Dr. Owen Omogiafo, the President of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp), has issued a powerful call to action, declaring entrepreneurship the definitive pathway for Nigeria's economic future. She delivered this message as a keynote speaker at the 7th edition of the Mentor Matchup Challenge (MMC 7.0), held in Victoria Island, Lagos, on December 16, 2025.
Building Bridges Through Business Creation
Addressing the audience under the theme Building Bridges for Equitable Trade, Dr. Omogiafo positioned entrepreneurship as the critical engine for tackling the nation's pressing youth unemployment crisis and fostering sustainable growth. She pointed to a significant generational shift, observing that Nigeria's youth are now more inclined to start their own ventures than pursue traditional corporate employment.
"Entrepreneurship is the future solution to Nigeria's unemployment challenge," she stated emphatically. She argued that a steady stream of new business creators is essential to rebalance the scales in an economy where hundreds of thousands of graduates enter the job market every year, far outnumbering available positions.
The Unshakeable Currency: Trust and Quality
Dr. Omogiafo went on to outline the foundational principles for business success in Africa. She identified credibility, trust, and consistent quality as the "most powerful currencies" for any enterprise operating on the continent. "African enterprises must deliver quality consistently," she advised. "Trust is non-negotiable if we want to build strong, sustainable trade bridges that last."
On the perennial issue of funding, she highlighted the transformative role of patient, private, and impact-driven capital. Using her own company as a case study, she noted that Transcorp, through its power investments, contributes roughly 15% of Nigeria's daily electricity generation. This, she said, demonstrates how well-supported indigenous enterprises can deliver outsized social and economic value on a national scale.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Patience and Long-Term Vision
Beyond capital, Dr. Omogiafo stressed the importance of character and mindset for budding business leaders. She urged entrepreneurs to embrace delayed gratification, resilience, and strategic long-term planning as the cornerstones of any sustainable venture. Offering a word of caution, she said, "Success that lasts is never rushed. Entrepreneurs must cultivate patience."
In her concluding remarks, she specifically applauded the rapidly growing community of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, recognizing them as critical drivers of innovation and leadership who are actively shaping the country's development trajectory.
The event, MMC 7.0, served as a significant platform for connecting established business leaders with emerging talent, reinforcing the collaborative spirit needed to propel Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem forward.
