Good governance and accountability have been described as the factors that will ensure even development in Nigeria.
The Publisher of PAN African International Magazine, David Anya made this known at its 9th annual conference and award in Lagos over the weekend.
According to the convener, David Anya, the 9th annual conference of the PAN African International was organised to encourage leaders in various positions of authority to see leadership as a call to service and basis for sustainable development.
He said that the image of Africa, especially Nigeria has not been encouraging hence, the need to change the narratives.
”The western World sees Africa as a jungle, a place full of sickness, diseases, corruption and all negative things. We are trying to change that narrative to ensure that the world begins to see Africa as the best place ever to live in. If i do my quota and you do yours, we will get there,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Leo Ela International Limited, Ugo Mgbemene wants the environment to be made more conducive for businesses to thrive saying that entrepreneurs are facing a series of challenges in the country to sustain their businesses.
”In Nigeria, the SMEs are facing a serious tough time, the Government should intervene to alleviate their sufferings. How can we harness their potentials and give them the necessary infrastructure they need badly. An average SME in the country will have his own electricity, supply his water, buy his own diesel including his security,” he added
Some of the awardees including the Chief Executive Officer of eat and go Restaurant Patrick McMichael and a renowned entrepreneur, Godwin Ikhinobele, believed that the narratives will change if the government would give more attention to security and digital business activities in the country.
”Nigerians have the potential, just that they haven’t been able to tap what they have on the inside most especially from digitalisation. The more the outside see that business is growing in Nigeria, the more they would want to invest,” he stated
Awards of various categories to about fifty individuals selected across Africa including chief executives, organizations and top political leaders who demonstrated excellence in the midst of odds in the year 2020/2021 were the highlights of the event.
This years’ conference has its theme: ‘Africa In Digital Age: The challenges And ways forward for vision 2030.’
