FOOTPRINTS - 2024 1st Issue

Footprints Diamonds or Dynamite Nigerians in Survival Mode

Japa Syndrome: The Brain Drain Migraine

Fireside Chat: Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria speaks on advancing bilateral relations by

The Transformative Power of the Alumni Network

Comments from alumni

Features

Last Year’s Economy

Five ways to manage the risk of investing in equities

Navigating Mental Health in Entrepreneurship in the Nigerian Context

How Marketing Dimensioning Delivers Results

Footprints is published by the Lagos Business School Alumni Association ( LBSAA)

Editor Henry Andoh

Deputy Editor Joshua Mbak

Editorial Advisers

Lucille Ossai

Belinda Nwosu

Segun Jones

David Okafor

Judith Chukwu

All correspondence goes to: handoh@lbs edu ng

Year’s Economy by Odiri Oginni (DBA2) Navigating Mental Health in Entrepreneurship in the Nigerian Context by Onyinye Okonji (FtMBA16) How Marketing Dimensioning Delivers Results by Oluwafemi Adeniba (EMBA17)

The Transformative Power of the Alumni Network by Oludare Talabi (FtMBA6) The Transformative Power of the Alumni Network by Chief Grover Anil (AMP22/CEP23)

Henry Andoh Director, LBS Alumni Relations

EDITOR’S DESK

Diamonds or Dynamite: Nigerians in Survival Mode Amidst Economic Hardships

Welcome, esteemed Lagos Business School alumni network members, to this edition of Footprints Today, we delve into a topic as multifaceted as the Nigerian spirit: survival in the face of economic hardships The headlines scream inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising unemployment, painting a grim picture of a nation on the brink Yet, with their legendary resilience, Nigerians are not simply weathering the storm but reshaping it

E D I T O R ’ S D E S K

Lagos Business School (LBS) is the graduate business school of PanAtlantic University, owned by the PanAtlantic University Foundation (PAUF), a non-profit foundation registered in Nigeria. LBS was founded on inspiration from the teachings of St Josemaria Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei LBS offers academic programmes, executive programmes, short courses (customised to specific company needs) and openenrolment courses in management Its offerings have been accredited globally and ranked among the best in Africa, as it systematically strives to improve management practices on the continent Several world-class accreditations and rankings have recognised the business school’s efforts Besides the quality bar set at world standards, LBS programmes also stand out because of the emphasis on professional ethics and service to the community

Education at LBS is comprehensive, drawing on the experiences of a multinational faculty and participants Learning is participant-centred and uses the case study method

Activities are held on the school’s purpose-built facilities, which serve more than 3,000 participants yearly from indigenous and multinational companies. These attest to the expert teaching, the relevance of the programmes and the overall benefits of attending This asset base and the close relationship with the corporate world ensure that the programmes offered have international standards and local relevance.

Learning at LBS is based on a Christian conception of the dignity of man, society, and economic activity The prelature of Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church, assumes that this vision underlies all teaching, publishing, and research activities of the business school

In recognition of the quality of Lagos Business School’s programmes, which are structured in line with global best practices, it has received several international accreditations. LBS is the first business school in West, East, and Central Africa to be accredited by The Association of MBAs (AMBA)

This accreditation affirms Lagos Business School’s undeniable commitment to world-class standards in teaching, learning, research, and academic and professional management over the last 30 years.

LBS has been ranked annually since 2007 by the Financial Times of London, among the top global providers of open enrolment executive education and in custom executive education since 2015 The latter ranked number one in Africa on the 2020 Financial Times list. LBS’ MBA programmes have held Tier One positions on CEO Magazine’s Global MBA rankings for three consecutive years. LBS is listed among the top 50 global business schools in The Economist magazine’s 2018 Executive MBA ranking.

INSIDE LBS

Fireside Chat: Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria Speaks on Advancing Bilateral Relations

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency James Christoff, on Tuesday, 10 October 2023, joined the LBS community for a fireside chat themed “Advancing Bilateral Relations: Enhancing Trade, Investment, and Educational Collaborations between Canada and Nigeria”.

