By Chris Irekamba

To foster growth and development in the country, discussants at the second edition of the Central Men’s Fellowship (CMF) of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Lagos Township Superintendence, 2022 Symposium have called on Christians and by extension, Nigerians to exploit their creativity and develop innovative ideas that will change their lives and the nation.

Held at the UEC Cathedral, Surulere, Lagos, last Sunday, with the theme: “Empowered For Exploits In Business And Family life In A Challenging Economy, an advertising guru and Board Chairman, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Mr. Udeme Ufot, noted that it has been proven that empowerment, especially of the mind and being entrepreneurial are keys and the easiest way of promoting economic growth.

Ufot argues that for the country to regain its lost glory as a result of the hydra-headed challenges bedevilling it, the family as an institution must be made to work with members encouraging themselves and exploring the innate potentials that God has given them, saying that, by so doing, they will become more self-reliant in life.

The advertising guru, who said that the era of depending solely on the government for white-collar jobs is done, said Nigerians have to be more entrepreneurial, so they could exploit their businesses and family life.

He said: “At this time of our lives in a challenging economy, it is time to build self-confidence and esteem for ourselves, build and improve on our talents, create a vision and build our dream team, take risks, focus on values and deliver same.”

Other discussants included the Akwa Ibom State Governor representative in Lagos, Elder Samuel Bassey; Chairman, Mowe Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kole Afolami and Dr. Simeon Ameh, who enjoined Nigerians to come out from their shells and get deeply involved in productive ventures for their wellbeing and the development of the nation.

Earlier in his address, the CMF President of the United Evangelical Church, Engr. Imeh Etuk, said the 2022 symposium was timely following various challenges the nation is going through, which have affected families and businesses. He added that CMF is encouraging its members and families to be determined to succeed, adding that as Christians, they will continue to intercede, do their best in actions and charity for a united and better society.