In a move signalling a broadened focus beyond spiritual formation, the Young Ministers Retreat (YMR) has partnered with Premium Trust Bank to provide ₦24 million in business grants to young entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
According to a statement, the 2025 Young Ministers Retreat, which concluded at Redemption City, marked a significant shift in its mission by awarding grants worth approximately $15,000+ to more than 1,000 young entrepreneurs.
The four-day event, traditionally known for its intensive emphasis on fasting and prayer, expanded its scope this year to address the economic challenges facing Nigeria’s youth through a strategic collaboration with Premium Trust Bank.
The convener of the retreat and Pastor in charge of RCCG Youth Province 20, Pastor Daniel Olawande, popularly known as PDaniel, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to raise a “New Army” that is spiritually grounded and economically empowered.
“While we ensure spiritual growth, we must ensure young Nigerians are financially capable of growing their businesses. This is how we contribute to the economic growth of the country,” Olawande said.
To ensure transparency in the grant selection process, participants were required to submit detailed business proposals, which were reviewed by a jury. Prequalified candidates were subsequently selected through a raffle draw.
One of the beneficiaries, Mary Anu, who received a ₦2 million grant, expressed gratitude to the convener and Premium Trust Bank, describing the support as an unexpected but significant boost to her business.
The distribution of the grants was overseen by Shina Atilola, Executive Director, Digital and E-Business at Premium Trust Bank, who reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The statement further noted that the Young Ministers Retreat, now in its ninth year, has grown from its inception in 2017 into a global movement, recording over 300,000 attendees in 2025.
As participants of the 2025 “New Army” cohort departed, Olawande also announced the theme for the 2026 edition of the retreat as “City Takers.”
