Seyi Asagun named among Nigeria’s 65 most inspiring business leaders

The Guardian Newspaper has recognized Seyi Asagun, Chief Executive Officer of Entourage Integrated Trust Ltd, as one of Nigeria’s 65 Most Inspiring Business Leaders in commemoration of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

This recognition highlights Asagun’s growing influence in Nigeria’s financial sector and his consistent commitment to championing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With over two decades of experience in commercial banking, microfinance, and SME development, Asagun has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading voices on financial inclusion and credit reform.

Through Entourage Integrated Trust Ltd, which he founded in 2013, Asagun has pioneered lending models tailored to the realities of micro and small businesses. The institution now operates across 29 states of Nigeria, reaching deep into underserved communities through a hybrid model of field agents and digital platforms. By combining access to credit with financial literacy and advisory support, Entourage has become a trusted partner for entrepreneurs navigating Nigeria’s challenging business environment.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition. It reinforces my belief that empowering small businesses is not just good economics—it is nation-building,” Asagun said.

Asagun’s inclusion in this prestigious list reflects not only his business achievements but also his broader contribution to social and economic development. Over the years, he has been a vocal advocate for financial literacy, pushing for concepts to be simplified and translated into local languages so that everyday entrepreneurs can make informed decisions about credit and growth.

This latest honor adds to a growing list of accolades. Asagun was previously named among The Guardian’s Top 50 Entrepreneurs of the Year and is a proud recipient of the UN-POLAC Award for Peace and Humanitarian Service. His thought leadership has been featured on BusinessDay, Channels TV, Nairametrics, and News Central, where he continues to shape conversations around MSME financing, inclusive policies, and sustainable economic growth.

Asagun also curates The Seyi Asagun Brief, a weekly Substack newsletter where he shares practical insights on finance, entrepreneurship, and the structural reforms needed to unlock Nigeria’s full SME potential.

With his recognition as one of Nigeria’s 65 Most Inspiring Business Leaders, Seyi Asagun reaffirms his role as a transformative leader working to close the MSME funding gap and build an economy where small businesses are not just surviving, but thriving.