Entrepreneurs across the nation are being called to embrace change and adopt innovative thinking as a pathway to accelerate growth.
Founder Masterpiece Resource Development Center (MRDC), Pastor Modupe Oyekunle, gave the call while speaking at the 10th annual Entrepreneur’s Conference & Trade Expo 2025 held in Lagos under the theme, “Reinvent, Innovate, Strategise, Expand’’ (R.I.S.E).
Oyekunle, who is also the convener of the summit emphasised that in rapid evolving world, businesses must rise above limitations and seize new opportunities to achieve long –term relevance , impact and sustainability.
She recalled that the annual conference which started ten years ago has grown in to vibrant platform dedicated to discovering, developing and deploying entrepreneurs for accelerated national development.
Explaining further she said: “What began as a vision to equip individuals and institutions has now become a movement, one that has consistently provided business and leadership training programmes, business clinics,
Master classes, professional development workshops, investment insights, policy conversations, and opportunities for entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders to connect and grow.
“Through our conferences, expos, networking forums, and strategic partnerships, MRDC has empowered over 5,000 entrepreneurs to think differently, build sustainably, and lead with courage.’’
Chairman, Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc, Segun Oloketuyi, who also spoke at the event described the theme of the summit as a blueprint for building the future.
According to him: ”We live in a time where business is being redefined every single day. Industries that seemed unshakable are being reinvented by bold startups.
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“Ideas that began in garages, co-working spaces, or on the back of napkins are now global businesses. And this is what keeps the world turning forward’’.
Defining innovation as the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, he said: “It is the spark that ignites creativity, the engine that drives progress, and the key to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving world.’’
While urging up-coming entrepreneurs to embrace new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and never settle for mediocrity, he added: “Let your imaginations soar and let your innovations inspire others to follow suit.’’
Also, he emphasised the need for entrepreneurs to be strategic in business management adding, that it forces entrepreneurs to think carefully about the resources they use, the partnerships they forge, and the legacy they intend to leave behind.
Driving his point home, he said: “Strategic thinking is the compass that guides us towards our goals. It involves careful planning, calculated risks, and a clear vision of where we want to go.
“As you navigate the complex landscape of business, remember to stay agile, adaptable, and always open to learning from both successes and failures,’’ Oloketuyi advised.
To him, expansion is the ultimate testament to success. Explaining further, he said: “it signifies growth, prosperity, and the realisation of our full potential. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding startup, never shy away from opportunities to scale your business, reach new markets, and make a lasting mark on the world”.
Citing example with “Promassidor’s (Cowbell) innovation in powder milk packing, he said: “it is a game-changer. They pioneered the sale of powdered milk in sachets, making it affordable and accessible to low-income earners in Nigeria and across Africa.
“This move revolutionised the industry, and competitors soon followed suit. This has now become a model copied by many companies in other industries to sell their products.’’
In her opening remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who was represented by the Managing Director, Le Look Chinwe Ezenwa commended the convener of the conference for her efforts in putting up such a summit when innovation is connecting the globe and when women’s enterprise stands as a pillar of Nigeria’s resilience.
“Today, we celebrate decade of impact, innovation, and enterprise transformation. Yet even as we celebrate, we begin on a solemn note; with a renewed commitment to protect, dignify, and uplift our women and children.’’
To her, enterprise can only thrive where people are safe, healthy, and empowered and she recalled that the country has been confronted with a renewed assault on schools and communities.
“Tragic incidents that have touched us all. But even in these painful moments, we rise through the ashes of despair stronger, more united, and more resolved.
“This resilience is the heartbeat of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian; especially our women and children at the centre of national priorities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is a national covenant to guarantee the safety and prosperity of every Nigerian woman and girl. This commitment is even more urgent as the world marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.” While the digital economy; central to your R.I.S.E. theme creates unprecedented opportunities, it also exposes women to cyber-enabled harm.’’
“Coupled with the fact that 28 percent of Nigerian women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, we are reminded of the scale of the challenge before us’’.
Quoting Global Gender Gap Report 2025, the Minister revealed that Nigeria has now closed 64.9 percent of its gender gap, and female labour participation and added that it has reached an inspiring 95.6 percent, up from 89.9 percent in 2024.
These gains, she said reflect the courage, creativity, and determination of Nigerian women.
“Despite women’s high labour force participation, only 22 percent of Nigerian women are economically empowered. This is why the Ministry is advancing strategic programmes to strengthen safety, enterprise, and economic independence for women nationwide”.
A key pillar of these efforts, she said is the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programme (RHSII-P-774), which according to her is delivering structured livelihood and empowerment programmes to all 774 LGAs.
“Through this programme, we are expanding agricultural and non-agricultural value chains, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting women, children, and vulnerable groups at the community level; ensuring that development is felt in every home.
“Our digital transformation agenda is significantly strengthened by the Happy Woman App, an innovation that connects women to verified information, essential services, emergency GBV support, business tools, market opportunities, and financial empowerment pathways’’, she said.
However, she urged women to register to be counted, to be connected, and to unlock the enormous hope the platform holds for their businesses adding, “In today’s world, digital visibility is the new capital’’.
Speaking also at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Mainland Oil & Gas Co. Limited, Chris Igwe urged entrepreneurs in the country to run their businesses differently adding “the difference between stagnation and growth lies in your willingness to reinvent how you operate. Do not run your business the way everyone else does”.
To achieve greatness, he said that one must first rise adding, that progress is shaped by necessity , driven by relentless pursuit of a smarter way, a better way and more strategic approaches –not comfort or ideal circumstances.
