By Moses Nosike

Business leaders have called on Nigerian youths, SMEs and entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, structure, and accountability in order to achieve long-term success in business and career.

The call was made at the event held at the Ark of Light for All Nations, Ikeja, Lagos, attended by over 500 entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and thought leaders, alongside career professionals from over 30 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, and many others.

The 2025 edition of G3 Business and Career Series organized by the Higher Impact Club (HIC) with the theme “Next Level Acceleration -Building Growth That Lasts,” is a leadership and mentorship initiative of Gospel Pillars Church International, under the visionary leadership of its Grand Patron, Dr. Isaiah Macwealth.

The annual business programme which promotes business success was facilitated by the Ministry’s Overseer Apostle, Derrick Utake, and Dr. Israel Ekeleme, presiding Pastor of Gospel Pillars Church.

President of the HIC, Mr. Adebayo Adebisi, said, “the initiative was aimed at equipping participants with the right mindset and principles for lasting growth. True success is not about speed but about building on the right foundation. When God is our builder, what we build endures,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, Chairman, Dangote Cement Group, stressed the need for continuous learning and upskilling, especially in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. He urged the government and banks to support youth-led startups through targeted funding rather than excessive regulation. “Nigerian youths should not be underestimated; they are already driving fintech and innovation across Africa”.

Similarly, Mrs. Josephine Ehimen, Chief Executive Officer, Nett Pharmacy, advised entrepreneurs to build systems that make their businesses function beyond personal passion.

She said, “Passion starts a business, but structure sustains it. Keep proper records, join business associations, and ensure accountability to attract investors”. The event featured keynote sessions and mentorship workshops focused on helping participants build scalable and purpose-driven enterprises.

In addition, Dolamu Badejo, Director of Antra, one of HIC’s four impact pillars, emphasized that growth today demands more than speed, it requires substance urging participants to build systems and values that outlive trends.

Prof. Chris Imumolen, 2023 Presidential Candidate, Accord Party and Vice Chancellor, Global Wealth University, Togo who spoke on “Nation Builders in the Marketplace,” challenged participants to see themselves as nation builders in the marketplace. He called for a mindset shift from self-interest to national impact, stressing that entrepreneurship and leadership were two sides of the same coin in building Africa’s future.

A major highlight was the Business Exhibition Arena, where organizations such as Outdoors.ng, Mango Asset Management, ThriveTech, PacTeam XPARK360, First Trustees and others showcased innovative solutions. Seven startups from HIC’s Antra Incubation Program also pitched their ventures to investors and mentors, with one of the startups receiving funding support during the event.

This year’s edition was held under the coordination of HIC President Mr. Adebayo Adebisi and the support of former President, Mr Salvation Alibor, reflecting HIC’s commitment to continuity and excellence.