Lagos: Deputy Governor Urges Entrepreneurs To Leverage Technology For Growth

Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has encouraged entrepreneurs in the state to leverage more on technology to drive growth and development in their businesses.   

The Deputy Governor gave the advice at the 5th A.M. Agoro Entrepreneurship Lecture which took place at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.

The lecture series commenced four years ago in memory of the late Adudu Mukandasi Agoro, a legendary entrepreneur and elder statesman renowned for his persistence and inventiveness in the business sector. 

Hamzat who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Lagos State, Dr Shakirudeen Onasanya, said combining science, engineering or ICT would have an impact on business growth alongside competitive advantage in the global economy.  

While speaking on the topic ‘Leveraging Technology for Business Success and Growth’, he noted that Nigerians must consider the technology from the areas of sustainability of the environment, social impact, and economic viability. 

“Technologies evolved to make businesses successful and economically viable. But we must also balance it with the environment. Will technology cause climate change? Will it cause air, water and noise pollution? And for technology to be effective, it must be technologies that enhance sustainable development. And technologies that do not accentuate social issues.

"For example, one of the focuses of the government is to reduce youth unemployment and technologies that assist in creating more employment opportunities are those technologies we should promote.

“So, there should be a balance between economics, environment and social issues. Finally, it is important to continue to monitor the start-ups that we have empowered with funds today.

"How have they grown in the next 5 years? How many people have they employed in the next 5 years? How has their capital grown? How has their output grown?” he said. 

According to Hamzat, Pa Agoro (1892-1948) was a wealthy and accomplished building contractor who helped make Lagos the prosperous city it is today.