By Chukwudi Nweje
The Lagos Business School (LBS) will on April 12 host the maiden edition of the Lagos Business School Family Business Conference.
The conference, a brainchild of the LBS is aimed at inspiring enterprising families in Africa to ensure family cohesion, long-term business success, as well as ethical and societal impact.
The event is scheduled to be held at the Lagos Continental Hotel.
The Director of the Family Business Initiative at LBS, Dr Okey Nwuke, who announced this at a press conference at the weekend said that the LBS Family Business Conference will, among other deliberations, feature discussions by family business leaders on the impact of family dynamics, governance, succession on survival and sustainability of family-owned businesses.
According to Nwuke, Ibukun Awosika, the Chief Executive Officer of The Chair Centre Group, who will serve as keynote speaker at the conference, will be joined by a galaxy of business leaders to discuss the theme ‘From Family Enterprise to Family Institution: Climbing the Longevity Ladder.’
He added that the LBS-FBI aims to make intellectual contributions by positively impacting African family businesses through advisory services, case studies, teaching materials, seminars, conferences, and family business awards.
He said, “Family enterprises often start small, with a focus on meeting the needs of the immediate family members. However, as the business grows and becomes more successful, the family business must transition from a mere enterprise to a strong family institution.
“This transition involves implementing structures and processes that ensure the long-term sustainability and continuity of the business across generations.
“This conference delves into the captivating climb family-run businesses undertake as they ascend the Longevity Ladder, evolving from commercial ventures into cherished family institutions. This journey transcends mere profit-driven goals, instead focusing on forging a robust legacy and a profound sense of purpose that endures for generations.”
Through the initiative, the LBS hopes to foster capacity building, knowledge dissemination, academic and industry research, as well as self-financing and sustainability.
Throughout the ascent, participants will navigate the crucial rungs of succession planning, effective governance structures, wealth management, and cultivating a vibrant family culture.
Some of the other speakers, moderators, and panellists expected at the event include the Dean of the Lagos Business School, Prof Chris Ogbechie; the Director of the LBS Family Business Initiative, Dr Okey Nwuke; the Group Managing Director, Saroafrica, Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, the Senior Partner & Head of the Family Business Practice, KPMG, Nigeria, Mr. Segun Sowande, the Senior Partner & Chairman McKinsey Africa, Dr. Acha Leke, the Managing Director of Construction Kaiser Ltd, Engr. Igbuan Okaisabor; the Chairman of Peace Mass Transit Ltd, Dr. Samuel Onyishi and the Executive Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs. Uzoma Ezeoke.
Others are the Director, of EDC, Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, the Executive Director of SIMS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ikechukwu Eyisi; the Executive Director of Cochairs Group, Mr. Cosmas Maduka (Jnr); Managing Partner at Sahel Capital, Mr. Mezuo Nwuneli; the Chief Executive Officer of Slot Nig Ltd, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo; the Managing Director of L-and-Z Integrated Farms Nig Ltd, Alh. Muhammad Abubakar and the Chief Executive of Rite Foods, Mr. Saleem Adegunwa.