NATION BUILDING: COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY – SANWO-OLU CHARGES DIRECTORS
Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second
The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on all parties involved in national development to assume responsibility and carry out their duties in their day-to-day operations, stressing that accountability and teamwork are essential to Nigeria’s greatness.
Sanwo-Olu delivered the warning on Wednesday during the 2024 Annual Directors Conference, which was hosted at the Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos and had as its theme the “Business Meets Government Dinner.”
In order for the nation to succeed, the governor, who was represented by the deputy governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that Nigerians in their positions should act morally and that they are the best at what they do.
He emphasized that citizens should take initiative, solve problems, and take responsibility for their activities within their area of influence in order to provide long-lasting answers rather than whining about other people. The governor emphasized that the family is the main issue facing the nation and that it needs to be addressed because without it, nothing will go as planned.
He went on to say that although the government is putting good policies into place, family values are the foundation of every nation and community in the modern world because the success of the nation rests on how well its families function. He emphasized that strengthening and extending the family unit in any nation can propel it to greatness and prosperity.
On the importance of infrastructure to National development and economic growth, Sanwo-Olu said, “The reality is that a lot of our infrastructure is better than other African countries’ infrastructure, so the problem is not of enough infrastructure, the problem
is not policies inconsistency, the problem is how do we make ourselves accountable when we do something wrong.”
In his opening remarks, President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani M. Borodo, stated that the event becomes pivotal owing to the need for leaders in government and business to align their visions
and actions to overcome business environment challenges such as policy inconsistencies, infrastructure deficits, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Alhaji Borodo emphasised that the journey through the road of economic recovery, growth, and development will not be a smooth ride without the partnership between the government and business leaders, adding that as business leaders, they are bringing forth innovation, agility, and capital necessary for growth while government, on the other hand, must create an enabling environment through policies that are clear, consistent, and supportive.
In his words, “This dinner provides the platform for candid conversations about the way forward. The challenges we face, be it in infrastructure, human capital development, or governance, require collective action. We cannot afford to operate in silos.
As we engage with one another tonight, I encourage us to think about the long-term partnerships that can be forged. Creating a Nigeria where businesses thrive, and citizens enjoy a higher quality of life should be our shared vision.”
The President also emphasized the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors, pointing out that neither the government nor business can bring about the change Nigeria needs on its own.
The President stated that they need to strengthen their dedication to public-private partnerships (PPPs), which have proven effective in other contexts. He continued by saying that the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria is still dedicated to fostering communication between the two sectors and supporting laws that advance sound governance and economic expansion.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Organising Committee at the Chartered Institute of Directors 2024 Annual Directors’ Conference with the theme: “Business Meet Government” Dinner, Dr. Fatumata Coker who was represented by the Vice Chairman,
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru described the event as networking between business leaders and policymakers which is germane in ensuring the alignment of goals for a prosperous Nigeria.
He said, “Tonight presents a unique opportunity for direct engagement – a space where ideas, insights, and solutions can be exchanged. Our aim is simple: to reinforce the importance of collaboration and to chart a course forward that benefits all Nigerians. With
public sector favourable policies and regulatory frameworks, and the private sector’s innovation and execution, we can create lasting value.”
He reminded them that the dinner is not the end of their conversations but rather the start of a renewed commitment to cooperating, while urging attendees to take advantage of the opportunity, create connections, and establish partnerships that will produce measurable outcomes for the advancement of our country.
He went on to say that the country has enormous economic potential, but realizing it will take a team effort.
He expressed optimism that by working together, respecting one another, and having a common goal, they will be able to overcome the obstacles in their way and give Nigeria a better future.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0