Minister of state for labour and employment Festus Keyamo recently joined other eminent Nigerians at the 10th anniversary of YES INTERNATIONAL! magazine.
The event, which had CEO of X3M Ideas Steve Babaeko as guest speaker, also played host to Sam Ohuabunwa, Anselm Madubuko, Onyeka Onwenu, Bisi Olatilo, Okechukwu Ogujiofor, Tunji Olugbodi, Femi Sowolu, Kunle Bakare, Ayeni Adekunle, Koffi Idowu Nuel and others.
For two hours, guests brainstormed on progress and sustainability as major issues in the art of building a business.
Mr. Babaeko, who spoke on enterprise and his experience in the marketing communication world, canvassed for focus and determination. He recognised Nigeria’s enormous potential, but also acknowledged the fact that the country is a very difficult place to do business.
Babaeko provided insight and drew attention to many possibilities with the topic “Running a Successful Business in Nigeria – My Experience.”
Specifically, he urged all entrepreneurs “to stay the course, be patient and never allow anybody to push you out.”
On his part, Mr. Ohuabunwa, a pharmacist and industrialist took time to address Nigeria’s realities and what is needed to return Nigeria to the path of growth. He argued that business is a risk-taking venture, but admitted that there is always something good to look forward to after the risk.
According to him, the economy cannot perform unless there are investments.
In response to Ohuabunwa’s position on employment and wealth creation, Mr. Keyamo called for a change of attitude because the business environment is also changing. Nigerians must be dynamic, the minister said.
Keyamo equally called on young people to be patient and to remember that the first money they make should be re-invested rather than buying expensive cars and renting big houses.
Publisher and editor-in-chief of YES INTERNATIONAL Azuh Arinze thanked God and those who stood by him in the last 10 years.
He appreciated his benefactors who were on hand to celebrate with him and his team. He also acknowledged his modest efforts in the last ten years as a publisher.
“YES INTERNATIONAL magazine is a dream come true,” he said, adding: “It is also gratifying to note that I have had a productive and awe-inspiring ten-year experience.
“No doubt, I am happy for everything. But there is the emotional side to my happiness and adventure in publishing and this is instructive.
“Anytime I remember how I left my job as the editor of Encomium Magazine, one of Nigeria’s leading celebrity journals for the unknown, I am always intensely touched. Nevertheless, we are grateful to God for keeping us.”
