The Ikoyi Baptist Church’s ninth annual Business and Career Fair, held on August 30-31, 2025, drew thousands of participants from Lagos and beyond.

What began as a local initiative has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for professional development and entrepreneurship, underscoring the role of faith-based organisations in nurturing skills and networks in a country where formal opportunities remain limited.

This year’s edition carried the theme ‘Maximise Your Ground’, inspired by Luke 12:16, highlighting the importance of leveraging the talents, skills, and resources God has provided.

“By ‘ground’, we mean your skills, talents, vision, and ideas. ‘God has given you unique abilities,’ Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Ekhoe Ame-Ogie, told The PUNCH at the event, adding, “The aim of this fair is to help people recognise that God has blessed them with potential and guide them on how to maximise it.”

The two-day event included workshops and masterclasses designed for participants at various stages of their careers and business ventures. Facilitators offered practical guidance on entrepreneurship, career planning, and business growth, while attendees had opportunities to connect with corporate brands, successful entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

“We want to help people transition into the professional world or explore business opportunities,” Ame-Ogie said. “As a church, we emphasise faith alongside professional development. This event empowers both church members and the wider community in Nigeria.”

For the first time, the 2025 fair introduced a grant programme to support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. Programmes Director Esosa Osagiede explained that the grants are designed to encourage innovation and sustainable growth.

“We want to ensure that businesses that demonstrate potential are given the resources to thrive. The selection process is rigorous, involving experts from Lagos Business School and other professional bodies,” she said. “This helps maintain transparency and ensures that support goes to individuals and businesses ready to scale and make an impact.”

Dr Uwuemedimo Esiet, a former chairman and committee member, highlighted the church’s broader vision for economic and professional development.

“Ikoyi Baptist Church seeks to instil competencies in its members and the wider community, encouraging them to embrace a Christ-like spirit while gaining vision, purpose, and skills that bring economic and personal growth,” he said.

The fair was structured around six masterclasses, three focused on career development and three on business and entrepreneurship, allowing participants to receive targeted training based on their professional or business stage. Attendees also engaged directly with vendors, SMEs, and corporate brands, exploring partnerships, innovative products, and emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s growing economy.

Over the years, the Business and Career Fair has produced tangible outcomes. Many participants who began attending a small training programme organised by the church have launched their own businesses or advanced in their careers.

“Some participants started from our small training facilities, while others have advanced professionally thanks to the experiences and training we provide,” Ame-Ogie noted.

The church continues to expand the fair’s impact beyond Nigeria.

“We teach the world, one person at a time. Our programmes and masterclasses are open to the extended community, including participants from outside Nigeria. We believe in creating an inclusive platform where talent is recognised and nurtured, regardless of geographical location,” Esosa Osagiede said.

A central feature of the fair is its integration of faith with professional development. Ame-Ogie emphasised that every participant should operate from a God-centred perspective.

“God has placed us where we are, blessed with talents and opportunities. This message, inspired by Luke 12:16, reminds students, professionals, and entrepreneurs that God’s blessings are meant to help them enhance their careers, businesses, and personal development.”

The 2025 edition marked a milestone in the church’s ongoing efforts to foster entrepreneurship and professional growth. By combining mentorship, skills training, grant support, and networking opportunities, the event equips participants with the confidence, knowledge, and resources to maximise their potential and create meaningful impact in their communities.