Prosperity Torch Business Summit: Entrepreneurs urged to embrace AI, innovation, digital transformation

Prosperity Torch Business Summit: Entrepreneurs urged to embrace AI, innovation, digital transformation



The Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, Lagos Island District, recently hosted the 2025 edition of the Prosperity Torch Business Summit at its Church Auditorium in Jakande, Lekki.

This year’s summit, themed “You Are What You Know”, brought together a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, industry experts, students, petty traders, professionals, and young innovators for a day dedicated to enterprise development, capacity building, and spiritual enrichment.

The event delivered a well-rounded experience that combined panel discussions, keynote lectures, empowerment grants, mentorship opportunities, and prophetic sessions, creating a platform where participants could explore the intersection of business intelligence and purpose.

Business Insights Through Panels and Keynotes

The summit commenced with a panel discussion on “The Basics of Business Startups and Growth Strategies”.

Panellists included Helen Adinnu (Founder, El-Anuts Bakery), Anthony Anenechukwu (CEO, Parktel Int’ l Limited), and Mr. Alex Ogbah (CEO, Necessities Edge Enterprises). They emphasised the importance of innovation, resilience, proper business structuring, and customer-centred service as foundations for long-term business growth.

In the first keynote address, Sebastian Obeta, a Data Scientist and Analyst at the University of Cambridge, spoke on “Front Runner Strategy: Living with AI”.

He highlighted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence on global markets and encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to embrace digital transformation to enhance productivity and remain globally competitive.

The second panel session explored the theme “Intrapreneurship: How to Add Value and Remain Relevant.”

Speakers’ Blessing Anenechukwu of Glowfield International Schools, Pastor Emeka Onuchukwu of Alkanes Oil and Gas Limited, and Kemi Ogbah, an ex-banker and entrepreneur, discussed workplace innovation, leadership, and continuous learning as pathways to organisational relevance.

A subsequent keynote by Michael Oyagha, legal practitioner and author, titled “Taxation & Business Standardisations”, emphasised regulatory compliance, proper documentation, and financial discipline as essential elements of business sustainability.

The final keynote session was delivered by Nnamdi Felix Unachukwu, Executive Chairman and Founder of BMI Finishing School, on “Building from Scratch: Before and After a Collapse.”

He offered practical perspectives on business failures, reinvention, and the discipline required to rebuild stronger enterprises.

Empowerment Grants for Emerging Entrepreneurs

A major highlight of the summit was the Empowerment Grant Awards, where 10 outstanding SMEs were selected from a pool of applicants and awarded business seed funds ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000. The initiative underscores the Church’s commitment to supporting small businesses and contributing to economic upliftment within the community.

A Blend of Inspiration, Networking, and Spiritual Support

Beyond its educational value, the summit featured refreshing networking opportunities, light entertainment including saxophone performances, and free access to experienced business mentors. The closing session was led by Mrs Jewel Opara, a gospel minister and transformational leader, who encouraged participants to pursue wealth with integrity and the consciousness of eternal purpose.

A Continuing Legacy of Empowerment

The Prosperity Torch Business Summit reflects the broader vision of the Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, a ministry dedicated to the holistic welfare of individuals. Over the years, the movement has supported several underprivileged students through international scholarships and other initiatives. The summit aligns with the mission of the General Overseer, Pastor Aloysius Chukwuemeka Ohanebo, to serve as “a channel of blessing to all seekers of God.”

Organisers affirmed that the summit is an annual event and remains open to collaboration and partnership with impact-driven organisations committed to economic empowerment and social transformation.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers.

She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay.

She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos.

As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender.

She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies.

Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the
prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the ‘Aviation Writer of the Year’ Category.

She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category.

She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations.

Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.