Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Thursday said that Nigeria needed creative thinkers, planners and practical leaders to drive growth and development.
The governor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, made the assertion at the 2022 Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had the theme: ‘Envisioning a New Aspiration for Nigeria’.
Sanwo-Olu said that efforts of some creative thinkers, who were at the helms of affairs of the state about 20 years ago, made Lagos to be strong.
The governor spoke on the theme of the conference.
He said that the state’s internally-generated revenue had grown to N45 billion due to creative thinking, planning and can-do spirit.
He added that creative thinking and planning turned the bar beach scenario, where houses were submerged some years back, into the Atlantic City.
“Insecurity is a major challenge and will persist if Nigeria’s economy is not well cared for.
“Criminality is in the rise because of lack of jobs; therefore, we must look at facts and not swayed by sentiments when choosing leaders,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged that technological advancement and innovativeness should be prioritised.
In his remarks, Mr Alex Enebeli, President/Chairman-in-Council, ISMN, said that the theme of the conference was apt as it projected the 2023 elections.
He said that the conference aimed to X-ray the economy, leadership and more about Nigeria to get people awakened to the realities of the present time and determine for a better future.
“To have a new Nigeria, we need to get it right, take hard decisions about leadership, agriculture, institutions, economy and security, all of which rise and fall on leadership,” he said.
Mr Abidemi Onojobi, Chairman, ISMN Lagos State Chapter, said that the conference was a key intervention and contribution to national development.
Prof. Kabir Adeyemi, Vice-Chancellor, Lead City University, who was represented by Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, noted that there was a high level of distrust and immorality in the country.
He called on critical thinkers to chart innovative ways to drive development, adding that leadership must be exhibited by all to move the country forward.
Guest speakers at the conference are Dr Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Abuja; and Dr Silva Opuala-Charles, President, Garden City Premier Business School, Port-Harcourt.
They said that Nigeria needed leaders who would create wealth, grow the raw materials sector and eradicate poverty.
More than 100 people were inducted as full ISMN members, associate members, honorary fellows and citation fellows at the event.
