The maiden edition of the Muslim Economic Summit will be held at the University of Lagos DIL Main Auditorium on January 17?18, 2026, the organisers said.

The summit, themed ?Faith, Finance & the Future: Empowering Youths, Women & Businesses for a Prosperous Future?, is aimed at driving economic empowerment and innovation anchored on ethical and faith-based principles.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the organisers said the two-day summit would bring together policy experts, Islamic finance professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, women leaders, and youth innovators for knowledge sharing, networking, and practical empowerment.

President of the Muassasat Nasrul IIm Wa Da?awat Foundation and spokesperson for the organising committee, Alhaji Ibraheem Adigun, said the event was designed to create a new generation of Muslim entrepreneurs and professionals who could compete globally while upholding Islamic values.

?The Muslim Economic Summit is about building a future where no one is left behind. We are creating a generation of Muslim entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators who can compete globally while remaining true to Islamic values. This is a call to our youth, women, and business owners to seize this opportunity for transformation,? Adigun said.

According to him, a major highlight of the event is the Pre-Summit Empowerment Training Programme, which targets over 1,000 youths and women in areas such as digital marketing, solar installation, mini-import/export, and urban farming.

He added that participants will receive certificates during the summit to mark the start of their journey toward financial independence and ethical entrepreneurship.

The Chief Executive Officer of Modo Ante Consulting, the event?s management and communications partner, described the initiative as ?a model of faith-driven empowerment,? noting that MES 1.0 blends belief with practical innovation.

?MES 1.0 embodies practical empowerment. It?s where faith meets innovation, where we equip our people with skills, networks, and resources that lead to a better life. We encourage everyone, especially young people and women, to take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow,? Okupe stated.

According to the organisers, the Summit will feature keynote lectures, panel discussions, plenary sessions, a Waqf fund launch, certificate presentations, and a trade fair showcasing halal products and services.

It was stated that the Sustainable Waqf Fund, to be unveiled at the summit, will finance future empowerment and development projects within the Muslim community.

Adigun added that participation in the event is free but requires prior registration.

?Attendance is open to Muslims and non-Muslims, including professionals, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and government representatives across Nigeria, while virtual attendees can join through the official MES online platform,? he added.

The organisers described MES 1.0 as a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges through ethical finance, enterprise development, and collaboration, with the goal of building a resilient and prosperous society driven by knowledge, faith, and innovation. (PUNCH)

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