Tijjani Borodo: Massive Business Opportunities Exist in Nigeria Despite Challenges

The 18th President of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria (CIoD), Alhaji. Tijjani Borodo, has stressed the need for business operators in the country to look beyond the challenges in order to take advantage of the opportunities in the business environment.

He said this while delivering an address during a webinar with the theme: 'From Surviving to Thriving: Cultivating Resilience for Business Growth in Times of Economic Uncertainties in Nigeria', organised by the CIoD, in conjunction with Sterling Asset Management and Trustees Limited (SAMTL).

The keynote speaker for the event was the Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba; the discussants were the Chairman, Proshare Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, and the Director General, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, while the Managing Director, SATML, Mr. Friday Omayebu, delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme was moderated by Saturday Editor, THISDAY Newspaper Limited, Mr. Obinna Chima.

According to Borodo, “As we all know, the global and national economic landscape are filled with challenges, structural rigidities, coupled with ever-present realities of economic fluctuations, creating complex environment for businesses to operate in. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, there are opportunities.

“This programme serves as a platform to equip ourselves with the knowledge and strategies needed, not just to survive these challenges, but to truly take advantage of the opportunities therein. As CEOs, directors and stakeholders, we are tasked with the responsibility of leading our organisations through turbulent times.

“The theme of this webinar underscored the need for us to grapple with structural rigidities and economic realities that shape the business environment in Nigeria. Nigeria, like many other economies, faces a myriad of challenges, ranging from infrastructural imbalance, regulatory bottlenecks, geo-political uncertainties and macro-economic imbalances. However, amidst these challenges lies opportunities for innovation, growth and sustainable development.”

The CIoD president noted that, “To be successful in such an environment lies in cultivating resilience. By building strong and adaptable organisations, we cannot only withstand challenges, but also see the opportunities that inevitably arise. Resilience is not just about weathering the storm, it is about emerging stronger and about turning challenges into opportunities and transforming adversities into growth.

“It is about building a business ecosystem that is not only robust, but also adaptable to the everchanging dynamics in the global market place. This webinar serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.”

In his remarks, Omayebu, also noted that the “challenges of today are tomorrow’s opportunities. So, all must be prepared to see how we can take opportunities from all the challenges we see today.”

According to him, his organisation which has been in existence for close to 40 years, remains committed to supporting its existing and potential clients on their financial journey and to navigate challenges.