The Young Ministers Retreat (YMR) has partnered with Premium Trust Bank to provide N24m in business grants to young entrepreneurs, marking a shift in the programme’s focus beyond spiritual formation.
In a statement, organisers said the 2025 edition of the Young Ministers Retreat concluded at Redemption City with an expansion of its mission, as N24m, estimated at over $15,000, was awarded as business grants to more than 1,000 young entrepreneurs.
The statement noted that the four-day event, long known for its strong spiritual emphasis on fasting and prayer, adjusted its outlook this year to reflect the economic realities facing young Nigerians through a strategic partnership with Premium Trust Bank.
According to the organisers, the convener of YMR and pastor in charge of RCCG Youth Province 20, Pastor Daniel Olawande, also known as PDaniel, described the initiative as an effort to raise a “New Army” prepared for spiritual and societal impact.
“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.
He explained that transparency guided the grant process, stating that participants submitted detailed business operations for assessment by a jury, after which prequalified applicants were selected through a raffle draw.
Mary Anu, who received an N2m grant, thanked the convener and Premium Trust Bank, describing the support as unexpected and a boost to her business.
The Executive Director of Digital and E-Business at Premium Trust Bank, Shina Atilola, supervised the distribution and restated the bank’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs.
The statement added that now in its ninth year, YMR has grown from its 2017 launch into a global movement, recording over 300,000 participants in 2025, with the 2026 theme announced as City Takers.
