*Lagos, November 24, 2023* – The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), of the Pan-Atlantic University, home to the Lagos Business School (LBS), recently hosted its 20th annual gala at the Harbour Point Event Center, Victoria Island. The celebration honored six outstanding Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), recognizing their significant contributions to nurturing entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

The prestigious event gathered esteemed EDC leadership, including Nneka Okekearu, Nnenna Ugwu, Dr. Wale Anifowose, EDC alumni, innovative entrepreneurs, Business Development Service Providers, youth entrepreneurs from PAU and many other critical industry stakeholders from government, corporate, banking, and financial sectors to foster collaboration within Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as led by the EDC.

The aim of the 20th edition of this award show was to acknowledge BDSPs who have immensely contributed to EDC’s mission of fostering entrepreneurship across the nation.

During the awards ceremony, Mr. Ayodeji Peter Falope was presented with the title of “Business Development Service Provider (BDSP) of the Year” for his exceptional dedication and contributions to thousands of Nigerian Small and Medium Businesses and Enterprises.

The Lagos Business School expressed its support, with a representative stating, “The EDC’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with our ethos of fostering innovative leadership and business integrity among entrepreneurs.”

Founded in 2003 as the Centre for Enterprise Development Services (EDS), the EDC has played a pivotal role in addressing the scarcity of professional business development services for small businesses in Nigeria, in the last 20 years. Aligned with esteemed educational institutions, the EDC has been instrumental in nurturing entrepreneurship across the country.

The center’s primary mission is to build a network of entrepreneurial leaders through continuous learning, process improvement, and unwavering business integrity.

Ayodeji Peter Falope, a globally certified Business Improvement Executive and Lead Consultant at Revenstrat Business Consulting, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to thousands of Nigerian Small and Medium Businesses and Enterprises over the years. His expertise spanning over 17 years in research, marketing, and managing key accounts for both local and international brands has driven significant operational enhancements and bottom-line growth.

Mr. Falope has been blessed with the opportunity to have impact in many EDC initiatives including the Mastercard Foundation’s Transforming Nigerian Youth Project, Road 2 Growth (R2G) Project, and Standard Chartered Women in Tech Projects, Agro Hack Project, BOSS Project, EMS Project amongst many others.

He has also been a guest judge on various grant awarding panels where he works with other judges to award grants to deserving business owners.

This recognition as BDSP of the Year at the EDC Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Awards 2023 further solidifies Mr. Falope’s leadership in business development and his commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The award ceremony, held at Harbour Point event center, Victoria Island, saw Mr. Ayodeji Peter Falope receiving the honor from Mr. Bayo Rotimi, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Greenwich Merchant Bank, also an EDC Alumni.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Falope stated, “Being acknowledged among esteemed colleagues and entrepreneurs is truly an honor. This award is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the teams and organizations I am privileged to work with. This award goes out to them, I am just receiving it on their behalf. I thank the team at EDC in particular for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families whose businesses have improved as a result of EDC’s intervention.”

The Enterprise Development Centre reaffirms its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and supporting small and medium enterprises, thus aligning with the ethos of Pan-Atlantic University and the Lagos Business School.