Professionalism, Integrity as Pathway to Economic Growth – Experts
Experts have identified professionalism, integrity as critical components for a successful business and national economic growth.
They also called on Nigerians in all walks of life to imbibe professionalism, integrity as well as cherished values if they must succeed in their professional career and contribute to nation’s growth.
These views were raised by experts who spoke at the 2019 Reunion/Convention of the Association of Alumni and Managers of Lagos State University Master of Business Administration (LASUMBA) Heritage, at Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, at the weekend.
Speaking on the theme of the occasion, “Building National Economy: Professionalism, Integrity As Pathway,” the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State Prince Gbolahan Lawal, in his keynote address emphasized the imperatives of professionalism and integrity in national economic growth.
Prince Lawal who was represented at the occasion by a Director in the Ministry, Dr. Jide Martins, defined professionalism as a state attained by an individual who has become an expert in a field of endeavour, through a long period of education and practical training, and who continuously develops this attained expertise, with newer knowledge and further training, totally committed to the highest standards of that field.
He said professionalism is the way of a professional, noting that professions distinguish themselves from trades and businesses by claiming to serve a public function that reaches beyond the interests of their members.
“Going by this, we realize that the place of professionalism cannot be overemphasized in nation building and economic development. Since the public service is an integral part of the national economy, the need for professionalism becomes important.
“This is why the government is embarking on employing professionals to fill the public domain. However, the burden of building the nation goes beyond the public sector and the government. The private sector contributes significantly to the growth of the economy.
On Nigerians that have employed a great deal of professionalism in their dealings and how they affect the economic growth of Nigeria, he identified Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Folorunsho Alakija, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Herbert Wigwe, Tony Elumelu among others.
“A very prominent one is Alhaji Aliko Dangote. The efforts and contributions of this seasoned businessman towards the growth and development of the Nigerian economy are unmatched and second to none.
“Dangote Groups operate in every sector thereby adding value to the growth of the nation. The Dangote Groups alone has four listed Companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange: Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Flour Mills and the NASCON Allied Industries. His Cement factory is arguably the biggest cement company in Africa. Apart from cement, Dangote has products such as sugar, salt, flour, pasta, beverages and real estate.
“Other Nigerians in this category include Folorunsho Alakija, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Herbert Wigwe, Tony Elumelu among others. These great minds have been able to contribute to the growth of the GDP of the country as well as provide job opportunities for youths in the telecommunication, oil and gas, IT, finance and real estate sectors.
“Of course, we all know that these people do not do the work all by themselves. There is a crop of employees who do the work behind the scenes. These employees must have proven themselves worthy in conduct and professionalism for them to be recruited at all,” he said.
He noted that without engaging professionals and professional conduct, private sector drivers such as Dangote cannot help contribute to national development.
Prince Lawal said if we can only trust our lives with professionals, we can only trust the rebuilding of our economy with the strict adoption of professionalism as a culture in service delivery in Nigeria and this does not leave out the public sector.
On the place of Integrity, he said “a professional without integrity is of no value to the goal of rebuilding the economy. Professionalism is not enough; integrity, as well as imbibing cherished values contributes a great deal to rebuilding our economy.”
According to him, “Integrity is having the character and quality of being honest, reliable and fair. Not just that, there has to be a consistency and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.”
Continuing, “In all we do, integrity should be a part of us. It should show in our punctuality, keeping to our words, abiding by rules, avoiding bribery and corruption among others. Lack of integrity ruins the nation and our businesses as well,” he added.
The Chairman of the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunde Bello who was represented at the occasion by The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) Dr Adedolapo Ayokunle Fasawe, said professionalism and integrity is what the nation needs to grow its economy.
Dr. Fasawe who commended the organizers of the event for a job well done, said the nation needs professionalism and integrity in all facets of our national life, adding that professionalism and integrity are intertwined, that one cannot go without another.
She called on Nigerians in all professions to demonstrate high level of professionalism and integrity in all they do in order to engender growth, and sustainable trust.
Dr. Fasawe who indicated interest to enroll as an MBA student next year, called on members of LASUMBA to be proud of the association, urging them to take explore the strength of the membership of the association for their advantage.
High point of the occasion was the election of new executives for the association, where Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi was elected as National Chairman.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the occasion included the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Gagbohun who was represented by Prof. S.G. Odewunmi; Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State who was represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe.
Others were Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Dr. Jide Martins; President and Chairman of Council National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Aghemonmen; Honourable Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosafe 1 Constituency, Honourable Ganiyu Sanni; a former special adviser in Lagos State, Hon. Musiliu Falami, Coordinator, LASUMBA, Associate Professor, Olawale Ibrahim (Ph.D) among others.
