Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA said its members create eight out of every 10 jobs in the country.
This came as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State assured Organised Private Sector, OPS,
in the state of a more conducive operating environment.
NECA, through its Director General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde and Governor Sanwo-Olu, spoke at the 4th NECA yearly Employers’ Excellence Awards, held in Lagos.
Giving insight into rationale behind the awards, Oyerinde said it was to celebrate businesses’ resilience, doggedness, innovation, and contribution to national development.
According to him, “The private sector contributes eight out of every 10 jobs in the country. The awards are focusing more on fundamental issues affecting businesses globally such as climate change, sustainability, just transition and the Environment, Social and Governance, ESG, issues.
“It also about deepening engagements with the Centre for International Private Enterprise, CIPE, and the International Labour Organisation, ILO, in the context of responsible business conduct within the context of the law.
“Equally, it about advocating against conflicting business regulations and agencies that are seeing organised businesses as cash cows rather than agents of national development.
“The award is to celebrate businesses still operating in the country despite the nation’s tough economic terrain and the ones that have left in the last year due to their contribution to the economy, even as he anticipates their coming back.
“The award has become a benchmark for corporate excellence in the country, providing a platform to honour companies that have excelled in their contributions to the nation’s economy and commitment to fostering employees’ welfare, diversity, and sustainability.
“Defying The Odds is rewarding organisations who prioritise not only profitability but a demonstration of tenacity due to tough economic terrain, as well as the well-being of their employees and the wider society.”
While appreciating employers’ vital role in fostering economic growth and development, Governor Sanwo-Olu restated his government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The governor assured that through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, technology and initiatives, the state would continue to support enterprise development and innovation.
Sanwo-Olu commended NECA for its remarkable legacy of championing enterprise competitiveness, responsible business practices, and industrial harmony since 1957.
Speaking on the theme ‘Defying the Odds’, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Head of Service, HoS, Olabode Agoro, said the theme could not be more apt as it speaks to the resilience, innovation and determination that Nigerian employers continue to demonstrate in overcoming challenges to sustain businesses, create jobs and drive national development.
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According to him, “Resilience is a reflection of the enduring entrepreneurial spirit that defines Nigeria as a great nation.”
He called for collective action, noting the challenges businesses face, urging employers, as key stakeholders to lead the charge in promoting workplace diversity, championing innovation, and prioritising employee well-being.
At the awards, telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) took the positions of first, second and third as Employer of the Year respectively, while Dangote Industries Limited and Nestle Nigeria, among others won the Special Awards Visual Impacts in Resilience and Entrepreneurship as well as in SDG and Green Projects respectively.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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