About LAYEAWARDS
An award built to empower a generation.
The Lagos Young Entrepreneurs Awards exists to inspire excellence, reward hard work, and build a lasting culture of enterprise across Lagos State.
The Story
Why it exists.
LAYEAWARDS is strategically positioned to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders, creating a sustainable pipeline of innovators and driving job creation across Lagos State.
It is a prestigious platform designed to recognise excellence, reward hard work, and promote a thriving culture of entrepreneurship, while highlighting the critical role young entrepreneurs play in advancing Lagos as one of Africa's leading economies.
Organised by a reputable events company, each edition delivers a premium, high-impact experience, and has built, over six editions, the credibility that draws investors, corporate leaders and government to one room.
40
Award Categories
Forty competitive honours spanning every sector of enterprise.
6
Editions Staged
A platform six years in the making.
5
Lifetime Icons
Business legends invested with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Evening
Where business meets spectacle.
One night, two halves, the rigour of enterprise and the glamour of a true Lagos gala.
The Business
- Entrepreneurship Masterclass
- Structured mentorship sessions
- 40 competitive awards & 3 special honours
- Lifetime Achievement investiture, five icons
The Spectacle
- Miss Entrepreneur Lagos pageant
- Leading Nigerian artists & top-tier comedy
- A curated fashion showcase
- Red carpet & the LAYE Awards Magazine launch
Leadership
Oluwanisola Ashifat
Chief Executive Officer & Creative Director
Under Oluwanisola's direction, LAYEAWARDS has grown from an idea into one of the most recognised celebrations of young enterprise in Lagos, a platform built, edition by edition, on the belief that recognition done properly changes what young founders believe is possible.
Seventh Edition · 2026
Excellence deserves an audience.
Apply for the seventh edition, or back the founders you believe in. The stage is set.