The conversation was hosted by the dean, Professor Chris Ogbechie, who began the discussion by asking Mr Christoff about the existing opportunities for business and investment between Nigeria and Canada. Some highlights of the conversation are below:

Nigeria is Canada’s Largest Trading Partner in Africa:

Mr Christoff noted that Nigeria is Canada’s largest bilateral trade partner in Africa, with a trade volume totalling $2.2 billion in 2022 alone. He was, therefore, delighted to meet members of the LBS community. He thanked Professor Ogbechie for the opportunity to speak and interact with staff, students, and alumni of the premier business school in Africa.

He stated: “Canada is a trading nation, and Nigeria is Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa. The value is slightly over two billion dollars yearly, but it should be much more. That is why my team and I are keen on acknowledging areas where there’s opportunity for both countries,”

Opportunities for Economic Growth:

The High Commissioner acknowledged the harsh economic conditions currently faced by Nigerians.

There are several economic challenges faced by everyday Nigerians, but those challenges will be best addressed by private sector initiatives Canada offers opportunities around agriculture, green energy, technology, and education.”

“Speaking on rising unemployment in Nigeria, Mr Christoff stated that it was a multifaceted problem with no simple solutions. However, he highlighted Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit and resilience as critical factors needed to make an impact, stressing the need for an enabling environment.

Export Channels for Nigerian Businesses:

He emphasised that Canada is a trading nation and is open to opportunities. He pointed out that the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa is responsible for driving and facilitating export opportunities from Nigeria to Canada.

The High Commissioner said that Canada needed skilled professionals, students, and unskilled labour to contribute to its economic growth.

Existing Pathways for Migrants:

The High Commissioner explained that Canada needs skilled professionals, students, and unskilled labour to contribute to its economic growth. He stated that these were the primary pathways for migration and recommended that anyone wishing to migrate to Canada identify the existing opportunities in Canada and determine how best to align their skills to those opportunities. He highlighted that Nigerians in Canada contribute significantly to its public and social life and added that many support their families back in Nigeria towards economic growth.

The fireside chat was followed by questions from the audience, moderated by the director of the LBS Public Sector Initiative, Dr Franklin Ngwu.

Delivering the closing remarks, the chief marketing officer of the Lagos Business School, Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, thanked His Excellency James Christoff for an illuminating conversation and expressed the hope that it would be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue to explore avenues for collaboration to benefit Nigeria and Canada.

Podcast Insights Edge

FROM LBS MANAGEMENT HUB

The Future of Work in Africa: Opportunities and Challenges

GUEST: Micheal Liley

Leadership In the Hospitality Industry in Nigeria

GUEST: Belinda Nwosu

Listen to the full version below Spotify

Navigating Regional Marketing Disparities in Nigeria Strategies for Success

GUEST: Emmanuel Adediran

Listen to the full version below Spotify

Listen to the full version below

The Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA) draws its charter from the vision of Lagos Business School (LBS) The Association is not a social organisation It exists to support the aims and objectives of LBS

Aims of the LBSAA

The aims of the LBS Alumni Association are linked with those of the School. They include:

To promote continuous education for its members and forge a stronger relationship among them

To support LBS in its aims and objectives

To render service to the society, especially in the are of public and private management

To adopt such other objectives as may generally be in the interest of the Association and/or Lagos Business Schooll

Members actively receive continuous education through alumni sessions held all year long. There is also the annual alumni conference held in November which features very high-profile speakers. Active participation in the sessions affords alumni the opportunity to effectively and continually update their knowledge of general management and business subjects

In addition, there are a variety of discounts from corporate bodies ranging from international airlines and major hotels within and outside the country to internet service providers, bookshops, laundry services, etc. available to financial members of the LBSAA They also benefit from discounts on all LBS executive programmes and seminars throughout the year

The LBS alumni network is one of the most influential among business schools in Africa Active participation in alumni programmes and constant visits to the alumni networking platform, https://lIbsalumniconnect com help members stay connected with former course mates, faculty and other alumni. Alumni also benefit from access to research materials available in the LBS library.

