THE Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU, Business School, Awka, has organised its maiden International Conference, at Awka.

The conference, with the theme: “Industrialising Africa, Issues, Problems and Prospects’’, was aimed at brainstorming on the way forward toward Africa making quantum leap in achieving industrialisation.

A.U Nonyelu, the director NAU Business School, decried the worrisome situation in Africa where poverty, unemployment, decreasing productivity, collapsing businesses, and inadequacies have become the order of the day.

“All stakeholders and indeed the African continent will rise above board in fostering growth in their economies and translating it into industrialisation,” he said.

Nonyelu thanked Joseph Ahianeku, the vice-chancellor of NAU, for giving him the opportunity to head the Business School, now poised to break new grounds in business and leadership training as well as management of the Centre of Excellence.

Ezinma Nnabuife, the chairman planning committee of the conference, spoke on the imperatives of the conference as catalyst for creating awareness on the need to push up the industrialisation process in the African continent.

In a remark, Steve Ibenta, a professor of finance, and the Anambra State chairman, Anambra Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, called on all stakeholders to key into the global trends of industrialisation for sustainable development.

“Industrialisation is key to Africa’s development,’’ Ibenta stressed.

The conference featured presentation of philanthropic service award to some Anambra industrialists among whom are Emeka Okwuosa, chief Executive Officer, Oil Services; Dan Chukwudozie, chief executive officer, Dozzy; Innocent Chukwuma, chairman, Innoson Group and Ifeanyi Okoye, chief executive officer, JUHEL Group of Companies.

Speaking to newsmen, Osseloka Offor, the general manager, Communications Dozzy Oil, who received a philanthropic Services Award on behalf of Dr Dan Chukwudozie, recounted the company’s exploits.

“The company has partnered with many organisations to promote the dignity of man. It has as well alleviated poverty and touched lives of the masses through its services,” Offor said.

The conference had in attendance intellectuals like Ken Amaechi of the University of Edinburgh, UK and Emmanuel Adegbite, professor of Accounting, Governance and Responsibility De Montfort University, UK.

– Jun. 29, 2018 @ 17:55 GMT |