The National Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Joseph Obayemi has declared that the Inspirational Conference set up as an economic enabler to allow men have the requisite economic knowledge and insights will stir up business excellence in Nigerian men who are diligent, following business tips that would be discussed at the programme.
Obayemi said this while delivering his welcome address at the Inspirational Conference 2020, the maiden edition of the epoch-making event that is poised to become a yearly or bi-annual event. The event was organised by the Lagos Region 11 of Redeemer’s Men Fellowship. The 2020 conference took place at the auditorium of the RCCG Resurrection Parish, Km 15 Lekki Epe Express Way, Lekki, Lagos. The theme of Inspiration Conference 2020 was- Galvanised for Geometric Growth.
Obayemi revealed that the church leadership recognised various economic, spiritual and family challenges facing men in Nigeria and decided to create a forum where men can be brought together from time to time to proffer goodly solutions to challenges facing them.
Commenting on the 2020 theme, Obayemi felt it was of great relevance to the purpose and calling of men, especially as it plugs directly into the pillars of family and finance.
“Growth is an essential element and a geometric growth brings about a progression and an upsurge from diverse state or points at the same time, and the sure way for this type of growth is through the word of God,” he said.
Also speaking on the conference, Amos Emovon, Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the event expressed great joy and satisfaction with huge level of success of the programme.
In his words; “The level of overflow was quite impressive, we had over 14,000 people that registered online, many more came directly to the main venue and the 7 other locations we created and the presence plus quality delivery from all our carefully selected and seasoned world class speakers made this programme a great one and a vision accomplished to the glory God”.
Also commenting on the event, Macauley, the Director of Public Relations of The National Board of Redeemer’s Men Fellowship, the direct organisers of the event, expressed great satisfaction and gratitude to God for the huge success achieved. He explained that a final decision would be taken soon that will determine if the event would be annual or every other year.
Asked if there are concrete plans like a functional corporative society that can bring real gains to disadvantaged men apart from a talk shop of this nature, Macaulay explained that there are ongoing plans.
“For instance, we have a team that created a functional and effective corporative society in Warri, Delta State. We are bringing them in to replicate this success in Lagos and other areas. We also have business mentorship as highlighted by some of our speakers. A lot would be on ground to help all of us walk the talk to ensure we galvanise growth in geometric proportion to achieve the goal of this conference,” he said.
Akinwunmi Adesina, former minister of Agriculture, and President, African Development Bank (AfDB) was the lead speaker, while the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo was the keynote speaker at the event.
Members of the panel of discussants were, Okechukwu Enelamah, former minister, industry, trade, and investment; Kayode Pitan, MD/CEO of Bank of Industry; Ben Akabueze, DG, budget office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Matthew Kukah, bishop, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and Yinka Sanni; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, who served as the moderator.
Presenting the lead paper titled, Realising Your Vision for Success, Akinwunmi Adesina strongly advised all attendees to have a proper perspective of success so that they all can set their success criteria. This, according to Adesina, would be the best way everyone can infuse honesty, fairness and integrity into all spheres of their activities. Quoting from the Bible, Adesina revealed that these three factors were God’s measure of success that can ensure geometric growth and prevent geometric failures.
He explained that words don’t really bring success, rather strategic means of engagement with various segments of the economy of Nigeria and other African countries will bring results as the continent has great potentials to become the biggest economic hub on the globe with the right policies and investments.
In his keynote address, the vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo expressed confidence in the Nigerian economy and its ability to create business opportunities and geometric growth, saying the government would continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He explained that in spite of the perceived low growth rate, the Nigerian economy was still relatively bigger when compared with other African economies.
“Rwanda has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $8.7 billion, while FCT, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers and Delta have growth rates of $29.9billion, $14 billion, $90 billion, $14.2 billion and $11.2 billion respectively.
“Even Ghana is at $65.5 billion and is less than Lagos,” he said.
He stated that the potential of the Nigerian economy has been boosted by agriculture, manufacturing, creative industry, technology and ICT.
“There are incredible new ways of investing in agriculture in Nigeria, where companies are raising funds for farmers and farming, and such platforms should be invested on,” he said.
During the panel discussion, Kukah recommended strongly that the culture of cynicism towards anything government must be tackled effectively to ensure growth while Ben Akabueze wants men to stir up their potentials and position themselves to apply their skills diligently and deliver value if they want God to bless their businesses and galvanise them for geometric growth.
Jumoke Akiyode-Lawanson
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