By MILLICENT IEANYICHUKWU

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 1, has unveiled the Christian Marketplace Trade Fair 2026.

The initiative aims to empower members to build globally competitive businesses through innovation and collaboration.

The fair, with the theme ‘Connecting Faith, Business and Excellence’, began on Friday and ended on Sunday.

It brought together entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals and business owners to showcase products and services.

Speaking in Ilupeju during the closure, Mr Olunuga Olufemi, Chairman of the RCCG IT Board implementation committee, explained the vision.

Olufemi said the initiative would maximise opportunities within the church’s economic ecosystem.

He noted that RCCG’s weekly attendance of over three million presented enormous economic potential.

“If we energise that ecosystem, enormous transactions can occur within the church family,” he said.

He added that the platform could create prosperity through patronage, innovation and collaboration.

Olufemi said the church introduced the Marketplace Excellence Raising Global Ambassadors programme.

He explained that the programme would help members improve quality and create sustainable employment opportunities.

“God has given people talents and opportunities; our responsibility is to work diligently,” he said.

The cleric urged members to provide quality services instead of waiting for miracles without effort.

Mrs Aderonke Malomo described the initiative as a wonderful platform for business growth.

She said it enabled members to showcase businesses, attract patronage and strengthen relationships.

Malomo, Creative Director of Q-Touch Interior Collections, praised the opportunity created by the church.

“This programme allows members to promote services and gain support from fellow worshippers,” she said.

She added that businesses could successfully extend beyond the church community.

Mrs Funmilayo Olatona, a brand consultant in supplements and organic products, also commended the initiative.

Olatona described the trade fair as an excellent platform for entrepreneurs to increase sales. “This programme gave me visibility, increased my sales, and empowered entrepreneurs,” she said.

Mr John Samuel, a creative artist and clock designer, also praised the initiative and appealing for more support to enable artisans to expand production for wider markets.

“I appreciate this initiative and hope the church supports artisans like me,” he said.

Mrs Kefas Joyce, a bead-making specialist, expressed delight over the programme. She said bead-making required little capital and could be managed from home.

Kefas encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace digital platforms for business promotion. “Bead-making is profitable and accessible with dedication, little capital and online promotion,” she said. (NAN)

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