Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has urged members of the Institute of Directors (IoD) to support government initiatives to reflate the economy, boost wealth generation and create job opportunities for the teeming youths.
The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello at the 2017 IOD Annual Directors’ Dinner and Award Night Ceremony held at the Eko Hotels over the weekend reiterated that the present administration will continue to provide a conducive environment for business to thrive across the State.
He said Lagos State is encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst youths with appropriate mentoring from sectoral leaders.
“We have achieved a lot in the last 29 months in the area of economic empowerment for our people through the platform of the State Employment Trust Fund. However, there is still room for business leaders to join in the crusade to empower our youths to develop and sharpen their entrepreneurial skills in the entertainment, ICT, Agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors through access to fund and mentorship opportunities”, he said.
Ambode stated that there is an urgent need for the leadership of the Institute to, as a platform for business owners and managers, look into the factors affecting the seamless transfer of leadership in indigenous enterprises for posterity and continuous wealth generation and job creation opportunities for people.
The Governor said it is imperative to ensure the survival and growth of local enterprises as a strategy to boost the production capacity of the real sector, adding that it is time to focus attention on building the Nigerian brand with global relevance.
He congratulated the President of the Institute, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Mohammed and the entire membership for their commitment to the promotion of corporate governance and business ethics in the management of businesses in Nigeria.
He also urged the institute all to support government initiatives to curb unwholesome practices in the investment and business environment in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Mohammed, commended all the Directors for the laudable achievements and contributions to the success of their enterprises and the lives of many people whom they have impacted directly or indirectly which have made it possible for them to earn their respective awards.
“I want to also plead with you to sustain the tempo of your entrepreneurship and your philanthropy for the betterment of our economy and our people”.
The high point of the event was the presentation of special awards of excellence including an award for outstanding performance in governance to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Entrepreneurship Award to Founder of Ebony Life TV, Mrs. Mosunmola Abudu, Award of Good Governance to Former of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi and Corporate Governance Award to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
