Awosika, others to speak at LBS’ family business conference

Ibukun Awosika, chief executive officer of The Chair Centre Group, and other notable business leaders are expected to speak on management and succession at the maiden Lagos Business School’s (LBS) family business conference on Friday.

The event, which will take place in Lagos, is themed ‘From Family Enterprise to Family Institution: Climbing the Longevity Ladder.’ It will feature deliberations and discussions by family business leaders on the impact of family dynamics, governance, and succession on the survival and sustainability of family-owned businesses.

Speaking at a press conference last week, Okey Nwuke, director of the Family Business Initiative at LBS, said the initiative is a brainchild of the school with a mission to inspire enterprising families in Africa to ensure family cohesion, long-term business success, as well as ethical and societal impact.

“Family enterprises often start small, with a focus on meeting the needs of the immediate family members. However, as the business grows and becomes more successful, the family business must transition from a mere enterprise to a strong family institution,” he said.

He added that the transition involves implementing structures and processes that ensure the long-term sustainability and continuity of the business across generations.

“This conference delves into the captivating climb family-run businesses undertake as they ascend the Longevity Ladder, evolving from commercial ventures into cherished family institutions.”

Some of the speakers, moderators, and panelists at the event will include Chris Ogbechie, dean of the LBS; Rasheed Sarumi, group managing director at Saroafrica; Segun Sowande, senior partner and head of the Family Business Practice at KPMG Nigeria; and Acha Leke, senior partner and chairman McKinsey Africa.

Others are Igbuan Okaisabor, MD of Construction Kaiser Limited; Samuel Onyishi, chairman of Peace Mass Transit Limited; and Uzoma Ezeoke, executive director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.