In a significant move to boost local economic and cultural development, the Lagos State Government has partnered with the Iru Kingdom to unveil two landmark initiatives: the Oniru Business and Cultural Day and the Oniru Business Network.
A Strategic Platform for Commerce and Culture
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Oniru Palace. Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, described the initiatives as a strategic response to the need for structured partnerships in driving local economic growth.
She confirmed that the Oniru Business and Cultural Day is scheduled for February 14, 2026. This event is designed to be more than just a celebration; it will serve as a concrete platform for indigenous and expatriate businesses to showcase their offerings, share their stories, and connect with potential clients, investors, and collaborators.
Bridging Government, Finance, and the Private Sector
The Commissioner emphasized that the event aims to bring together government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector. The goal is to foster a dialogue focused on practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Key issues to be addressed include access to finance, regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, tourism, local content promotion, digital adoption, and youth employment. Mrs. Ambrose stressed that the cultural component is vital, as development flourishes in environments where people feel respected and included.
She linked the initiative to the state's broader T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, noting that such goals cannot be achieved without trusted partners like traditional institutions, finance organisations, business associations, and the media.
Royal Endorsement and a Vision for Structured Growth
In his address, His Royal Majesty, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, CON, Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, explained the rationale behind the twin projects. He stated they were born from the need to create a credible, organized, and trusted interface for all stakeholders whose lives and work intersect with the kingdom.
The monarch made it clear that the Business and Cultural Day is not merely a ceremonial festival. "While it celebrates our heritage, vibrancy, and identity, its foundation is entirely strategic," he said. It is a deliberate intervention designed to structure the interaction between culture, commerce, community, and governance within Iru Kingdom.
Oba Lawal acknowledged the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Commerce for their engagement. This partnership, he noted, ensures that investment facilitation within the kingdom is structured, transparent, and aligned with the state's development priorities.
The launch of the Oniru Business Network alongside the annual event signifies a long-term commitment to sustaining these economic conversations and translating them into tangible outcomes for the kingdom and Lagos State at large.