Membership

The Association comprises participants who successfully completed the various MBA programmes. It includes the full-time faculty of LBS, chief executives, owner-managers, executive directors, senior and middle-level managers from various executive programmes listed below:

Chief Executive Programme (CEP)

Owner Manager Programme (OMP)

Advanced Management Programme (AMP)

Senior Management Programme (SMP)

Management Acceleration Programme (MAP)

Agri-Business Management Programme (AgMP)

Diamonds or Dynam Nigerians in Survival Mod

David Okafor

Economic problems have no sharp edges. The imperceptibly into politics, sociology, and ethics. In an exaggeration to say that the ultimate answer to problem lies in another field

~ Kenneth E. Boulding

The situation in Nigeria puts us in a tight corner Nigerian citizens ar either remaining patriotic or minding their business selfishly. Is ho corporate boss or the struggling student? To understand the situation it from two perspectives– the worst and the best.

Imagine everything blows up beyond control– inflation, exchange rates sports– our last hope. That every move leads us closer to the precipice Stampedes and kidnaps become daily; corruption takes over the entire people in IDP camps than in regular homes. Imagine if, on the other han miracle And just like the carbon under extreme pressures becomes dia

Nigeria becomes magical, where food is affordable, and undergraduates go to university without strikes because their teachers have all their allowances. What if we even go on to lift the World Cup?

These two possibilities stare us in the face every day We wake up hopeful, then go to bed in angst, or vice versa.

What is the best approach to the current challenges? Do we create our solutions or rely on foreign aid? Is it a good practice to expect help from abroad? Or do we localise every solution as we did with the "I better pass my neighbour" without recourse to comparative advantage?

More and more multinationals are leaving the country. Will this allow Nigerian-owned companies to thrive at last? Food has become too expensive, but will this lead to better ways of

We glimpsed the worst-case scenario before looking at Nigeria, one of our dreams. The good news is that the Nigeria of our dreams is possible only if we decide individually and collectively to confront those things that divide us With the right attitude, Nigeria will be bright again, fueled by our sweat and blood. If we set aside resources to work our way back to prominence and relevance, we will achieve it. Government policies and individual and corporate interventions will work if there is collective determination to see them through. Nothing else will work, no matter how intellectual it may sound

The darker it is, the greater the effect of any light Providentially, Nigeria is in a very dark stage in its history; this darkness can amplify any effort we conscientiously make towards a better nation. However, to prevent the 'at all at all' syndrome where substandard options are accepted, we must root out the black holes that suck Nigeria's light As the pressurised earth where the diamonds form is without any light, these dark times will also lead to the formation of beautiful crystals in our dear country if we apply adequate pressure.

The diamond lies in personal responsibility.

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

I had the privilege of representing Emerging Africa Group at the signing ceremony of the MOU for the AAA Impact Fund, hosted in Singapore on 21 February 2024 This Fund, initiated by three key entities, Emerging Africa, Titan Financial Services Ltd, and Fleur Capital, aims to foster impactful investments across Africa, Asia, and Arabia, particularly in sustainable projects and technology ventures

Emerging Africa, renowned for its successful track record in fund management, joined with Titan Financial Services Ltd and Fleur Capital to manage the USD 100 million AAA Impact Fund. The signing ceremony, coinciding with the Chinese Lunar New Year, was graced by esteemed figures, including Lord Marland and His Excellency Alvin Tan, who hailed the partnership as a significant stride in leveraging technological innovations and green investment opportunities across member nations of the Commonwealth

The event also witnessed the presence of notable personalities from the investor community, highlighting the collective commitment towards sustainable development and economic growth in emerging markets.

