Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has urged members of the Institute of Directors (IoD) to support government initiatives to reflate the economy, boost wealth generation and create job opportunities for the teeming youths.

The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello at the 2017 Annual Directors’ Dinner and Award Night Ceremony held at the Eko Hotels and Towers reiterated that they will continue to provide a conducive environment for business to thrive across the State.

He said that Lagos State is encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst youths with appropriate mentoring from sectoral leaders.

“We have achieved a lot in the last 29 months in the area of economic empowerment for our people through the platform of the State Employment Trust Fund. However, there is still room for business leaders to join in the crusade to empower our youths to develop and sharpen their entrepreneurial skills in the entertainment, ICT, Agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors through access to fund and mentorship opportunities”, he said.

Ambode stated that there is an urgent need for the leadership of the Institute to, as a platform for business owners and managers, look into the factors affecting the seamless transfer of leadership in indigenous enterprises for posterity and continuous wealth generation and job creation opportunities for people.

The Governor said it is imperative to ensure the survival and growth of local enterprises as a strategy to boost the production capacity of the real sector, adding that it is time to focus attention on building the Nigerian brand with global relevance.

He explained that recent developments in the business environment require that everyone should take a critical look at the structure of corporate governance in the management of investments in an ethical and legal framework.

He stressed that businesses are virtually transacted across artificial borders, jurisdictions and regulatory considerations which have an impact on economic development, wealth generation and job creation opportunities.

The Governor emphasised the need for everyone to embrace the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) initiated by the Federal government to encourage individuals and corporate organizations to rectify their tax status with the regulatory authorities without penalties or sanctions.

He congratulated the President of the Institute, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Mohammed and the entire membership for their commitment to the promotion of corporate governance and business ethics in the management of businesses in Nigeria.

He also urged the institute all to support government initiatives to curb unwholesome practices in the investment and business environment in Nigeria.

The high point of the event was the presentation of special awards of excellence including an award for outstanding performance in governance to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, which was received on his behalf by the SSG.