Lagos Business School reiterated its commitment to impacting society – through the development of responsible leaders – at an event organised in partnership with the Unilever, where Mr Paul Polman, Global CEO, Unilever Plc, spoke extensively on how profitable and sustainable businesses are built in the midst of volatility.
Polman who has been at the centre of the advocacy for building widespread support for the SDGs globally, has continued to champion the drive for a sustainable and integrated approach to sustainable business practices.
Speaking to young entrepreneurs, sustainability experts and young business leaders at the forum, he said: “The scale and urgency of the challenges the world faces are so great and we need to look beyond our own business to drive transformational change. These challenges actually provide opportunities for emerging businesses to grow profitably and sustainably while addressing development challenges.”
Also speaking at the session, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, ably represented by Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Wale Oluwo, stressed that Lagos State is ready to support businesses who are delivering value and economic growth through their operations.
Other Nigerian CEOs present were; Oscar Onyema, CEO Nigerian Stock Exchange; Mr. Mutiu Sumonu (CON), Chairman, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.; and Mrs. Mosun Belo- Olusoga, Chairman Access Bank. They all shared, from their wealth of experience, ways to create sustainable commercial models within a highly volatile world. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr Chris Ogbechie, Faculty of Lagos Business School and Diamond Bank Chairman.
In her opening remarks, Dr Enase Okonedo, Dean, Lagos Business School, highlighted the aptness of the event theme in these times. She also added: “For the past 25 years, LBS has focused on promoting sustainable business practices and so we are delighted to organise platforms such as these to drive the conversations further about sustainability with organisations, such as Unilever, who have set the pace.”
