The Business Forum 1.0 edition, themed “Leveraging Innovation for Entrepreneurial Success,” took place in Lagos a few days ago and it was hosted by Lagos Country Club. The lecture took place on November 10, 2023, at the Jubilee Hall of Lagos Country Club in GRA, Ikeja.
The event commenced on a patriotic note, marked by the rendition of the national anthem and the club anthem. Justice Atigogo, the Master of Ceremonies, then warmly welcomed attendees and introduced dignitaries.
Mr. Seyi Adewunmi, President of Lagos Country Club, delivered the Welcome address, expressing gratitude to Mr Segun Shonubi, the head of the Lagos Country Club Media and Publicity, and the club members for organizing this historical event and he urged everyone to actively participate in the ensuing discussions.
Asiwaju Olawale Cole, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Special guest of honor, addressed the audience. His insightful remarks delved into the economic landscape, highlighting the crucial role of entrepreneurship and innovation in the face of escalating inflation rates.
The event’s sponsor, FairMoney Microfinance Bank Ltd, had its representative present a comprehensive presentation, covering the company’s products, credit rating, market position, and offerings.
Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, former Chairman of Access Bank Plc, the guest speaker, took the centre stage to illuminate the theme, “Leveraging Innovation for Entrepreneurial Success.” She eloquently explained the entrepreneurial journey, stressing the importance of tailoring innovation cultures to each organization. Mrs. Belo-Olusoga addressed key factors in creating such cultures, the challenges of innovation, and the benefits, including talent attraction, resilience, and sustainability.
Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, fondly known as Aunty Mo, epitomizes resilience and innovation. As the lead consultant and CEO of the Knowledge and Resource Centre (KRC) Limited, she has carved an impressive path marked by several “firsts” and a commitment to knowledge sharing.
With a career spanning back to 1983, Aunty Mo’s journey is adorned with accolades, including being the first female Executive Director of Guaranty Trust Bank and the first female Director of Access Bank. Despite her remarkable achievements, she remains focused on the importance of innovation and creativity in the face of challenges.
In a recent interview, Aunty Mo emphasized the need for constant innovation, stating, “If you don’t innovate, you die. We all have to be creative and differentiate ourselves.” Drawing from her wealth of experience, she stressed the significance of passion, collaboration, and adding value to the market.
Speaking about navigating challenges, Mosun debunked the notion that tough times equate to a lack of opportunities. “There is no period that you have challenges that there are no opportunities. You just need to seek out those opportunities,” she asserted. Drawing a vivid analogy, she likened the pursuit of opportunities to searching for diamonds, noting that one must dig deep even when they’re not visible on the surface.
Aunty Mo’s unwavering belief in the potential for success during challenging times resonates with her advice: “Nothing good comes easy.” She urged entrepreneurs not to be deterred by adverse conditions, emphasizing that some of the most significant advancements happen amidst challenges. In her words, “You can’t say the environment is bad, so you won’t do anything. No, the period of challenges is where people make money.”
As a proponent of personal and professional growth, Aunty Mo continues to inspire others through her leadership, demonstrating that with passion, creativity, and a keen eye for opportunities, one can thrive even in the midst of adversity.
Mrs. Belo-Olusoga concluded her session with valuable tips for entrepreneurs: encouraging risk-taking, fostering collaboration, staying updated on industry trends, and nurturing a culture of innovation. The event reached its peak with a lively Q&A session, where three individuals were given the opportunity to pose questions and receive insightful answers.
The evening concluded with a delightful dinner served to all attendees, fostering networking among the diverse participants present at this milestone event of Lagos Country Club.
