LBS Alumni want government to leverage technology to streamline processes

The Lagos Business School Senior Management Programme 69 Alumni has called on government parastatals to leverage on technology to streamline their processes.

The alumni made the call during its inaugural business conference, which brought together industry experts and other notable personalities to discuss ‘Making lemonades – creating opportunities in a challenging economy’.

The event, which took place at the institution’s campus had business professionals, captains of industry, and other stakeholders in attendance. They shared experiences, and proffered solutions to the challenges facing the business environment.

Moderated by Finance professional, Martins Arogie, the event featured keynote addresses and engaging panel sessions with high profile speakers including Executive Director, International Banking, GTBank Plc., Ademola Odeyemi; Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc., Imrane Barry; MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Yusuf Kazaure, and Olivier Angot, Chief Financial Officer, IHS Towers.

Speaking at the event, Kazaure made a case for process digitization, saying it is important in creating an efficient governance system.

He said: “Government parastatals must leverage technology to streamline their processes. This is the only way to be nimble and efficient to create an enabling environment for citizens. Bureaucracy stifles growth in any country thus a need for digitisation, which requires you to go back in and re-engineer the entire process of government.

“Digitisation will aid driving transparency and accountability in government. Complexity is everywhere, and it is important to constantly review your processes. The environment constantly changes forcing you to either adapt or fade away.”

Odeyemi highlighted values derived from investing in training and capacity development in the quest to build sustainable businesses, which has the capacity to profitably exist beyond the lifespan of their founders.

“Training and development of staff is an investment and must be seen as such. Your staff provides the source of ideas that can expand your firm. Building a culture of excellence will provide an atmosphere for growth.

“Sustainability is essential for African businesses. It must be an instilled value during your daily activities. African companies must envision surviving beyond the life of the founders,” he explained.

Imrane Barry and Olivier Angot joined co-panelists to reiterate the importance of quality, value-driven leadership in creating best-in-class, sustainable, and innovative businesses in Africa.

Speaking on retaining talents, giving the high emigration to ‘greener pastures’, Imrane said, “it is important to prioritize opportunities, bet on people and be aggressive in execution. Finding what is relevant to someone in the market, what are peoples’ needs?

“Look at the value chain and aim to connect the dots, you will find opportunities to make lemonades,” he said

In his remarks, Angot said what is seen is a function of one’s lens, stressing that a photographer takes several shots before he gets a perfect shot.

“There may be several trials and failures but really, the lemons are in you,” he said.

The event concluded with presentation of awards by the Class President, Akinkunmi Akingbogun to the speakers alongside the Lagos Business School Alumni Director, Henry Andoh.