Participants of the second edition of the International Executive MBA week organised by Lagos Business School (LBS) have commended the School for delivering a programme that exposed them to the immense opportunities that exist for business people in Nigeria and Africa.
Themed ‘Playing to Win in Africa: Exploring business opportunities in Nigeria’, the 2019 International EMBA week is designed to help participants on the LBS EMBA programme to build their personal and business thinking agility through critically analysing and reflecting on immersive experiences in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
Joined by counterparts from several business schools across the region, including University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa, the participants were able to identify growing market opportunities and nuances of Nigeria’s business environment, through classroom lessons, case discussions and experiential tours. From WACOT to Eko Atlantic, SLOT Nigeria and Balogun Business Association, the participants gained the first-hand experience of the peculiarities of Nigeria’s growing markets while also exploring business practices within the various distinct contexts.
Speaking on his experience, Seana Nkhahle from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, expressed his admiration for Nigerians and their resilience. Nkhahle said, “What I have found particularly inspiring and humbling is the resilience of the people of Nigeria. Regardless of the adversities in the operating environment, each individual is making ends meet, overcoming hurdles, and making a success of their enterprises, big or small, formal or informal”.
One of the biggest highlights of the week was the opening dinner, where participants interacted with some of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs who shared heartfelt stories of their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and success strategies. LBS Alumnus and Founder of African-themed toy company, Auldon Limited, Paul Orajiaka unpacked his rise from operating out of a tiny stall in Lagos’ central market popularly known as Isale Eko to building a toy company estimated at over $10 million. Orajiaka harped on the importance of ethics and values in business and iterated that these valuable concepts were first introduced to him during his MBA at Lagos Business School. Other entrepreneurs who shared their insights on the theme include advertising executive and Founder, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, and CEO, Zaron Cosmetics, Oke Maduewesi.
The week rounded off with an innovation challenge that allowed participants to share business solutions they had brainstormed in groups throughout the week. Following the emergence of the winning group, participants were presented with certificates and joined other business school participants in a lecture delivered by Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Babatunde Fashola on the relationship between the government, the society and business players.