Dr Toyin Sanni is the founder of the Emerging Africa Group and an alumna of the Lagos Business School's Chief Executive Programme (CEP 26)

Photo L-R: Dr Toyin Sanni (CEP 26), Yap Chee Wee, Meng Yingzhi, Lord Marland, and Alvin Tan

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

Chapter 1

Nature’s Gift

Remember Me (I) - Short story

The Story of Fate and Destiny

Nature’s Gift

The waves broke around the beachfront with their foamy crests transforming into a chaotic lace over the brown In the same way that curtains folded above a golden stage, the waves thrashed like the dancing hem of a long and flowing gown

A chorus of sun-warmed grains sang the melody of the beaches right into Tara’s core The rhythmic percussion of the waves on the sand was the perfect white noise she needed to finish the last two chapters of the psychological thriller that held her attention captive for weeks

The beach had been commercialized to the hilt, thankfully it remained relatively clean and decent But it didn’t hold as much allure as it once did months earlier when Tara walked the beachfront with her arms wrapped around Levi’s waist Their footprints were etched in sand of the most gentle hue of gold, as though indelible, until the waves erased them in a choreographed plunge dragging with it the fading memories as it receded into the ocean

The low, piercing keow of a colony of sea gulls jolted Tara back from the percussion of pebbles at the shoreline to the pages of the book that fluttered in the afternoon breeze

Tara was a woman unburdened. She thought highly of herself, and it showed in the way she dressed and how she walked about her office propped up in stilettos that added a few inches to her height But the soft sand at the beach offered her no favor.

akinakingbogun com

Business Growth and Scaling Strategies in International Markets:

Last year, LBS inaugurated two new international LBSAA chapters to cater to the needs of our alumni in the diaspora The chapters that have been inaugurated are the United Kingdom and Canadian chapters

B S A A I n t e r n a t i o n a l C h a pt e r s

FEATURES

Last Year’s Economy

Odiri Oginni(DBA2)

A client shared a message with the bold caption, "The Nigerian stock market ended 2023 at 45.9%.”

“Did you benefit?” he asked, wanting to understand how to benefit from such a mouth-watering return.

The truth is that the equities market did significantly well last year on all sides, irrespective of the sectors While just tracking the index resulted in a 45 9% return, most individual stocks and portfolios return far more than that, even as much as over 100%

2024 has also started similarly on a high trajectory, returning over 25% just barely less than a month into the year. Investing in equities is a great way to grow wealth and earn higher expected returns than investing in treasury bills or fixed deposits; however, it is not without risk

Here are my five key ways to manage the risk of investing in equities:

1 Have a clear investment objective

What is the goal of investing in the equities market? Is it for consistent cash flow from dividends or capital appreciation? Understanding your ‘why’ is key to managing the risk because it holds you back from following the crowd, which is one way to lose money.

2 Understand your risk profile

Are you a low-risk, moderate-risk, or high-risk investor?

Understanding your risk profile also considers your current income capacity, age, and personality. For a low-risk investor, it’s advisable to allocate not more than 10%–25% of your portfolio to equities, 30%–50% for a moderate investor, and above 50%–70% for a high-risk investor This is subject to other factors specific to you as an individual

3 Invest in the long term

Investing in risky assets such as equities is a long-term game rather than a short-term strategy. Avoid the lure of speculation about generating significant returns in the short term. Instead, focus on investing in stocks with good fundamentals that consistently deliver value over a long period Studies have shown that investing in equities tends to outperform inflation over a long period

4 Capital allocation

The funds you allocate to investing in equities also impact your ability to manage risk Invest funds that can be kept for a long time. Don't invest your school fee funds or emergency funds in assets such as equities, which can put unnecessary pressure on you to generate returns in the short term. Capital used for investing in equities should be funds that have a long-term purpose

5 Manage your emotions

Managing risk requires managing your emotions The number one reason people lose money investing in equities is the human emotion called greed.

