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Hills Business Connections, the business and leadership outreach arm of The Ecclesia Hills Church, has announced the return of its flagship annual conference, Open for Business 5.0, with the 2026 edition themed “Crossing the Red Sea”.
The two-day conference, scheduled to hold on May 30 and 31, 2026, in Lagos, is expected to bring together a diverse network of entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators, ministry leaders, corporate executives, and emerging change-makers from across Africa for discussions centred on leadership, enterprise, purpose, and societal transformation.
According to the organisers, this year’s theme draws inspiration from the biblical account in Exodus 14 and reflects the realities of navigating uncertainty, overcoming challenges, and embracing transformational change despite difficult circumstances.
They explained that the conference aims to encourage participants to pursue courageous leadership, renewed vision, and strategic action in their various fields of influence.
Speaking on the significance of the theme, the organisers noted that “Crossing the Red Sea” symbolises moving beyond fear, stagnation, and limitations into a new season of impact, opportunity, and purpose-driven achievement.
They added that the gathering would challenge participants to take bold steps in business, ministry, family life, leadership, and nation-building while equipping them with practical strategies for sustainable growth and influence.
The conference programme will feature conversations and sessions focused on business and entrepreneurship, leadership and professional development, ministry and service, family and relationships, nation-building, transformational living, and personal growth.
The first day of the conference will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at The Wheatbaker beginning at 8:00 a.m., while the concluding session will hold on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel starting at 9:00 a.m.
Organisers disclosed that attendance at the conference is free, although prospective participants are required to register ahead of the event.
The 2026 edition will feature a lineup of notable speakers and marketplace leaders expected to share insights on enterprise, leadership, finance, and societal impact.
Among them is Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Chairman and Co-Founder of African Capital Alliance, who is widely recognised for his contributions to private equity, investment development, and economic reform across Africa.
Also expected at the conference is Kemi Ojenike, Managing Director of Meristem Family Office and Co-Founder of The Destiny Trust, known for her work in leadership development, family wealth advisory, and transformational living.
Another featured speaker is Nosa Igbinedion, Managing Director of Kingdom Equity Management and Group Managing Director of Gartmore Investment, who brings extensive experience in investment management, enterprise leadership, and international finance.
In addition to keynote sessions and panel discussions, the conference will feature worship and music ministrations by Hills Music, as well as networking engagements and collaborative group sessions designed to foster strategic partnerships and meaningful professional relationships among participants.
The organisers said Hills Business Connections, through initiatives such as the Hills Business Hub, remains committed to building a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs and professionals by providing mentorship opportunities, leadership development, strategic partnerships, funding access, and community engagement platforms.
They emphasised that the organisation’s broader vision is to raise leaders who combine faith, innovation, integrity, and excellence to positively influence industries, communities, and nations.
The conference is being supported by strategic partners and sponsors including Aruwa Capital, Q21, and Digital Equity Africa.
Hills Business Connections stated that its programmes and initiatives are designed to inspire ethical leadership, collaboration, innovation, and sustainable societal impact across multiple sectors while empowering marketplace leaders to build transformational organisations rooted in faith and excellence.
