Admin l November 22, 2016
Lagos, Nigeria – Chairman, United Bank for Africa [UBA] Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu has called on government at all levels to create an enabling environment for transformative growth of entrepreneurship in Nigeria and across Africa.
The foremost investor made this call at the inaugural Distinguished Lecture Series of the Lagos State University, titled: “Entrepreneurship: The Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria’s Future Leaders”, held on Wednesday, 16th November, 2016, at the University Auditorium Complex, Ojo, Lagos under the Chairmanship of the Chancellor, LASU, Justice Adesola Oguntade [Rtd].
The economist cum banker told the auditorium filled audience, mostly students, that to be a successful entrepreneur, one must be highly disciplined, hardworking and make enormous sacrifices.
He added that, would-be entrepreneurs, must display high level of integrity, have foresight, be prudent, be humble, resilient and largely have the knack to identify opportunities.
He equally admonished that failure, is part of life and if they don’t get it right, they should not be deterred and continue striving till they get it right. He said entrepreneurs must management skills to be successful.
“You will not be successful entrepreneur if you don’t know how to manage people. Vision, focus and ability to execute will help your business grow”. He ended his lecture with a glimpse into his grass to grace story, saying, “it was rough in the beginning”.
Justice Oguntade in his opening remarks described the event as a deliberate effort by the University Management to forge harmonious relationship between the gown and town, an opportunity to renew contact, as this would help the growth of the University.
“The topic is of great essence at this point. The choice of the speaker by the Management is commendable. He is the right choice and I have no doubt he will do justice to the topic. The speaker is capable of leading a great and robust debate”.
In his welcome address, Chief Host, Professor ‘Lanre Fagbohun stated that his message was very simple and clear. “For the State Government, we promised to prepare our students for global competition, this is part of it, we brought one of Africa’s best. To the students the opportunity is here, we will be able to deepen your scholarship.
It is here, the moment is here. And to the speaker, we know what you want for Africa. You have global activities, make LASU as one of your hub”, The Vice Chancellor ended with a tumultuous applause by the audience.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of a plaque of honour to the Guest Speaker by the Chancellor supported by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo and Vice Chancellor and other Principal Officers.
The event was highly interactive as the participants asked questions, made observations and comments as well. The Registrar, Mr. Lewis Oladapo Akinwunmi brought the successful event to an end with a vote of thanks, appreciating the Guest Speaker, the Staff, Students, Media and Guests who graced the well attended show for their attendance.
The event was graced by the crème de la crème of the society. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was ably represented by the First Director, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, Office of the Governor, Lagos State, Mrs Toyin Anjus-Ademuyiwa while, the Deputy Governor, Dr. [Mrs] Idiat Adebule was equally represented by the Permanent Secretary in her Office, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi.
Others were members of the LASU Governing Council, Prof. Amuwo, Mr. Sunny Ajose and Former Pro-Chancellor, LASU, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, as well as, top echelon staff of UBA Group. Some members of Lagos State House of Assembly were also in attendance. Provost, Deans, Professors, Directors, Departmental Heads and Administrative Staff of the University were equally at the event.