In conclusion, investing in equities is risky because you need to manage risk appropriately. For individual investors, it is advisable to work with professional advisers and refrain from taking advice from family, friends, and colleagues, who may not be properly equipped to give such advice

Odiri Oginni is the CEO of United Capital Asset Management Limited and a DBA student at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.

FEATURES Navigating Mental Health in Entrepreneurship in the Nigerian Context

OnyinyeOkonjiFtMBA16

The Nigerian in me would immediately reject the mere thought and suggestion of going to visit a therapist I’m Nigerian, and the idea of mental health issues is usually attributed to Westerners and GenZ

Living and running a business in such a complex environment with cascading macro and microeconomic challenges such as the Naira devaluation against the Dollar and its obvious implications for us as an importationdependent country, persistently rising inflation leading to a high cost of living, and the recent fuel subsidy removal resulting in a surge in the cost of doing business, are external exposures stressors that may exacerbate underlying neurobiological conditions

Entrepreneurs and business owners come closer

That prolonged, underlying irritability, the loud beating in your chest, prolonged restless sleep, and dependency on non-prescription medicine likely indicate more than just tiredness or short-term stress.

And it’s high time to deal with the underlying cause of these seemingly dismissible mental health challenges.

Mental health challenges are expressed differently, and their expression can be determined by both demographic and individual pre-determinants - for instance, studies have shown that depression and anxiety conditions can be expressed quite differently in different demographics (1) (as determined by race, gender, and age) At the same time, non-demographic pre-determinants are as diverse as the people on the planet because of the uniqueness of everyone’s biogenetic makeup Examples of different types of mental illness include dementia, delirium, depression, anxiety, etc.

Fostering general positive mental health practices starts with using judgement-free language.

To encourage more people to seek help, we may have to disabuse our minds of how mental health challenges are expressed Much of our perception of the mentally ill in Nigeria has been formed by seeing semi-clad or fully nude men and women roam the streets aimlessly or those admitted into mental health institutions. Just like physical illness, there are different types and degrees of mental illness. The similarity is that most mental illnesses can be managed with a behavioural or drug treatment regimen

And no, contrary to popular belief, spiritual intervention may not be the solution

FEATURES

The overall burden has for far too long been placed on spiritual leaders and family members to care for the mentally ill because of the concentration of the few psychiatrists we have concentrated in urban cities in Nigeria (2). A quick visit to your doctor should offer a rounded diagnosis and treatment regimen.

We must understand that some exposures and neurobiological combinations can constitute a breakdown in mental health All hope is not lost Whereas Nigeria has a long way to go with integrating mental health more into our primary care centres to make it more accessible, working professionals and entrepreneurs can incorporate these three simple, generalised self-care steps in their routines to promote positive mental health:

Therefore, imbibing frequent non-productive activity is as important as and even contributes to productivity at work. Unchecked indulgence on social media does not count as downtime, as it has also been seen to be problematic to indulge in momentary drug-induced highs, leading to unhealthy addiction

Regular exercise has enormous rewards for longterm health and stamina This cannot be overemphasised This routine does not need to include a visit to the gym that some may find tedious, but a 15-minute brisk walk around the neighbourhood or some cardio in the house regularly can help one destress and focus.

Consuming healthy meals coupled with food supplements – Ashwagandha, Melatonin, and Magnesium (3) – have been shown to contribute to the overall wellness of body and soul Skipping regular meals and over-dependence on caffeinated and fizzy drinks and alcohol are all indicative of early-onset anxiety issues and, if left unchecked, will worsen the state of one’s mental health.

