Let’s build on Awolowo’s legacies – Oladejo


NAN-H-66

Legacies

By Akeem Abas

Ibadan, Nov. 11, 2016 (NAN) Mr Owolabi Oladejo, the Executive Chairman, Metropolitan Broadcasting Service, has stressed the need to build on the legacies of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of defunct Western Region.

He made the suggestion at a news conference heralding the Impact South West Economic Development Exposé (ISEDE) 2016 Summit in Ibadan on Friday.

Oladejo maintained that the legacies of the late sage must be sustained and improved upon.

He held that the South-West had always been the bedrock of development, adding however that the story was not same again.

“Efforts should not be spared in taking the region out of the woods. We should ensure that the region is not dependent on other regions.

“We should strive to have another Adeola Odutola, the first president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and other leading lights in journalism and banking.

“This is a challenge. Enough of the debate on what Abuja will give us. We can’t rely on government to develop our economy. We need to encourage entrepreneurial development’’, he said.

He said ISEDE would focus on fashion, agriculture, construction and technology.

“We want to showcase the companies we have around here, what we can leverage on and career process people can work on. We want to link people and businesses. I can be of help in growing your business.

“We will bring policymakers to those utilising the policies, and supplies to demands. Brand exposure is key. We want to draw them out. Let them come and showcase these ventures.

“There is a big problem if nobody knows that they are there. We can do better if we can showcase what we have,. There is a huge market here.”

Oladejo said the event will feature Southwest Impact Maker Awards where those who had contributed to the development of the region will be honoured. (NAN)

TAA/AK/IEA
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Idahosa Asowata