Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, has said that social enterprises help create a vibrant and diverse economy with more opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
He also said that all nations must be able to work with social enterprises through private investors to address the social, environmental, cultural and economic challenges, noting that no government can solve them alone.
Adetu said this at the 30th edition of the Omolayole Management Lecture series organized by (AIESEC) recently.
Adetu, who was the guest speaker at the event, alluded to several incidents that have helped him in his career ranging from changing the look and feel of his brands to creating enormous result for his organization.
“The essence of social entrepreneurship has unfortunately largely been misunderstood in the past. At its heart is an approach to social and environmental problems, which combines innovation and opportunity just the way any entrepreneur would. The difference is that the primary purpose is not profit maximization for shareholders but using revenues generated to drive transformational social change.
“However, I realized that to drive change in the nation, the key is to educate future business leaders, which informed my coming here today. Everyone must stand up to contribute to making Nigeria a better place which is not an exclusive right of the government but everybody, hence the need for us to take social entrepreneurship serious,” he said.
Also addressing the participants, President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr. Larry Ettah, who chaired the occasion, stated that the theme of this year’s lecture is apt and timely as it has become nationally imperative to address unemployment and it is necessary to proffer pragmatic approach to resolve the issue. He added that NECA has been championing enhancement of resources and sustainable national development as its contribution towards addressing unemployment in the country.
Dr. Michael Omolayole in whose honour the lecture series was instituted said this year’s lecture series was significant as it was the first time all the lectures in the series would be complied in a book and launched. “I feel so fulfilled that this book could see the light of the day and we are been able to place it on Jumia book store for everyone that may want to access the book.”
He said the importance of innovative, high-growth entrepreneurship is emphasized in the book as well as the important role of the state to support entrepreneurs.
He said the book also argues for the need for entrepreneurial solutions to intricate global challenges – such as climate change, migration, and terrorism.
Source : Independent