Business leaders and development advocates have called on Nigerian entrepreneurs to rethink their business models, embrace innovation, and adopt strategic systems capable of sustaining long-term growth in a rapidly evolving economy.

The appeal came during the 10th Annual Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo, organised by the Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC) in Lagos. The two-day event carried the theme: “RISE – Reinvent. Innovate. Strategize. Expand,” which organisers described as a critical mantra for entrepreneurs seeking relevance and resilience in 2025 and beyond.

Pastor Modupe Oyekunle, convener of the conference, said the theme reflects a deliberate call for transformation, urging participants to confront limitations and tap into new opportunities. She highlighted that MRDC, founded to discover, develop, and deploy entrepreneurs for national development, has become a “vibrant platform for leadership development, business empowerment, and community transformation.”

“RISE is more than a theme; it is a mandate. It calls each of us to embrace change, think differently, and pursue expansion with clarity and determination. In an economy where industries are shifting and the rules are changing, your ability to reinvent yourself will determine your relevance,” Oyekunle said.

Since 2007, MRDC has trained over 10,000 entrepreneurs through conferences, expos, masterclasses, and strategic partnerships.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chris Igwe, Managing Director/CEO of Mainland Oil & Gas and Chairman of Chrinak Group, recounted his journey from post-Civil War hardship to becoming a leading entrepreneur.

“I did not come from privilege. I came from a background where survival was the goal, not success. Reinvention gives you permission to rewrite your story,” he said.
“I started business in 1992 with just N10,000. Every naira mattered. Entrepreneurs today must understand that innovation is not always technology; sometimes, it is simply thinking differently about the same problem.”

Dr. Igwe emphasised that the conference pillars—reinvent, innovate, strategize, expand—are not theoretical but serve as a roadmap for sustainable entrepreneurship.

Also speaking, Segun Oloketuyi, Chairman of Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc, urged entrepreneurs to remain grounded and uphold integrity.

“Entrepreneurship is not a race to impress. Stay focused, stay prudent, and let integrity be your biggest capital. Discipline and fairness are non-negotiable,” he said.

Dr. Abiola Popoola, Chairman of the MRDC Board, reminded participants that reinvention does not mean abandoning existing achievements but rethinking, improving, and aligning them with global trends.

“Innovation requires courage. Expansion requires structure. Growth must be intentional and measurable,” Popoola added, stressing the need for digital capacity, new business models, strong networks, and disciplined long-term planning.

The conference concluded with a clear message: for entrepreneurs to thrive in Nigeria’s dynamic economic landscape, reinvention, innovation, and strategic expansion are essential.