csrreporters 
The Ikoyi Baptist Church (IBC) has reinforced the critical role of faith-based institutions in Nigeria’s human capital and economic development with its ninth annual Business and Career Fair, held on August 30–31, 2025.
Now regarded as one of the country’s most influential professional and entrepreneurial platforms, the fair reflects how non-state actors are stepping in to complement government policy by creating opportunities for skills acquisition, career advancement, and business growth.
This year’s edition, themed “Maximise Your Ground”, underscored the need to harness personal skills and resources in alignment with national economic diversification and job creation agendas. Organisers structured the programme around six targeted masterclasses on entrepreneurship and career development, while introducing a new grant scheme for entrepreneurs administered with oversight from Lagos Business School and other professional bodies to promote innovation and sustainable enterprise growth.
“The grant programme is designed to support businesses with real potential, ensuring resources go where they can make the most impact,” said Programmes Director, Esosa Osagiede.
Beyond financial support, the fair provided networking opportunities with SMEs, corporate brands, and industry experts, linking participants to Nigeria’s wider economic ecosystem. According to former committee chair, Dr. Uwuemedimo Esiet, the initiative is not just about church growth but about contributing to national development by equipping individuals with vision, purpose, and employable skills.
With over 50 years of service to the community, Ikoyi Baptist Church continues to position its fair as a complementary mechanism to government’s human capital development and entrepreneurship policies. Its integration of faith, mentorship, and economic empowerment reflects a growing recognition that sustainable development in Nigeria requires collective investment across public, private, and civil society sectors.
[give_form id="20698"]