Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Oyo State benefited from practical business knowledge and growth-focused strategies as the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour arrived in Ibadan.

The event, held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, was organised in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry. Building on the success of previous editions in Katsina and Aba, the summit brought together business leaders, development partners, policymakers, and government officials to explore sustainable strategies for enterprise growth across the South-West.

Welcoming participants, the Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Olajumoke Bello, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through practical business education, strategic partnerships, and improved access to opportunities that foster sustainable growth.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Professor Soliu Adelabu, commended the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for strengthening the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He also applauded Stanbic IBTC for its continued support for traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs across Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs O.M. Shotonwa-Roagess, stressed the importance of strategic collaborations in expanding economic opportunities for women and vulnerable groups. She noted that the ministry remains committed to partnering with Stanbic IBTC, development organisations, and the private sector to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic empowerment.

Participants also took part in practical masterclasses covering export opportunities, access to finance, business growth strategies, market expansion, trade documentation, credit readiness, financial record-keeping, and structured financing solutions aimed at enhancing long-term business success.

Reaffirming the bank’s commitment to enterprise development, the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Wole Adeniyi, emphasised the need to provide businesses with the right support systems to drive sustainable growth and improve competitiveness.

According to him, “At Stanbic IBTC, we believe sustainable economic growth depends on the success of small and growing businesses. That is why we are committed to providing access to finance, practical advisory support, and the strategic connections businesses need to transform ambition into sustainable growth.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Remy Osuagwu, said the bank is committed to being more than just a financial institution.

“Our goal is to become a trusted growth partner for Nigerian businesses by providing financing, business insights, and advisory support that enable entrepreneurs to build resilient enterprises and unlock new opportunities,” he stated.

The Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour is part of Stanbic IBTC’s broader initiative to strengthen entrepreneurship through capacity building, financial inclusion, and strategic business support, equipping businesses with the tools needed for long-term growth and success.

Interested entrepreneurs can access information on Stanbic IBTC’s SME solutions, upcoming capacity-building programmes, and future regional engagements through the bank’s website and official social media platforms.