On Monday, May 6, 2024, the Lagos Business School (LBS) community welcomed His Excellency Mr Will Stevens, the US Consul General, to Nigeria for a special visit and fireside chat. Themed “Unleashing Potential: Thriving in the Digital Age,” the conversation highlighted the role of collaboration and partnerships in driving economic growth in today’s digital world.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Professor Chris Ogbechie, dean, Lagos Business School. Professor Ogbechie, in his address, said that the Consul’s visit underscored the collaboration and mutual respect between Nigeria and the United States. The dean also expressed his delight at the timeliness and importance of the conversation, given the school’s commitment to providing education relevant to the continent’s needs. “At Lagos Business School, we are steadfastly committed to fostering innovation, embracing change and nurturing responsible leaders,” he stated.
Following the dean’s welcome, Mr Stevens also delivered an address where he stressed the need for increased investment in skills and infrastructure relevant to the digital age. He noted that ICT accounts for about 22% of Nigeria’s GDP and shows promise as a means of diversifying the Nigerian economy, which currently depends primarily on its natural resources. He also spoke extensively about the role of technology in shaping the future and how we must prepare for this future with relevant education, policies and collaboration between the public and private sectors, locally and internationally. “There’s work to be done together to build out the digital infrastructure to the rest of Nigeria to fully unleash the potential of the millions of people outside cities like Lagos,” He said.
Immediately after his address, the Consul General joined the fireside chat moderated by Professor Olayinka David-West, Associate Dean, Lagos Business School. The conversation focused extensively on skill-building, investments as well as increased female representation, and inclusion in Africa’s digital economy.
