A high grade conference of business leaders in Akwa Ibom State has ended in Uyo over the weekend, with a call on business leaders to attempt a significant mindset shift and stimulate the establishment of a symbiotic business ecosystem that will strengthen old businesses and attract new ones to the state.

The charge came from the immediate past Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Subsidiary Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Udom Inoyo who was a lead speaker during the just concluded Akwa Ibom Business & Leadership Summit 01 (AKIBLS01) convened by Community Stakeholders for Social Good.

Speaking on the theme of the summit “Leading in the Midst of Uncertainty”, Mr. Inoyo highlighted some of the winning ways for the survival of Akwa Ibom businesses in a COVID 19-ridden economy to include: dogged determination to succeed and never quiver at the presentation of challenges, establishment of a network of business-minded entrepreneurs to form a symbiotic ecosystem of local businesses, utilization of enabling technologies and innovations to stay ahead of competitions, as well as maintenance of high level of discipline, hard-work and integrity.

Mr. Inoyo, represented by a well-grounded oil and gas business professional, Mr. Effiong Esumo, noted that the economy of any nation is as healthy as the aggregate enabling conditions for businesses in that nation, adding that private businesses remain the highest employers of labour in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and across the globe.

Esumo, who himself is a mentee of Udom Inoyo, commended the support of Akwa State Government to the business community in the state and sued for greater support and collaboration, in the interest of the collective prosperity of Akwa Ibom State.

“The Government depends on the business community to function well just as the business community has some expectations from the government. There are a plethora of issues plaguing the business environment which can be addressed by the government. The making of laws by the legislature, the implementation by the executive and the interpretation by the judiciary shape the business environment. The responsibility of the government in maintaining law and order is critical to business success because every business needs a peaceful environment to thrive. Availability of infrastructure and basic amenities reduces the cost of doing business. The monetary and fiscal policies and many other functions of government could either make or mar new and existing businesses”.

Mr. Udom Inoyo continued, “In view of the overwhelming impact of government activities on the fortunes of our businesses, our business community, like in other climes, must as a matter of necessity take active interest in the process of government. The quality of men and women that run our government and their sensitivity to the plight of the business world must be duly considered”.

Specifically addressing the young Akwa Ibom business leaders and organizers of the summit, Mr. Inoyo congratulated them for the brilliant initiative of organizing a summit of that sort that sought to establish a network for young and experienced business leaders in Akwa Ibom State, with a view to positioning them not just to better manage the uncertainties of the moment, but to stimulate a business-prosperity revolution even amidst these somewhat novel peculiarities.

He added, “If the previous generation of our people took their eyes off the ball, with most gravitating towards government and paid employment, today’s generation must be reminded that this is the 21st century where technology is king. Luckily, the government of Udom Emmanuel is providing a line of sight towards the industrialization of Akwa Ibom state. Our youths must tap into these emerging opportunities and the time to begin that journey is Now.”

Earlier in her opening address, the convener of the summit, Mmanti Umoh, spoke on the rationale behind the hosting of the event. She noted that at a time like now when much help is required for businesses to thrive in the state, Community Stakeholders for Social Good came up with AKIBLS01 to inspire a rethinking of leadership, a reconnecting of business people and a reinventing of businesses in Akwa Ibom State.

The keynote address for the summit was presented by a legal luminary and retired judge in Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ifiok Ukana. Other speakers at the summit included Mr. Ubong Obot (Ubotex), Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke (Member, representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly), Harry Udo (an experienced business leader resident in the state), and Magnus Chukwuekezie (Divisional Head of Keystone Bank and CEO of Everyday Food).

The summit held at the conference hall of Ibom e-Library Complex in strict compliance with COVID 19 guidelines and was well attended by business leaders within and outside the state who took delight in sharing thoughts, cross-fertilizing, gathering insights, asking and answering questions, as well as building networks that would benefit their businesses long after the conclusion of AKIBLS01.