The event, themed “Build to Last: Deploying Technology as a Business Enabler,” brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to discuss the role of technology in creating sustainable businesses.

The NBCC’s “Sharing Experience Series” is a bi-annual program designed to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders.

It provides a platform for budding and accomplished professionals to learn from the personal journeys, challenges, and successes of leading men and women such as Obaro, who have paved the way in various sectors in Nigeria and demonstrated resilience, innovation, and leadership.

According to Ray Atelly, president and chairman of Council, NBCC, the series was initiated to showcase the stories of individuals who have succeeded through hard work and integrity.

“There are perhaps a few John Obaros in this audience, and some watching from their offices today, who will be inspired to continue the cycle of leadership and innovation. Our mission is to keep producing leaders, captains of industry, and people who can keep the flag flying despite the challenges we face in Nigeria today,” the President remarked.”

During his session, Obaro emphasised the importance of business partnerships, advising that successful collaborations require well-defined agreements and a mutual understanding in spirit.

He credited his early partnership with Systems Union as a critical learning experience that helped SystemSpecs navigate the Nigerian market and establish a strong brand presence. “Partnerships are essential, but you must ensure that your agreements are solid and that both parties share the same vision,” Obaro advised.

On innovation, Obaro highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of creativity within organisations. He stressed the need for leadership to embrace innovation and encourage diverse perspectives. “We have always had a diverse range of people, and we encourage them to think creatively and take risks. This culture of innovation has been deeply entrenched in our people, allowing us to remain at the forefront of technological advancements,” he said.

Obaro also addressed the challenges of introducing new technology in a market resistant to change. However, he noted that today’s acceptance of software automation demonstrates how far the tech industry in Nigeria has come, thus emphasising the need for resilience and adaptability.

Integrity was another cornerstone of Obaro’s message.

He said:

“Integrity is not just a banner; it is something you must live by and practice. Cutting corners may yield short-term gains, but it will never lead to lasting success”.

Consequently, Obaro highlighted the critical role corporate governance plays in ensuring the longevity and resilience of an organization.

He explained that a formidable framework for ethics and compliance is fundamental not just for maintaining legal standards but for embedding a culture of integrity and accountability.

Furthermore, Obaro noted that employees are the real engine of any company.

“Your employees must believe in you,” he remarked. He stressed the importance of fostering strong working relationships with employees, moving beyond a master-servant dynamic. While such a dynamic might work in the short term, Obaro pointed out that building a cohesive, loyal team is essential for creating a lasting enterprise. A committed and well-aligned team, he concluded, is the foundation of long-term success in any organisation.

Obaro offered valuable insights into entrepreneurship, advising aspiring business owners to understand their strengths and collaborate with others to complement their weaknesses.

“Some people are better suited to managing existing businesses, and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re looking for money or accomplishments, entrepreneurship is not the only way,” Obaro said.

As Nigeria and the world move further into the digital age, Obaro noted the huge potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform industries and the necessity for Nigerian businesses to scale their operations globally. He advocated for a proactive approach to learning and adapting to new technologies to remain competitive in the global market.

In discussing the future in Nigeria, he said entrepreneurship could soon take centre stage and urged participants to invest in understanding AI and commit to continuous learning to stay ahead.

He also emphasised the growing importance of cybersecurity, noting that the consequences of poor data management could be devastating for any business. “You need a team that’s always monitoring and preparing for potential threats. The reputational damage from a breach is immense,” he cautioned.

In closing, John Obaro emphasised the importance of leadership vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and the need for collaboration within organisations. He encouraged leaders to focus on long-term impact, driven by integrity.

He also reminded entrepreneurs to always study the market, identify niches, and surround themselves with people who share their vision.

“The Nigerian market is huge, and we often underestimate it. Be sure you have a strong foundation before you leap onto the global stage,” he advised.

The session was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with practical insights on building businesses that last, using technology.

Akin Osuntoki, Chairman of the Membership Committee (NBCC), praised Obaro for his profound impact and deep-rooted commitment to the nation, saying, “Dr. John Obaro is a Nigerian asset – born in Nigeria, educated in Nigeria, produced in Nigeria. SystemSpecs, Remita, and all the subsidiaries started as a Nigerian project. The intersection between SystemSpecs and Dr. Obaro is what you have been able to create with your colleagues, and I think that is just exceptional.”

Obaro’s perspective highlights the critical role that Nigerian business leaders must play in navigating the fast-paced world of technological advancements.

By embracing innovation and actively leading the integration of technology within their companies, leaders can turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and long-term success.

As Nigeria continues to evolve as a hub for technological innovation, companies like SystemSpecs remain well-positioned to lead the charge.

The Nigerian business landscape, marked by unique challenges but immense potential, demands leaders who are not only resilient but also visionary.

SystemSpecs will continue to stay ahead by fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable growth, maintaining its position as a pioneer in the industry and guiding Nigeria into the future of digital transformation.

Dr. Ebere Njoku stands as an emblem of visionary leadership, blending her profound expertise across the fields of commerce, healthcare, business development, and organisational growth.

A seasoned professional; she is distinguished by her strategic acumen and relentless drive to foster transformative successes.

