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By Merit Ibe
Some Business takeholders have advised that multiple streams of business will help curb the economic hardship in the country.
The stakeholders made their views at the Ozubulu Development Union Lagos, Trade/Business Summit 2023, themed: “Emerging Trends in Global Trades/ Businesses that Accelerate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Growth in Nigeria.
Chairman of the union, Comrade U. K. Charles Egwu, in his address, briefed the guests on the union and all the activities and stressed on making Ozubulu the fastest growing business hub in Anambra State, after Nnewi.
Egwu also implored Ozubulu indigenes to replicate the Jewish system of business by patronising one another, to boost and help expand their businesses.
In his keynote, Chairman/ Founder of Genesis Group, Dr Nnaeto Orazulike (Ugo Ozubulu), who was represented by a director in Genesis Group, Mr Daniel, spoke on Diversification; Panacea To Business Challenges in an Unstable Economy. He noted that having multiple streams of business, will help curb the economic hardship in the country, adding that all businesses can’t be affected same time by the downturn of the economy.
For his part, Dr. Paul Ilona, who is in the agricultural sector, spoke extensively on: Agriculture; A Viable Alternative in an Ailing Economy, Such As Nigeria. He emphasised on ‘Farm Psychology,’ advising the audience to develop a personal interest in farming business and other golden rules of farming, such as avoiding debts, starting and comprehending the trade, among others
Chairman of Jerclems Investment Ltd, the co-sponsor of the event, was represented by the secretary, Chioma Ibe. She addressed the guests on the different levels of investments in the real estate business and the long term benefits and satisfaction derived when people invest in Jerclems.
Mr Casmir Udeze, a branch manager in Fidelity Bank, Alaba International Market, enlightened guests on: The Role of Bank of Industry (Boi) Mortgage and Commercial Banks In Supporting SMEs Growth and Infrastructure in Nigeria. He elaborated on ways of accessing cheap loans from BoI through commercial banks. He also cited on requisite documents needed before loans are accessed and the process by which a commercial bank can help facilitate loans.
A Maritime Industry guru, Dr. Obi Cee Okonkwo, dissected the challenges government policies have on all sectors including maritime. He implored importers and investors to always consult professionals before getting involved in importation. He noted that importers should always shun touts and use benchmarks, when bringing in their goods, ie; using seaports closer to their area.
On the African Continental Free Trade Agreements(AfCFTA ), he implored importers to stop blaming clearing agents always as government policies are also part of the problems confronting the sector.
On her part, the Executive Director, Pwan Elite, a fast growing real estate company, Mrs Ogonna Faith Obioha, who represented the MD, PWAN Elite,Mr Anyiam Justine, delivered a paper on Providing Solution To Challenges In Real Estate Business In Nigeria – Through Networking. She used the opportunity to allay the fears of those who are scared of investing in the real estate business in Lagos. She admonished the public to always patronize genuine real estate companies, such as PWAN and to make sure that the property they’re buying come with registered documents such as; Registered Survey, Deed of Assignment and in some cases C of O etc.”If your land with any of these documents is revoked, the government will either compensate you or give you another allocation of land that will be as valuable as the one they revoked. She also made the guests to understand that having a C of O doesn’t mean that government can’t revoke the land if the need arises.
Other dignitaries at the event were trustee members of the union, Agbalanze Humphrey Ubanatu, Chief George Chikezie and Engr. Chris Ononuju, President General,Ozubulu Development Union, the four quarter chairmen, Chief Celestine Udunehi, Chief Chukwuma Onyebinamma, Chief Favour Obi and Mr Osita Ndedigwe Nwosu.
The co-ordinator appreciated members of the planning committee, who worked tirelessly for the success of the event: Mr Nnabuife Izuegbu (Publicity officer) Peter Okoligwe (secretary) and Chris Ilechukwu.
Others are Mr Obinna Anselm Ucheagwu; the Union’s legal adviser, Barrister Ejike Okeke; the initiator/ co-ordinator of the programme,Mr Uchenna Nwosah (Oscar Bernards), among others.
