Ikazoboh, Others Urge Entrepreneurs to Upskill, Embrace Technology for Growth

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Chairman of Dangote Cement, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, has urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to bridge the widening skills and knowledge gaps to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

Ikazoboh gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the G3 Business and Career Conference held in Lagos, themed ‘Next Level Acceleration’.

He warned that entrepreneurs who fail to upskill or embrace new technologies risk being left behind as innovation continues to redefine business operations worldwide.

According to him, “Entrepreneurs have to build their skills in emerging technologies because that is the direction the world is going. These are the gaps and challenges that people are definitely going to face in the future. Embracing these technologies has been a challenge to entrepreneurs because many do not have what it takes.”

He also called on the government to create an enabling environment for business growth, stressing that excessive regulations and limited access to funding often stifle innovation and expansion.

“Government should not put impediments by way of regulations to stifle entrepreneurs,” he said. “There should also be dedicated funds to support investments and business development.”

The G3 Business and Career Conference, organised by the Higher Impact Club (HIC) of Gospel Pillars International Church, is an initiative designed to equip entrepreneurs and professionals with practical tools for business sustainability and leadership growth.

The HIC Conference is designed to equip youth and professionals with the mindset, strategies, and systems to build enterprises and careers that are not only successful but sustainable.

Speaking at the event, the President of HIC, Mr. Adebayo Adebisi, said the conference was conceived to mentor entrepreneurs and inspire a culture of excellence and impact-driven business practices.

“Our goal is to help people build enterprises that last — businesses that are structured, scalable, and sustainable,” Adebisi explained.

In her contribution, the Founder and CEO of NETT Pharmacy, Pharm. Josephine Ehime, advised entrepreneurs to move beyond passion by entrenching structure, accountability, and sound management processes in their ventures.

“Passion drives you to start, but performance keeps you going. To grow a business that lasts, you must put structures and processes in place so that it can operate even without the founder’s direct involvement,” she said.

Ehime added that the lack of generational businesses in Nigeria stems from poor succession planning and inadequate record-keeping, urging entrepreneurs to build networks and adopt systems that ensure continuity.

“In Nigeria, we don’t have many generational businesses because the owner runs everything alone. When he dies, the business dies with him. Entrepreneurs must network with others and maintain proper records to ensure longevity,” she said.

The HIC Conference is designed to equip youth and professionals with the mindset, strategies, and systems to build enterprises and careers that are not only successful but sustainable.

In her opening remarks, Director of HIC’s ANTRA, Dolamu Badejo said that
growth today demands more than speed, noting it requires substance.

According to her, it requires focusing be on building enduring systems and not fleeting trends.

She added that the convener and Grand Patron of the Higher Impact Club, Dr. Isaiah Macwealth, emphasizes the importance of investing in youth as the foundation for national transformation.

“Our greatest resource is our youth. We must invest in their ideas, nurture their talents, and build ecosystems where they can create lasting impact”, she noted.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Global Wealth University, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, 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 are two sides of the same coin in building Africa’s future.”