Experts, policy shapers, impact-driven entrepreneurs and other key players in the corporate sector recently gathered to discuss and proffer solutions to the daunting challenges confronting the nation.
The insightful discourse which held in Lagos, was organised by Rebuild Nigeria Initiative.
The event tagged “Dialogue With Corporate Nigeria” featured panelists including; Gbenga Akinjogbin of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC); Ray Atelly of Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce; Prince David Iweta of NACCIMA; Dr. Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo of Market Doctors.
Others include former Social Democratic Party presidential aspirant, Khadijat Okunnu-Lamidi; Dr. Nick Okoye of African Enterprise Institute; Professor of Political Economy and founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, Pat Utomi.
The consultation session facilitated by Olayode Delano SAN, led the discussions around rebuilding a new Nigeria with a lens on peace, stability and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the president of the Initiative, Ituah Ighodalo in his remarks, explained that the initiative was launched as part of efforts to promote standards in leadership; advocate for good governance and accountability.
While noting that there’s need to do a lot of work to rebuild Nigeria, Ighodalo lamented that there are all sorts of issues going on in the country.
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Ighodalo said: “We’ve one of the strongest intellectual capacity anywhere in the world. We (RNI) are trying to build bridges, facilitate national peace and dialogue between North/South, IPOB/Fulanis, minorities who feel marginalised and others.
“We have strong networks in Nigeria and Diaspora; we are actively contributing to advent of a new Nigeria, and leading trust building. ”
Utomi in his remarks, spoke on the need for government’s sincere commitment to private sector.
While noting that private sector is critical to a nation’s progress, he lamented that policy inconsistencies serve as bane to investment.
At the end of seperate presentations by panelists, the key takeaways highlighted include; need for peace and stability in the country for business to thrive; painstaking planning and consistent implementation; social infrastructure; regionalisation and defining standout in leadership.
They also highlighted the array of socio-economic challenges besetting the country.
In proffering solutions to the issues debated at the dialogue, the panelists agreed for the need to decentralise governance activities, education and mentorship should be provided, and also more of technological advancement should be embraced.