Reflecting deeply on your current habits around work and play and intentionally modifying them can yield positive results in our holistic wellbeing

Finally, everyone has a part to play in breaking down the stigma that prevents people from getting the help they need. Fostering general positive mental health practices starts with using judgement-free language when addressing mental health issues and engaging in daily practices that promote mental health

1 Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Across Early- and Mid-Life Among the Add Health Cohort - PubMed

2. Mental health in Nigeria: A Neglected issue in Public Health - ScienceDirect

3. 7 Supplements That May Help Reduce Stress and 1 to Avoid

Onyinye Okonji is the chief commercial officer at Sycamore.ng, an award-winning fintech company she co-founded with two of her classmates in the 16th cohort of the full-time Masters of Business Administration programme (FtMBA16) class of Lagos Business School The co-founders, Onyinye Okonji, Mayowa Adeosun and Babatunde AkinMoses were bestowed with LBS Distinguished Alumni Awards for their impact on society and service to Lagos Business School on November 18, 2023

FEATURES

How Marketing Dimensioning Delivers Results

OluwafemiAdeniba(EMBA17)

However,

In today's fast-paced marketing landscape, getting caught up in the chaos of endless strategies, channels, and metrics is easy However, there is a path to clarity which leads to effective marketing and tangible results. Enter marketing dimensioning a powerful approach that helps marketers navigate the chaos and find their ways to success. Market Dimensioning can transform your marketing efforts and deliver remarkable outcomes

Understanding the Chaos

Picture a scenario where you're running a marketing campaign without clear objectives, an undefined target audience, and no concrete action plan It's like driving blindfolded in a storm! This chaotic approach often leads to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and a lack of measurable outcomes. Seth Godin once said, "You can't be seen until you learn to see." Embracing marketing dimensioning lets you lift your blindfold and see the path ahead. Understanding the Chaos Defining Your North Star Targeting the Right Audience Allocating Resources Strategically Measuring Success

Read more on the next page

FEATURES

Defining Your North Star

Successful marketing starts with a well-defined destination. By setting clear objectives, you establish a North Star that guides your entire marketing journey and helps you course-correct when getting off-track. For example, if you aim to increase brand awareness, your dimensioning strategy might involve identifying target demographics, selecting relevant channels, and crafting compelling messaging that resonates with your audience You bring clarity and focus to your marketing initiatives by aligning your efforts towards a specific goal

Targeting the Right Audience

In marketing, understanding your audience is likened to wielding a magic wand. You can identify and connect with the right people by using dimensioning techniques such as market segmentation and customer profiling. Let's say you're promoting a luxury skincare brand Instead of casting a wide net, marketing dimensioning helps you narrow your target to affluent individuals aged 30-45 who value premium products By further honing in on this audience, your messaging becomes more relevant, resonating deeply and driving better engagement

Allocating Resources Strategically

Efficient resource allocation is a hallmark of successful marketing. With dimensioning, you can optimise your budget, time, and manpower. Imagine you're planning an online campaign. You can determine which channels and tactics yield the highest returns by analysing data For instance, if your target audience engages more on social media platforms, you can allocate a significant portion of your budget towards targeted social media ads, influencer collaborations, and engaging content creation This smart allocation ensures that your resources are utilised wisely, amplifying your results

Measuring Success

Dimensioning without measurement is like flying blind. Metrics and KPIs are your guiding compass in the realm of marketing. By leveraging tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics, and conversion tracking, you can track your campaign's progress, measure engagement, and evaluate your return on investment For example, you gain insights into what's working and what needs adjustment by monitoring website traffic, click-through rates, and conversion rates These measurable outcomes help refine your strategy, amplify success, and ensure continuous improvement

Remember, clarity is the key to marketing success. Let marketing dimensioning be your guiding light!

In conclusion, marketing dimensioning is the compass that transforms marketing chaos into strategic clarity It empowers marketers to set clear objectives, define their target audience, allocate resources efficiently, and measure the impact of their efforts So, join the revolution from chaos to clarity and unlock the true potential of your marketing campaigns.

Embrace marketing dimensioning today and witness the remarkable results that await you!

