By Victoria Hanson The minister for solid minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi has called on professionals and specialists to get involved in political activities in order to share their ideas in shaping the economy of the country.
Fayemi made the call on Friday during the 5th edition of Africa CEO Round Table/Conference which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
Represented by the former Commissioner for Education in Ekiti, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, the minister said there was no way things would take shape in the country if people who are meant to use their knowledge for societal growth abandon politics.
Dr. Ajayi, an eye specialist and pathologist said she delved into politics so as to contribute her quota to the development of her state and Nigeria as a whole.
In her words “Due to my skills and capacity, I realised that I can perform well if I was opportune to occupy any position in power. Though I wasn’t too good in politics at the early stage, but I was determined to be part of it and that was how I was appointed the commissioner for education.
She noted that no one can reap at where he/she did not sow, noting that political space is hard to maneuver.
“We don’t have a core civil service holding this nation together.
“We also need to have different group of people with integrity that could stand by the side of government as good advisers” the minister’s representative stated.
The representative of the former governor of Cross River State senator Liyel Imoke said that his advice to President Muhammad Buhari is to lay down the ground rules and stand by same.
Also speaking, Tagbo Agbazue (Director, Blanford consulting/Executive Chairman influence Africa said that Institutions required more substantial roles to enhance governance.
According to him, “there must be a structure that works for governance as it is not a one day task.
“What Nigeria should consider is the issue of Federal character and sustainability of Nigerians in the country, saying the leadership set the tone and it is absolutely critical.”
Speaking on “Corporate Governance to Sustainable Capitalism”, the keynote speaker, professor Marvin King (Chairman King Committee on Corporate Governance and International Expert on Corporate Governance and Sustainability) highlighted four drivers for change to include the technological resolution, responsible investment, the Next Generation and stakeholder expectations.
He however urged company stakeholders to change their mindset to the future generation as companies could not solve 21st century with the same mindset.
In her remarks, the lead Discussant who is also the MD/CEO Next Generation Consultants Mrs. Reana Rossouwo said that the root of democracy must be protected with vigilance to enhance corporate governance in the public and private sector.
She commended the participants for their interest and also the speakers for their research and sound presentations.
Other speakers who graced the occasion were Prof Anastase Shyaka,(CEO Rwanda Governance Board), Eric Hensel, Founding partner sustainable square) Douglas Kativu, (Director Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Africa among others.
