The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu has stated that the theme for the recently held 2020 Ethics in Business and Professions Seminar, not only came at a time when Nigerians needed it most, but will also help play an important role in building a sustainable economy.
“Upholding ethical standards in challenged economy- the topic of today’s seminar is not only timely but relevant and very germane to the achievement of our collective aspiration, to build a sustainable economy”, Sanwo-Olu.
Ethics in Business and Professions Seminar is an annual event organized by Rotary International, District 9110 as part of its contribution towards the development of high ethical standards in the country. This year’s edition of the event themed: “Upholding Ethical Standards in a Challenged Economy”, brought together key players from different sectors of the economy.
Present at the event which was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alausa in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 was the host, Dr. Jide Akeredolu, the District Governor; Tayo Laleye, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo, Past District Governor and Chairman of the event, district leaders, Rotarians, guests, and friends.
“Upholding ethical standards in challenged economy- the topic of today’s seminar is not only timely but relevant and very germane to the achievement of our collective aspiration, to build a sustainable economy”.
The Lagos State Governor made the above statement in his speech which was delivered by Princess Aderemi Adebowale, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, who represented the Governor at the event.
The Governor who commended the efforts of the various Rotary clubs as well as the various chapters under the supervision of Rotary District 9110 in upholding and promoting humanitarian and communal causes, noted that “in a period of economic crises when everyone is concerned about their survival, there are high tendencies for individuals and organizations to engage in unethical practices in order to gain undue economic advantage.
“The moral principles of honesty, fairness, equality, dignity, and integrity are considered less important.You will all agree with me today that if the economy is perceived to be tolerant of unethical behavior, we lose the confidence and trust of foreign investment and international development institutions whose supports are needed to lift the economy out of its current challenges and place it on the part of sustainable growth and development”, he said.
He however stressed the need for everyone including the government, professionals, institutional bodies, and individuals to come together to take a firm and uncompromising stand against unethical behavior.
“Anyone who is proven guilty must be made to face the full sanction, to serve as deterrent to give a positive signal to our developmental partners that such behavior is not condoned in any way within our system”, he stated.
“We must be at one accord and resist temptation to compromise ethics and personal integrity in the face of current challenges because lack of ethics creates corruption and other vices with negative effects on our socio-economic development. To do otherwise will only compound our economic challenges as a nation”, the Governor added.
Guest Speaker, Barrister Tomi Vincent, the Faculty Member, Pan African University was also present to speak to the attendees. The event also featured panel discussion with the following discussants:
- Mrs Omotunde Lawson (District 9110 Governor Nominee Designate), the Chief Executive Officer, Christ Hill Schools
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, the Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Mr Folu Mogaji known as African Farmer, the CEO of FarmCredit, X-Ray Farms Consulting and AF Marketing
- Mr Olufemi Awoyemi, the Founder and Chairman of Proshare Nigeria Limited