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Ogunenwa Otubi Jos
The International Institute Of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship and Leadership has Organised It’s 2nd IIPCEL Annual Global Conference Awards and Dinner event in Jos, the Plateau state Capital.
Speakers at the Conference advocated for increased utilization of digital tools in wealth creation.
According to them, the digital economy requires entrepreneurs that would embrace novel digital technologies for new ventures and the transformation of existing business models.
According to the dons, who were drawn from across various Universities in Nigeria, entrepreneurship in the digital economy has made it imperative for entrepreneurs to approach all new ventures and the transformation of existing business models or social value by creating and using novel digital technologies.
The Conference with the theme: “Entrepreneurs and Wealth Creation in a Digitalized Economy-Action Plan” his an annual global event and the flagship of IIPCEL which is the Professional body in Nigeria and Africa for practicing and Professional Entrepreneurs and Leaders.
The event which was the second in the annual series also featured the Investiture of the
First President of the International Institute of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship and Leadership (IIPCEL)
Professor Tanko Ishaya.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, highlighted the shift toward a digital era, creating opportunities for those adapting to new parameters related to digital technologies diffusion.
He outlined the five pillars of digital entrepreneurship which were digital business environment, digital awareness base and ICT market, digital expertise, entrepreneurship culture, and easy access to finance.
The Professor of Computer Science & Information Technology added that modern day entrepreneurship is based on factors and features quite different from established game rules and open unfathomed opportunities for corporate entities and individuals able to adapt at the new parameters and functionalities related to digital technologies diffusion.
He was represented at the event by Prof. Emmanuel Umoru Oki, a Professor of Finance, Banking and Entrepreneurship who is currently, the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, University of Jos.
According to him,Digital entrepreneurship fosters innovation and creativity, allowing for the creation of new products and services and as well the development of entirely new business models.
Similarly,The Vice Chancellor of Salem University, Lokoja- Nigeria, Professor Johnson Alewo Akubo, expressed similar position in his presentation with the title: “Trends and Digital Innovations in Education Management and Delivery – Beneficial Impacts on the Economy.
Professor Akubo stressed that studies have shown that entrepreneurial intentions measured in terms of perceived feasibility, desirability and propensity to act tend to promote new venture creation which in turn result to wealth creation through employment.
Prof Akubo was represented at the event by Head of Department of International Relations, Salem University, Dr Morgan Ode.
Other speakers from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences; University of Jos expressed similar positions.
They include Professor Meshach G. Goyit, Dr Reuel J Dakung, and Dr Nanfa D Kusa.
They all argued that digital entrepreneurship encourages innovation and creativity since the resort to digital tools allows for new products or services to be created as well as the formation of an entirely new business model.
In his welcome address at the conference,
the Director-General and Chief Executive of the Institute, Chief Godwin Urhie, drew attention to the great potential of Nigeria and Africa as the next frontier of development as world navigate the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources with abundant solar and hydro power sources with boundless entrepreneurial opportunities, providing jobs for Africa’s youthful population.
The Investiture of first President and Award recognition were highlights of the event which includes among other things,
the investiture of the First President and Chairman of Council of the IIPCEL. Mr Bitrus Pam Badung, a Doctorate student at the University of Jos who holds a Masters Degree in Medical Microbiology from the same Institution and it was followed by award of recognition of Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos for Excellence in Leadership Award of the year 2023;.
Others are Hon. Ajang Alfred Iliya for Excellence in Business and Leadership Award; Professor Johnson Alewo Akubo, Vice Chancellor of Salem University Lokoja was conferred with the Grand Corporate Entrepreneur and Leader of the Year 2023; Mrs Grace Nanji Chikan, Chairperson of the African Women Entrepreneurs Program, Plateau State Branch conferred with the Woman Corporate Entrepreneur and Leader of the Year 2023; Miss Ritmwan Sitkukka, CEO of AWTIK BEAUTIFIERS, and a recipient of the YouWin Entrepreneurship Grant conferred with the Young Corporate Entrepreneur and Leader of the Year 2023.
The New President of IIPCEL, Bitrus Pam Badung is the Business Development/Country Operations Manager of Sysmex Healthcare Ltd, a world renowned Medical Diagnostic equipment company with the Nigeria Headquarters based in Lagos, who contributed extensively to scientific publications on various areas of Medical Microbiology.
He is also a member of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Fellow West Africa Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (FWAPCMLS), and Fellow, International Institute of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship and Leadership (FPCEL
The President in his Inaugural address said he will focus on growing the membership of the Institute by offering a 30% subsidy to new members and usher Nigeria and Africa into a new era of Professional Entrepreneurs and Leaders for sustainable wealth creation and economic development..
Kwararafa Reporters 