Nigerian entrepreneurs and career professionals have been enjoined to face the challenges of the demanding, competitive corporate world with innovation and resilience.
Stakeholders in the corporate sector made the charge in Lagos during the seventh edition of The Iconic Brand Africa (TIBA) Awards and Conference 2025 ceremony with theme: ‘Thriving in business and career through innovation and resilience said these are critical dynamic capabilities for businesses to survive, compete, and achieve sustained growth in today’s volatile and complex environment.
Omobabinrin Adeola Osideko, the founder of TIBA and convener of the conference, in her remarks, said every entrepreneur and career person should strive for knowledge, skills, and recognition by leveraging technology, branding, and partnership to drive their business and work against all odds.
Speaking about building businesses and brands of global relevance in a fast-changing, demanding economy, she added, “Building thriving businesses requires excellence, innovation, and resilience. But, if you are passionate about something, go ahead and actualise it.”
With experience, she noted that her organisation’s vision was born from her own journey, rooted in persistence, continuous learning, and growth.
Chizor Malize, the CEO of Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC) in her keynote address titled ‘Resilience as the engine of sustainability: Building brands that last in a competitive world” stressed that whether as an individual or as a business, challenges will come, but building the confidence to address them through partnership, community, and innovation will determine if “you will build a legacy that will outlive you.”
Solomon Ayodele, the Head of Innovation at Wema Bank titled his speech ‘Profound Transformation’, emphasised that the most important ingredient one needs to succeed in life and business is resilience.
Ayodele said that the economy and money are not the reasons most people fail in business or career, adding, “Life does not give you what you want, but what you demand. Money can only solve money problems; it cannot solve purpose problems.”
Omotola Dayo-Adedapo, TIBA board chairperson who spoke about the mission and vision of the organisation, emphasised the theme of the conference, urging individuals and businesses to leverage partnerships and innovation to scale endeavours and remain relevant.
At the event in which the TIBA Consult was launched, the graduation of the first cohort of the TIBA Academy was held, and over a hundred business and career professionals bagged the TIBA Awards,a panel session comprising Precious Oshideko, Olushola Olaleye, Odiri Oginni, and Aizehi Itua, and moderated by Blessing Teddy, discussed how business owners and career professionals innovate, manage risks, and stay relevant in the corporate world.
Another panel session, comprising Olagoke Balogun, Tonya Lawani, Chimamaka Ige, and Divine Oshideko, and moderated by Emmanuel Nwajideobi, discussed how innovation, technology, branding, and partnerships can help people and businesses stay resilient and thrive in a competitive world.