A Professor of Business Administration at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) , Professor Gabriel Kolade Olorunleke, has called on the federal government to be proactive in managing the country’s economy to address the economic crisis facing the nation.
Olorunleke, an erudite scholar made the call on Friday while delivering the 26th Inaugural Lecture series of the University titled, “Management Outcomes : What you see is a tip of the iceberg” held at the College of Health Science, Adankolo campus of the institution in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
According to him, the industrial policy of the country is a document that recognises the importance of big industries, small and medium scale enterprises, lamenting that presently, the economic policies of the government are merely reactive.
“We believe that for policies to have the desired impact, government must provide the enabling environment, and this begins with the living conditions and environment of the people.
“For instance, the government must address the issue of a living wage for the Nigerian workers, at least to guarantee their minimum comfort. Doing this will go a long way to engendering the multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.
“Increasing the money in circulation through wage adjustment is crucial for the emergent entrepreneurial industry, as a means of increasing patronage of the industry by the populace.
Similarly, there is a need for attitudinal re-orientation, away from the obsession for capital accumulation, unbridled craze for sudden wealth and graft,” he said.
Professor Olorunleke who also called on government at all levels and organisations to develop mentoring policies that will aid in training and equipping future generation of leaders in government and businesses, stated that such effort would align with best practices in other prosperous climes such as Australia and United States of America.
“Such mentoring policies will promote and enhance the ability and performance of upcoming generation both in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy or business environment” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, said that the inaugural lecture
allows a professor to present the summary of years of research, teaching, administrative experience, and professional contribution in a chosen field.
Akinwumi described the inaugural lecture as not just a ceremonial tradition, but a significant academic rite of passage and a moment of accountability and an opportunity to inform, challenge and inspire.
“As a young and rapidly growing university, each inaugural lecture adds to the strong foundation of excellence, dialogue, and innovation we are striving to establish.
“The title of the lecture “Management Outcomes: What You See is a Tip of the Iceberg” is both compelling and reflective.
“It speaks to the unseen complexities, the strategic planning, the silent sacrifices, and the often invisible labour that go into achieving tangible results in leadership and administration.
“It is a theme that resonates deeply with those of us in management, as we navigate the multiple layers of institutional responsibilities to create impact and value in our various domains” the VC stated.
SOURCE: blueprint.ng