Oluwafemi Adeniba is the executive director at Sustmark Consult LLC, and co-founder of Adsmarket ng - Nigeria’s #1 online media placement destination, and Airtime4change com - a solution that enables retail outlets to give change in airtime as an alternative to cash Sustmarck Consult LLC is a consultancy firm offering brand & media strategy development, online business coaching services, and engagement and marketplace solutions Oluwafemi is an alumnus and president of the 17th cohort of the Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA17) programme of Lagos Business School. He is an avid volunteer, esports enthusiast & business leader.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF THE ALUMNI NETWORK

In the rich tapestry of professional growth, the true power of the Lagos Business School (LBS) alumni network comes to life through the transformative experiences of those who actively engage in its dynamic array of activities Beyond a mere network, these alumni engagements serve as catalysts for ongoing learning, career advancement, and a profound sense of connectedness that transcends geographical boundaries.

Continuous Learning Beyond the Classroom

Engaging in LBS alumni activities opens the door to a world of continuous learning LBS ‘Alumni Sessions & Series’, a hallmark of alumni engagement, offers industry experts and thought leaders a platform to share insights on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices Through webinars and in-person meetings, alumni gain access to knowledge that enhances their professional competencies

‘LBS Brown Box Series’, a new initiative that commences in 2024, is a series of intimate gatherings that showcase LBS alumni's unseen narratives, expertise and groundbreaking contributions to the continent

Featuring renowned leaders, the ‘CEO Roundtable’ brings captains of industries and chief executives together for sharing and networking

Our alumni around the globe

The alumni conference, aka the ‘Alumni Day’ and ‘LBSAA President's Dinner’, our key networking events, occur every November. Both events bring alumni back for a weekend of learning, sharing, networking, fun and great times

The annual ‘10-year Reunion’ is a rendezvous for alumni classes, uniting those who have thrived in their respective industries for a decade postgraduation Past reunions have brought alumni back to LBS/PAU for fun, nostalgic in-class learning and bonding activities.

These gatherings are powerful networking opportunities where alumni connect with likeminded professionals, creating a global community that shares insights, explores collaborations opening doors to new possibilities. These events amplify professional networks and foster a sense of belonging to a larger, interconnected community

Entrepreneurial Synergy: Business Ventures and Collaborations

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, engaging in alumni activities becomes a gateway to a thriving ecosystem of collaboration. The network becomes fertile ground for business ventures, partnerships, and the exchange of innovative ideas Whether launching a startup or seeking collaborators for a new project, the alumni network provides a supportive environment for turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality. LBS alumni trips offer a platform for these opportunities, and alumni can leverage their connections during these investment/business trips.

Uzoma Chukwuma

The Transformative Power of the Alumni Network

Lifelong Bonds: The Intangible Value of Connectedness

Beyond tangible benefits, the intangible value of connectedness is perhaps the most profound outcome of engaging in alumni activities. The friendships formed, the camaraderie shared, and the lifelong bonds cultivated through active participation create a sense of community beyond professional interactions This connectedness becomes a constant source of inspiration and support throughout professional life

In conclusion, the transformative power of engaging in Lagos Business School alumni activities lies in the individual benefits and the collective strength of a community that thrives on continuous learning, shared successes, and the unwavering support of lifelong connections. As alumni actively participate in the myriad opportunities offered by the network, they unlock infinite value, propelling personal and professional growth to new heights

We are pleased to share feedback from some alumni members who have actively embraced the opportunities provided by alumni gatherings. They have recognised the profound impact of these events on their careers and personal development.

PhotosofAlumniNetworkingSessions

Alumni Comments

OLUDARE TALABI

MD, TALION GROUP Website: www thetaliongroup com

Oludare Talabi is the managing director of Talion Group, an international commodity trading, investments, and multi-business enterprise They provide services in energy, physical commodities trading, agro-allied products, food products, chemicals, real estate, equipment leasing, industrial supplies and minerals, investment management, marketing and distribution, entertainment, and infrastructure Mr Talabi is known to attend most alumni events and activities and only misses them for unavoidable circumstances

Question: Your consistent presence at alumni events is truly commendable Can you share what motivates your strong commitment to staying engaged with the alumni community, and how this involvement has impacted your personal and professional life?

