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Stakeholders advocate data-driven reforms to boost Nigeria’s ease of doing business at J9C annual lecture
Prominent stakeholders have called for targeted, measurable reforms to enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria. The call was made on Thursday, January 9 at the 13th Anniversary Lecture of socio-economic group, January 9 Collective (J9C), in Lagos, themed: ‘Business and Policy Strategy: Examining the Role of Reform in Enhancing the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria’. Chairman of the event, Asiwaju Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, Chairman of Coleman Wires and Cables, called for greater investment in key sectors, including agriculture, industrial raw materials, and ICT. He highlighted the importance of succession planning to ensure business continuity. “Investment decisions are not sentimental; globally, the primary consideration is to invest where returns are guaranteed, though not taken for granted. “Equally crucial is succession planning, which is vital for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Founders of Nigerian businesses should encourage their children to engage with the institutions they have built to ensure sustained growth and continuity,” Onafowokan stated. Keynote speaker, Prince Adewole Adebayo, underscored the need for fiscal reforms aimed at promoting economic growth and stability. He advocated for the metering of oil wells to ensure accurate revenue generation and emphasised the separation of regulatory functions from business operations. Economic reforms without political reforms are ineffective, as politics dictate the economy, Adebayo noted, stressing the importance of transparency in land matters and strengthening the legal framework to punish economic crimes. “The Nigerian government must look inwards, define the desired trajectory for the country, and carry out reforms based on that vision. “The first reform should ensure that rules are not set by players but are enforced by independent entities. Businesspeople must approach the government for general regulations rather than specific ones. “Economic reforms without political reforms are ineffective, as politics dictate the economy. “For ease of doing business, we must also separate regulators from those they regulate and ensure economic crimes are punishable,” Adebayo who was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2023 presidential candidate, said. Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, founder of Nairametrics, emphasised the critical role of data in driving economic reforms. According to him, nations that effectively harness data tend to outperform others economically. “Tax incentives and foreign exchange reforms are essential for attracting foreign direct investment,” he added, urging the government to address the fiscal deficit and ensure exchange rate stability. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, urged the government to prioritise industrial policies. He advocated for passing pending tax bills and revising electricity tariffs to reflect actual consumption. “Manufacturing is key to economic growth. The government must incentivise private sector participation and clear foreign exchange obligations,” Ajayi-Kadir said. Toki Mabogunje, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the role of sub-national governments in driving reforms. She called for the modernisation of reforms and global competitiveness in the SME sector. Adedeji Popoola, founder of Fina Trust Microfinance Bank, stressed the need for SMEs to internalize business processes and maintain proper documentation for financial inclusion. He also urged the government to address insecurity to foster economic growth. Alara of Ara Kingdom, Osun State, Oba Olubayo Windapo, who was the royal father of the day pointed out that non-oil sectors are contributing more to the Nigerian economy than they are given credit for. Captain of J9C, Kingsley James, reiterated the group’s commitment to engaging in dialogue and offering solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges
J9C to explore business and policy strategy in Nigeria at 13th anniversary lectur
Foremost socio-economic group, January 9 Collective (J9C), has announced that business and policy strategy in Nigeria will be the focus of its 13th anniversary lecture which will be held on Thursday, January 9, at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. The lecture, themed “Business and Policy Strategy: Examining the Role of Reform in Enhancing the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria,” will bring together thought leaders, policymakers and business executives to discuss critical reforms needed to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the business environment in Nigeria. A statement by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Olumide Iyanda, on Saturday said the event will be chaired by the Chairman of Coleman Wires & Cables, Chellarams Plc and Artee Industries Ltd, Otunba Solomon Onafowokan. Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, will deliver the keynote address. Adding depth to the conversation will be a panel of renowned experts including Managing Director of Fina Trust Microfinance Bank, Adedeji Popoola; Vice Chair, Africa, ICC World Chamber Federation, Toki Mabogunje, and Nairametrics Founder, Ugo Obi-Chukwu. Royal Father of the Day is Oba Dr. Olubayo Windapo, the Alara of Ara Kingdom in Osun State, who will lend his imperial presence and cultural perspective to the occasion. Speaking ahead of the event, J9C Captain, Kingsley James, said the anniversary lecture aims to foster dialogue around policy reforms and their impact on creating a more enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria. “It promises to provide actionable insights for stakeholders across various sectors. That is why we have chosen speakers who are accomplished economists, policy strategists, financial analysts, entrepreneurs and advocates for SME growth. “Without doubt, the daring reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu from the moment he was sworn in on May 29, 2023 have had far-reaching effects on Nigerians irrespective of what sections they belong to. As a collective we believe in the transformative power of quality engagements and will continue to live up to our mission of putting Nigeria first. “As it is our tradition, the 13th J9C anniversary lecture is open to business leaders, policymakers, academics and interested members of the public. ” Mr James added. J9C was established in Lagos on January 9 2012 by a group of friends and colleagues with the conviction that every Nigerian has a vital role in nation-building and development. It celebrated its first anniversary in 2013 with the introduction of an annual lecture to further project the members’ common values and love for Nigeria and its people. The annual lecture has become recognised as a gathering for intellectual discussions that drive economic growth and national development. Speakers and special guests at past lectures include Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; former Governor Segun Oni of Ekiti State; former Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje; former executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, and Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo. Others include Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal; Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode; Media Proprietor and Producer, Funmi Iyanda; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Dele Momodu; Director, Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof Anthony Kila, Founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli; Executive Director, Enough is Enough, Yemi Adamolekun, and theatre director and journalist, Ben Tomoloju.
Abisoye Fagade hosts J9C monthly meeting
January 9 Collective (J9C) member Aare Abisoye Fagade hosted the group’s monthly meeting at his Lagos home on Sunday, March 31. View this post on Instagram A post shared by January 9 Collective (@j9cofficial)
Issa-Onilu, Ben Tomoloju, Surajudeen Mudashiru for J9C anniversary lecture
Director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lanre Issa-Onilu has been confirmed as special guest of honour at the 12th anniversary lecture of socio-economic group January 9 Collective (J9C). Themed “The Role of Values in Nation Building,” the lecture will hold on Tuesday, January 9 at KAP Hub, 41, Ogundana Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja in Lagos. Playwright, theatre director and journalist Ben Tomoloju will deliver the keynote speech while Professor Surajudeen Mudashiru of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU) will be guest speaker. A statement by captain of J9C Kingsley James on Sunday said the choice of lecture theme is influenced by the need to critically examine the beliefs and influences that inspire actions taken at individual and group levels. “As a group dedicated to good governance and socio-economic development, J9C is looking at the role of values in past, present and future Nigeria. We are particularly committed to positively influencing the thoughts and actions of Nigerians, particularly the youths who form majority of the population,” Mr James said. The J9C captain added that speakers and panelists for the annual lecture were carefully selected from eminent Nigerians knowledgeable about the subject. Panelists at the conference are veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede; theatre, film and cultural studies lecturer, Professor Tunji Azeez, and former district governor, Rotary International District 9110, Dr Adewale Ogunbadejo. J9C was established in Lagos on January 9 2012 by a group of friends and colleagues with the conviction that every Nigerian has a vital role in nation-building and development. It celebrated its first anniversary in 2013 with the introduction of an annual lecture to further project the members’ common values and love for Nigeria and its people. The annual lecture has become recognised as a gathering for intellectual discussion and networking. Speakers and special guests at past lectures include former speaker of the House of Representatives and chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; former Governor Segun Oni of Ekiti State; former Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje; former executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, and Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo. Others include Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal; media proprietor and producer, Funmi Iyanda; chairman, Ovation Media Group, Dele Momodu; director, Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof Anthony Kila, founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli, and executive director, Enough is Enough, Yemi Adamolekun.
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