ISERH HONOURS CVL INVITATION TO ITS 14TH ANNUAL LECTURE/INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

(on the left) Professor Pat Utomi,

The Founder/CEO of the Center for Values in Leadership (CVL). 

The Director of Health Programs of the Initiative for Sound Education, Relationship & Health (ISERH), Mrs. Adeola Haastrup, represented ISERH at the 14th Annual Lecture/International Leadership Symposium of the Center for Values in Leadership (CVL) held at Shell Hall, Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos on the 6th of February, 2017. The invitation signed by Mrs Francisca Ukabiala, EA. to Prof. Pat Utomi and CVL Senior Manager (Admin/HR) had the theme: LIVING WELL TOGETHER, TOMORROW: THE CHALLENGE OF AFRICA'S FUTURE CITIES with Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder/CEO – CVL, as Chief Host; Prof. Paul Collier, Director – Center for Applied Economics, Oxford University as Keynote Speaker; Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Lagos State Governor as Speaker; and a host of other Speakers.

ISERH Health Programs Director (behind) Prof. Paul Collier, Director – Center for Applied Economics, Oxford University

Immediately after the Opening Address from Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Paul Collier (the Keynote Speaker) took to the podium and spoke succinctly on the theme of the symposium. He opined that in planning our cities, we should keep in view, population surge which is as a result of rural-urban drift. It is therefore important to forecast what the population will grow to be in the next 30 to 50 years. This is to ensure effective planning of our cities. In doing this, technological method of transporting people should also be adopted as against individual ownership of cars, which is cost ineffective.

He also suggested Apartment System of Building as a measure to tackling population density in our major cities. The idea of individuals striving to own more than a building or land should be curbed by imposition of heavy tax on such lands and buildings. He discouraged the idea of taxing people's activities, as it results in reduced activities (productivity). He further proposed infrastructural development and sewage management as other catalysts in making life easier and simpler for our people. He tasked African leaders to focus more on providing quality services to their people.

In the opinion of the second speaker, Mr. Jabber Bin Hafez (CEO, Smart City, Dubai), the health aspect should be borne in mind in cities’ planning. The effects of environmental pollution are grave and counterproductive to the economy of all nations. Hence, environmental sustainability should be considered. He viewed heart to heart connectivity as a key to ensuring holistic well being and healthy living. The spirit of togetherness should be imbibed, as this will go a long way in solving the problem of corruption. Each and every individual should focus on what s/he can give to the society (Volunteering) as against what s/he can gain from it.Mrs. Adeola Haastrup

ISERH Health Programs Director

 The flagship Guest Speaker, Governor Ambode spoke on Lagos as a gateway to the continent. He reiterated His commitment towards making Lagos a smart city through infrastructural development and technological advancement.

The Ooni of Ife, (HRH) Oba Ogunwusi Eniitan, also gave a brief speech centered on Leadership - the importance of including the future generation in today’s leadership posts and decision making, improving quality mentorship, and acquainting them with the essence of good leadership. He admonished the youths to be proactive and consistently be proud of who they are.

Missing the Panel Discussion of the symposium is like missing the entire event. On the panel were great personalities like: Dr. Fred Olayele (president, GEIA Toronto, Canada); Marlene Kiniffo Zounon (Sales Director, Larfarge); Mr. Kingsley Eze (MD/CEO, Private Estate International West Africa); Dr. Taibat Lawanson (Associate Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, UNILAG); and Mrs Udo Okonjo (CEO, Fine and Country West Africa). They all voiced out their concerns on the concepts of urbanization, globalization, and sustainable cities without left undiscussed, their implications on the citizens and even the cities.

The symposium featured exhibitions from: Chris Land University, DHI Health Services, Ring it, REN Money, Nigerian Society of Engineers, ARIT CCTV& Networking, Sovereign Trust &Insurance PLC, ADRON Homes And Properties Ltd, etc. Also in attendance were the Representatives of Enugu, Anambra, Edo and Cross-River States. Each made short presentations on advancing cities’ development in their respective states.

The program was rapped off with a short celebration of the Birthday of Professor Pat Utomi, the Founder/CEO of the Center for Values in Leadership (CVL).

If every idea and priceless concept discussed at the symposium is strictly implemented, Nigeria would gain a permanent seat among the Developed Nations.

The Management and Staff of ISERH hereby express our sincere gratitude to CVL and the EA. to Prof. Pat Utomi/CVL Senior Manager (Admin/HR), Mrs Francisca Ukabiala who doubles as a loving colleague of our Executive Director, Mr. Abdulahi Abayomi Abdulraheem, during their course - Social Sector Management (Class 5) at Enterprise Development Center, Pan-Atlantic University.

Together, we shall make NIGERIA/AFRICA great!!!

Signed:

Aderanti Abimbola Mutiu

ISERH Program Director

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