Port Harcourt Summit Challenges Entrepreneurs to Drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth through Innovation, Self-Reliance

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across Nigeria gathered in Port Harcourt for the 2025 edition of Business Balance & Beyond Xclusive (B³), a transformative summit that explored how innovation, wellness, and enterprise can drive personal and national economic growth.

Organised by Ella Ezeadilieje popularly known as Veronica’s Daughter, the annual event has become one of Nigeria’s foremost gatherings for thought leaders seeking to redefine success through balance.

This year’s edition, held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Port Harcourt was themed “Level Up: The 360 Life,” focusing on how individuals can realign their health, wealth, relationships, and leadership to achieve holistic progress.

In her keynote address, Ezeadilieje urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their financial future by embracing entrepreneurship and innovation rather than waiting for government interventions.

“The truth is, the government doesn’t have the ability to meet everyone’s needs, we are too many, that’s why entrepreneurship is on the rise. We are creating value, solving problems, and building dynasties along the way. If you find a problem to solve, you’ll make money. That’s the heart of entrepreneurship.”

She emphasised that self-reliance and creativity remain the strongest paths to economic empowerment.

“For so long, we’ve said, the government will do this or that, But the truth is, the government cannot do it all. Do something for yourself”.

Speaking on the economic potential of Nigeria’s young population, a Women Economic Empowerment Specialist, Hasantu Adegbite, said youth and women must be prioritised in the country’s development agenda.

“Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations globally,” she noted. “It is important for not just the government but for all of us as citizens to invest in entrepreneurship and skill development, especially among our youth and women, if we must build this nation to the next level.”

She added that when more citizens produce goods and services, the economy naturally becomes stronger, making entrepreneurship the key to sustainable national development.

Also addressing participants, Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, spoke on the importance of wellness in business growth. He advised attendees to manage their stress levels and adopt healthy habits such as weightlifting, which strengthens muscles and bones as people age.

Other speakers included business strategist, Olushola Olaleye, who discussed growth systems for small and medium enterprises, Tax Consultant, Tunde Bello, who analysed Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape ahead of the
2026 tax reforms and sales expert, Frank Okonkwo popularly known as El Classico, who shared insights on closing sales and building customer trust.

Okonkwo also sponsored one of the event’s highlights, an iPhone XR giveaway which drew excitement among participants and symbolised the summit’s focus on growth, generosity, and community.

The 2025 Business Balance & Beyond Xclusive Summit attracted hundreds of participants from within and outside Rivers State, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and homemakers who engaged in high-impact networking sessions designed to inspire balanced, resilient, and purpose-driven living.