By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Young Nigerian graduates must be digitally savvy, imbibe uncommon integrity, deep insights, accountability and excellence to compete in the new world order, the Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan has advised.
The reputable banker gave this charge at the historic first virtual graduation ceremony for 2019/2020 Lynx set of Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State.
During his speech at the event held recently, he noted that in this fast-paced and COVID-19 impacted world, only those who are responsive to change and able to learn, unlearn and relearn will survive.
Mr Akinwuntan also said any young graduate planning to establish a business in today’s environment must focus on industries that offer services and products that have massive day-to-day use such as agriculture, telecoms, food and beverages, technology, banking and finance.
He urged them to also pay attention to businesses that will enable them to scale or grow without much additional capital such as Uber, Netflix, Tiktok.
“Our world faces many opportunities and challenges ranging from spiritual, economic, political, social to technological. Concepts, identities, institutions and their definitions are being challenged daily.
“You must, therefore, bring into our unfolding world, uncommon integrity, deep insights, accountability, excellence, servant leadership, creativity and a never-give-up spirit that truly creates a new, better world.
“Also, you must be digitally savvy to compete effectively notwithstanding what you studied here,” he said.
“The basic values of punctuality, respect, humility, diligence, integrity have become rare in the business environment. Do not take these for granted. Keep them and you will be better for it,” he added.
For those seeking employment, the bank chief advised them to have the DNA of an employer, stressing that, “It may come across as a paradox, but an employer DNA seeks to add value while an employee DNA seeks to collect salaries. Note the huge difference.”
While congratulating the graduands, he told them to ready imbibe integrity and play by the right rules always, to make a positive difference in any sphere, adding that “God has granted you a moral compass and a conscience that speaks loudly when you are doing the wrong thing.”
“In other words, remember the child of whom you are. You must, therefore, always act with integrity if you are to be the positive difference.”
“You must draw from your formation, inner-self and live by your values, vision and passion. Your attitude and perspective to changing realities are critical to achieving excellence, success and enduring impact,” he submitted.
Adedapo Adesanya