Thank you very much I am motivated to participate in the LBS community because I appreciate LBS making a commendable effort to keep the LBS alumni engaged in several value-adding activities, which alumni should be interested in encouraging. Also, as a businessman, I understand the importance of networking, and I am motivated to participate in it.

I appreciate LBS making a commendable effort to keep the LBS alumni engaged in several valueadding activities.

Finally, I am motivated to participate because I see what the alumni of other schools do. So, I believe that the alumni of schools are extremely important in keeping the good name, value, and reputation by participating in activities and finding ways to contribute to the school’s long-term success.

Question: Having attended numerous alumni events, some memorable moments must stand out Could you share one or two experiences that have been particularly meaningful or impactful and how those moments have contributed to your connection with the alumni network?

There are many memorable moments too numerous to mention, mostly from gaining good insights from the LBS events and connecting with several alumni and even nonalumni on many occasions I have particularly enjoyed the alumni sessions and study visits to different countries

Question: As someone actively involved in our alumni community, what advice do you have for fellow alumni considering increased participation in events or activities? How has your engagement added value to your overall experience as an alumnus, and what insights would you offer those looking to enhance their connection with the alumni network?

I advise all alumni to find ways to participate and contribute to alumni activities. It is important for all alumni engaged in several activities and who may feel they are too busy to participate to understand that in life, hard work can take you far. But good relationships can take you much further. I have gained a lot of useful insights from LBS engagements and met a lot of good people. I recommend that the LBS team continue their great work and organise more engagements to give alumni more opportunities to engage with people in the public sector and foreigners interested in doing business in Nigeria.

Alumni Comments

Chief Grover Anil

AMP22/CEP23

Founder, MD/CEO Grover Medical & Diagnostic Centres and Grover's Hospitals

Dr Anil Grover is the founder, CEO, and board chairman of Grover Medical & Diagnostic Centres and Grover’s Hospitals. He is a pharmacist with a master’s in healthcare management, with over 20 years spent working for Ranbaxy Inc in Asia and Africa before establishing companies He is a proud Nigerian chief, Rotarian, and chairman of the Rotary Club of Lagos Island, District 9110 healthcare projects Chief Grover is known for participating in, sponsoring, and supporting alumni events and activities He is currently the secretary of the award-winning AMP 22 Class that has clinched the annual ‘Best Class Award’ nine times

Question: Your consistent presence at all alumni events is truly commendable Can you share what motivates your strong commitment to staying engaged with the alumni community, and how this involvement has impacted your personal and professional life?

My biggest motivation is to keep learning new things and improve business networking through the alumni sessions and programmes at LBS I have gained knowledge and relationships that have significantly impacted my professional career and personal life in the past ten years because of LBS’ alumni events, such as the LBSAA President Dinner

Question: Having attended numerous alumni events, some memorable moments must stand out Could you share one or two experiences that have been particularly meaningful or impactful and how these moments have contributed to your connection with the alumni network?

You would make many new friends and new business relationships by attending these LBSAA sessions.

I attend most of the alumni sessions and activities. Specifically, this year, the economic sessions of Prof Doyin Salami and Prof Bongo Adi were beneficial. Recently, the LBS programme with the High Commissioner of Canada benefited business and personal relationships The strategy session by the LBS dean, Prof Chris, provided good insights to learn about Nigeria's new dynamics of business management

Question: As someone actively involved in our alumni community, what advice do you have for alumni considering increased participation in events or activities?

How has your engagement added value to your overall experience as an alumnus, and what insights would you offer those looking to enhance their connection with the alumni network?

As an LBS alum, my advice and suggestion to colleagues is to stay in touch with your class members and always attend the alumni sessions to gain knowledge and add value to your learning skills If you have reached the pinnacle of your career, start mentoring the young MBA students of LBS as responsible business leaders.