The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to continually provide the enabling environment for private entrepreneurial initiatives to thrive from time to time across the state.
The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, at the 2018 Annual Directors’ Dinner and Award Night at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, added that the private sector is the engine and prime mover of a modern economy in any country.
He said as Lagos State Government demonstrates commitment to deliver on its mandate, the private sector, represented by captains of industry, also has a responsibility to play by the rules and ensure the application of best global standards in business decisions and transactions.
He stressed that in the last three and half years, the State Government has tried to live up to the expectations of the private sector through the amount of resources committed to infrastructural development, renewal, design and implementation of business friendly policies and programmes in the state as a whole.
He said the only way people can build on an economy that is sustainable and globally competitive is what the Institute of Directors stands for and has shown serious commitment to over the years.
He explained that the Institute’s admission in 2014 as a member of the African Corporate Governance Network is a testament to this commitment, which has been demonstrated over the years.
He stressed that Captains of Industry are promoting corporate governance best practices and standards through continuous development of policy notes, position papers and guidelines, creating a platform for interaction and exchange of ideas through networking at events such as this and this will go a long way in enhancing the economic development of the nation.
Ambode said: “It is a great honour for me to join members of the Institute of Directors at this year’s annual Directors’ dinner and award night. I congratulate you all for your steadfastness and commitment to promoting the ideals of this highly respected organization which basically champions corporate governance and business ethics in Nigeria.”
The Governor congratulated the awardees and advised them to continue to impact positively on the economy through the growth and development of businesses in Nigeria, adding that the awards would go a long way in promoting healthy business rivalry with positive impact on the nation’s economy.
According to him: “We all are winners. I want to thank everyone here present whose business ideas have contributed in no small measure to the development of our dear State and nation. Once again, I congratulate the award recipients and also appreciate the contributions of the organized Private Sector to the successful implementation of our policies and programmes.”
The highlights of the event included the presentation of awards of excellence to some recipients, including Ambode, for his continuous support to the private sector.