Former CBN Deputy Governor to headline business summit

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tunde Lemo, has been scheduled to headline the 2025 edition of the annual career and entrepreneurship outreach of the Foursquare Church Without Bounds, Ogba, Lagos.

In a statement on Tuesday, the event, titled T.O.U.C.H., is projected to attract over 500 young professionals, early-career talents and emerging entrepreneurs from across Lagos State.

According to the organisers, the outreach is an intersection of enterprise, leadership and national development. Now in its fourth edition, T.O.U.C.H 2025 positions itself as a strategic intervention aimed at helping young Nigerians rediscover hope, enterprise and belief in the Nigerian project.

For the organisers, Dr Lemo’s presence is particularly symbolic. As a seasoned financial sector reformer, investor and corporate leader, his insights into building resilient businesses in Nigeria’s challenging economic environment are expected to set the tone for this year’s edition.

The organisers said his keynote will focus on unlocking opportunities in the Nigerian market and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through innovation, financial discipline and strategic partnerships.

The Pastor-in-Charge of Foursquare CWB, Reverend Faith Oluwagbesan, during a press conference ahead of the conference, noted that Lemo embodies the type of leadership young Nigerians must look up to: leaders who have excelled locally, created value, and contributed meaningfully to national progress. He added that the church deliberately curated a lineup of speakers who reflect practical success in Nigeria, especially at a time when more youths are seeking opportunities abroad.

He said, “We are bringing industry leaders who have succeeded in the same environment our young people are in. Dr Lemo’s experience in the financial sector and his contributions to national development will help young Nigerians see that success is possible here.”

The summit will also feature a diverse blend of achievers, including Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, Mrs Chioma Ajunwa; tech entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Chief Client Officer of Guinea Insurance Plc, Mr Yinka Adebiyi; founder of Background Check International, Mr Kola Olugbodi; and media personality Mojibade Shosanya.

The organisers disclosed that in the previous edition, the organisation sponsored CAC registration for 20 young entrepreneurs, helping them formalise their businesses. Oluwagbesan said this year’s event will once again feature investor insights, mentorship and practical guidance on accessing funding, one of the biggest hurdles facing young entrepreneurs.

The former central banker, Lemo, is expected to speak extensively on sustainable financing, the discipline required for business growth and navigating Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape. His participation, stakeholders say, reinforces the programme’s mission of inspiring a new wave of patriotic, ethical and visionary young leaders.

While calling for youth-friendly economic policies and an enabling environment that reduces barriers to innovation, Oluwagbesan stressed that initiatives like T.O.U.C.H. are essential to rebuilding confidence among young Nigerians.

“We believe Nigeria has a better future,” he said. “This programme aims to inspire young people to build careers, create businesses, and contribute to national development.”