Summit Proffers Strategies for Sustainable Business in Anambra
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
BON SmithCity 2024 Business Summit has concluded yesterday with a call to action for businesses in the state to adopt sustainable practices.
The summit, attended by entrepreneurs and industry experts, focused on exploring innovative strategies for promoting sustainable business models in Anambra.
The Summit themed: Business Ethics & Sustainability in 21st Century, is an annual event of BON Hotel Smith City in Awka organized to help support investment agenda and drive of the state government. It was also to foster developmental growth, boost economy of the state and country at large.
During his presentation, Mr. Jude Obiekwe, CEO of Catchline Group (CG), emphasized the crucial role of entrepreneurship in building a thriving African economy. He stressed that problems are opportunities for vision and growth.
According to Obiekwe, one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s business environment is leadership. He argued that entrepreneurship must precede business, as business is essentially the commercialization of created value. To maintain focus on this value, Obiekwe said entrepreneurs must prioritize structure for growth.
To overcome challenges in business, Obiekwe advocated for creating partnership webs. He noted that Nigerians are individually strong but corporately weak, emphasizing the need for collective effort.
“In Nigeria, we are individually driven and not corporately driven. We are very rich when we work together than when we work individually.”
Barrister Uchenna Ajator, CEO of Unique Rentals, in his address on “Business and Legitimacy” emphasized that core purpose of entrepreneurship extends beyond profit maximization. Instead, he stressed the importance of providing meaningful solutions to people’s needs.
Ajator advised participants to establish a professional corporate identity by registering their businesses, obtaining a corporate address, and fulfilling other essential formalities. He underscored that legitimacy encompasses not only legal compliance but also adhering to high moral and ethical standards.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of innovation and customer-centricity, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace feedback from their clients to drive business growth and improvement.
Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association, Mr. Martins Nwafor, addressed participants on the pivotal role of effectively utilizing their key resources for wealth creation. He stressed the significance of establishing meaningful connections, emphasizing that success rarely occurs in isolation.
Martins also highlighted the importance of cultivating social capital through strategic relationships, underscoring the critical role human relations play in sustaining business growth and longevity.
Renowned entrepreneur, Benjamin Ezemma, Developer of Dubai Estate, shared invaluable insights with aspiring business leaders. He emphasized the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, stating that overcoming challenges is a crucial aspect of success.
He also encouraged entrepreneurs to cultivate innovative thinking, foster internal growth, and adopt a scalable approach to business development, summarizing his philosophy as “think big, start small, and expand.”
Hon. Amb. Gabriel Chukwunwendu, an Estate Developer, offered sage advice on the importance of balance in business, cautioning against the pitfalls of greed and advocating for contentment as a key factor in long-term sustainability.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, encouraged the participants to establish sound working relationship with security agencies in the state for the sake of security updates and emergencies.
Ikenga who represented the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono, urged participants to eschew trouble in their business dealings, noting that there would be nothing like insecurity if all imbibe existing business and professional ethics.
Dr Edith Anyakwo, a clinical Pharmacist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, advocated for proper management of mental health while doing business. She said sound mental health could be achieved by reducing stress level and cutting out unhealthy lifestyle.
Earlier, the BON General Manager, Anthony Zuokemefa explained tht the event was to support the government of Anambra State in her cry to attract investments, encourage investors both intending and the already established as well as create a symbiotic business relationship and healthy business network in the state.