 percent of consumer spend and acting as key decision-makers for four out of five products purchased in their households. Protecting the interests of women and girls also protects the interests of economic growth on the African continent.
According to the World Health Organisation, poor access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services and products is to blame for approximately 73 million induced abortions that take place in Africa while over one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day. Almost one in three women, across their lifetime have been subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, or sexual violence by a non-partner and almost half of all abortions are unsafe.
Professor Sidibe said, “in a rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are increasingly challenged to find meaningful ways to align profit with purpose. Investing in African girls offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap. By empowering young women through education, skills development, and access to critical resources, we lay the foundation for vibrant markets, resilient communities, and innovative ecosystems.”
The organisers of the two events held at the Goals House and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) tent called for a world in which private sector investment in evidence-based, impact-first initiatives in service of African girls and young women is the norm and not the exception.
The World Economic Forum in Davos brings together government, business, and civil society to address key global and regional challenges such as responding to geopolitical shocks, the climate crisis and stimulating growth to improve living standards.
Speakers at the first event held at the Goals House included moderation by Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission with speakers including Paul Polman, Business Leader, climate and equalities campaigner; The Honourable Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry of Nigeria; Nicola Galombik, Executive Director of Yellowwoods; Payal Dalal, Executive VP of Global Programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth; and Sophie Hodder, Director and Pillar Lead, Girl Capital Africa at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).
The second event at the SDG tent included moderation by Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission and speakers including Sophie Hodder, Pillar Lead and Director, Girl Capital Africa – Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President/CEO – One Campaign, Hermann Betten, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, Flora Food Group and Benoit Renard, Co-founder & CEO – Tiko.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), has disclosed plans to work with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), to boost the state’s transport system with the development of another rail line.
This was contained in a statement signed by, the Head, Corporate Communication, LAMATA, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi in Lagos.
Ojelabi said that the AfDB Vice President, Private Sector Infrastructure and Industrialisation, Mr. Solomon Quaynor, gave the assurance during a visit to LAMATA.
He added that the bank was interested in partnering LAMATA to expand the capacity of the existing rail system.
“Quaynor was also in the company of the Non-Sovereign Operations and Private Sector Equity Specialist, Mr Mayowa Ayodele ahead of a visit of the technical team to assess the Purple line,” he said.
The Purple Line is a 60-kilometre railroad along the Redemption Camp in Ogun State, traversing Berger, Agege and Alimosho and terminate at Volkswagen to join the Blue Line.
“The visit follows a recent pitch for investment on 60-kilometre Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Purple Line at the African Development Bank forum in Morocco, where the Lagos delegation was led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“This is to further discuss collaboration on the project and other lines outlined in the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan. The delegation toured the LRMT Blue Line and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Blue Line rail system,” he said.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian government the 36 states over the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024.
SERAP is arguing that “the repressive use of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 by the government to criminalize legitimate expression violate the human rights of Nigerians, including activists, journalists, bloggers and social media users”.
In a statement on Sunday, Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, explained that the suit was filed to stop the Tinubu administration and Nigeria’s 36 governors from using the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 to criminalize legitimate expression and punish Nigerians, including social media users.
He said: “Rather than using the amended legislation to make cyberspace and its users safer, Nigerian authorities are routinely weaponizing it to curb Nigerians’ human rights and media freedom.
“The suit no: ECW/CCJ/APP/03/2025 was filed last week before the ECOWAS Court in Abuja.”
Recall that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court had on March 25, 2022, declared Section 24 of Nigeria’s original Cybercrimes Act 2015 as “arbitrary, vague, and repressive.”
The court ordered Nigeria to repeal the provision, citing non-compliance with human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Although the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 repealed Section 24, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) argues that the reworded provisions still infringe upon freedom of expression and information.
SERAP’s concerns center around the ambiguity of “causing a breakdown of law and order” in Section 24(1)(b), which they believe threatens peaceful and legitimate expression and leaves room for abuse.
SERAP highlighted several instances where the law was allegedly misused to target government critics, including activist Dele Farotimi, journalist Agba Jalingo, and social media user Chioma Okoli.
The organization emphasized that the amended legislation has a chilling effect on human rights and media freedom.
SERAP stressed that the amended Act contravenes international human rights law, which requires restrictions on freedom of expression to serve a legitimate purpose and be strictly proportionate.
The organization seeks a declaration that Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 is unlawful and an order directing the government to repeal or amend the legislation in compliance with international standards.
However, a hearing date has not been set for the suit.
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