AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Olugbenga Oyeyemi, has stressed the importance of adaptability as a key element to maintaining competitive edge in a highly volatile economy like Nigeria.
According to Oyeyemi, notwithstanding the depth and values of the innovations that one may acquire in one’s pursuit, it is important to be able to adapt them creatively for desirable result.
Oyeyemi spoke at Kaff Hall, Human Nutrition Department, University of Ibadan, during the conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degree on Mrs Bukola Bello on Saturday. While presenting the paper titled, ‘Innovation and adaptation: The role of strategic planning in driving organizational change,’ the don said, “People must be trained to adopt innovations.
“What you produce must be acceptable to the society in which you live. For some people, it takes time to adjust to changes. You need to position yourself so that you adjust correctly. A manager or an entrepreneur must be able to solve problems being confronted in his line of business effectively. You should be able to project the culture of your company and check what you have added and whether they are relevant or not.
“It is important, for instance, to know that no matter how small a customer is, we should honour him. You must know the culture of the people in an area where you are operating. You must grow opportunities and allow people to grow under you. You must be able to understand customers’ demands.”
In conclusion, he said, “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success. When you promote the wrong people, you begin to lose the best people.”
In an interview at the sidelines of the programme, Bello who is the Chief Executive Officer of Isbio Integrated Services Limited and Fatbuks Enterprises, expressed joy for being admitted into fellowship as member of Institute of Arts Management and Professionals, saying, “I am happy that the little that I contributed to the society was noticed. This award would encourage me to do more in giving back to the society. Whatever people can do to help the society, they should not hold back.”
The various awards that were conferred on inductees on the occasion are of excellent service, humanitarian, leadership, fellowship, including honorary doctorate degrees.
Convener of the programme and CEO, Uniplan Integrated Services, Dr Kunle Awotiku, congratulated the professional students in his opening speech.
Among those at the event are the Registrar and African Representative of Prowess University, USA, Prof. Eze Nwuauba; Royal Father of the Day, Oba Adetokunbo Okikiola; Prof. Chidi Esibe, and Mr Tolu Aderemi.
