Group urges FG to dialogue with agitators, youths for peaceful business environment
West Africa Knowledge Economic Organisation (WAKEOrg), a sub-regional group for public-private cooperation, has urged Federal Government to dialogue with agitators and youths to create peaceful environment for businesses to thrive. Spokesperson for WAKEOrg, Prof. Osisioma Nwolise, made the appeal at the organisation's third anniversary and presentation of West African regional awards on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State. Supreme reports that two prestigious regional awards were presented to chief executives of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Chief Innocent Chukwuma, and Stine Rice Industries, Chief Akai Egwuonwu.
Nwolise said that peace and security were prerequisites for development as it creates an enabling environment for the fundamentals of a society's progress. He said the spate of kidnappings, cattle rustling, banditry, killings and other forms of insecurity being experienced in parts of the country are elements of youth revolt; and it calls for concern. The state of insecurity is negatively affecting already existing and prospective businesses. Even potentials are not properly utilised to drive economic growth. They appealed to the federal government to take seriously the plea to engage in dialogues to resolve these issues.
He said the federal government should also dialogue with the regions to douse tension and address the problem of insecurity, thereby promoting the optimum environment for human potential to flourish. Nwolise, also the Chairman, WAKEOrg Award Selection Committee, said that two successful entrepreneurs from Anambra were selected for their contributions to the nation's economy and service to humanity. Without food security and effective mobility, no nation or society can develop or progress. These two entrepreneurs have contributed to national productivity, wealth and development of the country. They successfully deployed strategic thinking, people oriented projects, capacity building and uncommon African achievements.
Nwolise told the awardees the essence of the award is to appreciate you and encourage you to do more for humanity, for the nation and the continent of Africa. In his remarks, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani, Chairman, WAKEorg, said that member-countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were proud of Chukwuma and Egwuonwu for their achievements. Danfulani, a former Director-General of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, encouraged other citizens to emulate the awardees by solving the problems of humanity with practical knowledge and patriotism.
Mr Joel Dappa, Secretary of WAKEOrg, said that the awards were for citizens that had made Nigeria and Africa proud through industrial manufactures and capacity building. He said that the recognition would enable recipients to generate energy to do more in service to humanity and encourage others to offer honest, selfless and patriotic services to nation. Responding, Chukwuma and Egwuonwu appreciated the group for recognising their efforts, saying that the awards would spur them to do more in the areas of solving problems and making social impact.
Supreme reports the award presentation was followed by facility tour of Innoson vehicle manufacturing plant in Nnewi and Stine Industries rice mill in Amichi area of Anambra. WAKEOrg is an independent sub-regional organisation for public-private cooperation committed to improving the state of West African economies, pushing for new frontiers in smart economic and social agenda. The organisation has partnership endorsements of Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Department of Education, Science and Culture of the ECOWAS Commission.