Having pursued her foundational education at Abia State University, Okigwe, she not only garnered a Doctorate in Optometry but also instilled in herself a lifelong passion for learning and excellence.

This commitment to continuous growth led her to further broaden her horizons at the prestigious Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria, where she completed a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

In 2021, recognizing the power of mentorship and its role in shaping future leaders, she attained a coaching certification from the renowned Coach Training Academy and Certified Coaching Alliance in Canada.

Transitioning from a solid educational base to a spectacular career, Dr. Ebere Njoku’s journey through the medical sector is epitomised by her tenure as the Medical Director of Eyecraft Clinic, Lagos. Here, she transformed the conventional patient care paradigm, introduced a high-end eyewear boutique, and pioneered a community-centric driver’s eye screening initiative.

This groundbreaking program played a pivotal role in reducing vision-related road mishaps, marking a significant contribution to public safety. Yet, her zeal to make a difference did not stop there. Venturing into the media sector as the Executive Director of Wholesome Inspirations, Lagos, she showcased her strategic prowess.

Under her guidance, the organisation experienced a staggering 70% boost in program sales and revenue.

With an innate ability to recognize and nurture potential, she introduced and championed several groundbreaking initiatives. From empowering women through the Rapid Advancement Program (RAP) to fostering creativity in students with the READ-TERPRETE initiative, her endeavours have consistently focused on enriching the community at large.

At the heart of her multifaceted journey is a core philosophy: “Empowerment through knowledge, and success through collective growth.”

This belief underscores every project, every initiative, and every partnership she undertakes. A testament to her intellectual contributions is her role as a celebrated author, with a portfolio boasting seven diverse and insightful books, including the influential “Energy Strategy for Success (ESS).”

As Dr. Ebere Njoku embarks on her esteemed role as Director General of the Chamber of Commerce, she brings with her a unique amalgamation of commerce expertise, business development insights, and an unwavering dedication to community upliftment.

With her at the helm, the Chamber is poised for a future marked by innovation, growth, and an enduring impact on society.

The NBCC Sharing Experience Series (April edition) is scheduled to hold on Friday, at the NBCC Headquarters, Olubunmi Owa Street, Lekki Phase 1.

According to the organizers, the series is expected to be a veritable platform for established professionals to share their knowledge and expertise in the fields of entrepreneurship and professional careers driven by passion, audacity and innovation, which individuals learn from.

The event will be hosted by Bisi Adeyemi, President and Chairman of Council, NBCC, moderated by Chief Executive Officer, HerVest, Solape Akinpelu, and will also feature a keynote address from the renowned guest speaker, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya.

Mr. Ogunsanya is currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa overseeing Airtel’s operations in 14 African countries. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Airtel’s largest operating market in Africa.

He has more than 25 years of business management experience in banking, consumer goods, and telecoms. Before joining Airtel in 2012, Segun held leadership roles at Coca-Cola in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya (as MD and CEO).

He has also been the Managing Director of Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (Coca-Cola Hellenic owned) and Group head of retail banking operations at Ecobank Transnational Inc, covering 28 countries in Africa. He is an Electronics Engineer and also a chartered accountant.

Welcoming delegates to the event, which provided a platform for analysis of the economic, social and geopolitical trends expected to impact Nigeria’s economic performance this year, Mrs Bisi Adeyemi, the president and council chairman of NBCC,  highlighted the Chamber’s understanding of the challenges posed by an unstable global market, and the ramifications for Nigerian businesses.

“A major objective for hosting the 2022 Economic Outlook is the imperative to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities, challenges and indeed the threats that businesses should expect to contend with this year. I am sure that like me, many of you would like to have a crystal ball to give you a sneak peek into what the year holds, and I certainly would like to know how the permutations of a pre-election year will impact the economic indices.”, Adeyemi noted.

Taking a deep dive into Nigeria’s projected fiscal outcomes, keynote speaker and economist, Mr Bismarck J. Rewane hinted that economic activity in 2022 will be similar to 2021, owing to global inflationary trends linked to COVID-19, such as the lingering global supply shortage, which will weigh on the supply of imported raw materials and continue to impact Nigerian businesses.

“We can expect to see sustained cost-push factors, including a planned fuel subsidy removal, new electricity tariffs and additional taxes; alongside legacy issues, such as increased debt service burden and exchange rate conversion. Inflation will remain structurally high at an average of 13.3%, with an increase in Q1 and Q2.” Rewane observed.

He however noted that the economic outlook for the country was not gloomy, despite its continued dependence on oil.

“The World Bank projects economic growth of 2.5% for Nigeria, with a 3.4% annualised growth rate, driven by the ICT, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Trade and Construction sectors. Government expenditure will increase especially because of election spending and the Naira will effectively appreciate in the informal market” he concluded.

Mr Ben Llewellyn-Jones, British Deputy High Commissioner, delivered a goodwill message underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening existing trade relations, including its continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and open up additional areas for potential investment.

More about NBCC

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce is the foremost bilateral Chamber in Nigeria and was established in 1977 to promote Trade and Investment between Nigeria and Britain. 

The Chamber currently has over 400 members from diverse sectors of the economy.  

NBCC is an international affiliate of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) which gives it access to a network of 53 Chambers of Commerce across the United Kingdom and 71 other international affiliates around the world.