‘Entrepreneurs must think differently to grow’
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This call was made by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Mainland Oil & Gas Co. Limited, Dr Chris Igwe, at the 10th annual conference & trade expo organised by the Masterpiece Resource Development Centre in Lagos.
According to the 2024 PricewaterhouseCoopers MSMEs report, the growth potential of businesses was stunted by funding gaps, power outages, and over-taxation.
Igwe, in his speech, urged entrepreneurs to embrace reinvention, innovation, strategy and expansion, saying these principles are essential for business growth.
He described the theme “RISE: Reinvent, Innovate, Strategise, Expand” as “not only timely but deeply transformational”.
Igwe shared his personal journey, noting it was shaped “not by comfort but by necessity.” He recalled being born after the Civil War and told participants that “greatness is rarely inherited; it is forged,” adding, “To achieve greatness, one must first rise.”
He recounted lessons from his father’s palm-oil business, which succeeded because “we dared to do things differently,” including paying families “twenty per cent upfront for palm fruits that were not yet ripe.” He said many businesses stagnate because owners are unwilling to reinvent their operations.“We live in a time where business is being redefined every single day. Industries that seemed unshakeable are being reinvented by bold startups. Ideas that began in garages, co-working spaces, or on the back of napkins are now global businesses. And this spirit, our spirit, is what keeps the world turning forward. As we come together under the theme of this conference, let us remember that the path to success is not always easy. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It demands that we embrace change, adapt to new technologies, and constantly challenge ourselves to think bigger and bolder,” he said.
Igwe spoke about the collapse of the family business after their produce was stolen, his father’s death, and his own seven-year apprenticeship, which he described as “the greatest school I ever attended.” Starting a business in 1992 with N10,000, he said he grew through consistency and strategic thinking, including travelling as an attachment passenger to cut costs. “I do not consider anyone a competitor if they cannot think the way I think,” he said.
Outlining the pillars of RISE, Igwe said, “Reinvent means to change boldly… ‘Innovate’ means to introduce new methods… ‘Strategise’ means ‘to plan deliberately… ‘Expand means to grow your capacity.”
In his parting message to the audience, Igwe said, “So my challenge to you, the next generation of entrepreneurs, is this: when the world tells you to play it safe—reinvent. When the market grows uncertain—innovate. When the path ahead seems unclear—strategise. And when you feel you’ve achieved enough—expand. Business is not just about competing. It is about leading, redefining, and lifting others as you rise.
“The next chapter of global progress is not going to be written by governments or institutions; it will be written by rooms like this, by people like you.”
The MRDC conference brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and industry experts for a series of learning, networking, and business development activities.
Founded in 2016 by Modupe Oyekunle, with the mission of empowering entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.Since its inception, Oyekunle said that the MRDC has empowered over 10,000 youth and women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
