The new Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences of the University of Ibadan, UI, has organised its first ever symposium.
The theme of the symposium was “Theory and Practice: Sustainable Marketing Strategies for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a Turbulent Business Environment”
Expectedly, it was attended by members of the Motor Vehicle Artisan Association; Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air- conditioner Practitioners; Nigeria Association of Patent Medicine Dealers; Nigeria Autotechnicians Association and the Nigerian Union of Tailors.
Others were members of MSME Forum, Oyo State; National Association of Nigerian Traders; Association of Handsets Hard and Software Repairers of Nigeria; Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria; as well as students of Marketing from the University of Ibadan, UI, and The Polytechnic Ibadan. Academic staff of the University of Ibadan, UI, were also in attendance.
The Acting Head of Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, Dr O. A. Adeniyi said the symposium was organised to foster the relationship between Town and Gown.
He said the theme was chosen to reflect on the huge private sector that contributes appreciably to the GDP and the economy.
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The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Professor A. O. Folawewo was represented by Professor Akanni Lawanson.
He noted that the theme was very important, saying that the discussions would help the listeners to match profitability with morality and to sustain their business in a turbulent economy.
The Chief Consultant to the Oyo State Government on SMEs, Mr Dayo Bello, said the symposium was a practical session to teach participants how to improve on the performance of SMEs
He spoke about the ‘Ise Dotun’ policy of the Oyo State Government and said training was key to its execution.
Mr Bello congratulated the participants because they would have the right information and training to move their businesses forward.
A member of the Governing Council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Mr Ayoola Komolafe said the Institute seeks to regulate the practice of Marketing in Nigeria as well as support students’ professional certification.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Otunba Ademola Ojo was Chairman at the symposium.
He stated that the theme of the symposium was in line with the sustainable economic agenda of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
He said the Town and the Gown needed to collaborate to formulate realistic policies to meet the challenges of the economy.
There were three guest speakers, namely Ms Temi Igure, Regional Manager Airtel Home Broadband Business; Mr Taofik Odukoya, Chairman Vanguard Pharmacy Ltd.; and Mrs Oluwaremilekun Onaeko, the Principal/ Managing Partner of Remi Onaeko and Co.
Ms Igure spoke on customer service as obtainable in practice, debunked a few marketing myths and stressed good customer culture.
She advised her listeners to have good succession plans and to train and retrain their staff.
Mr Odukoya noted that SMEs are the true drivers of the Nigerian economy because they contribute 84% of employment opportunities.
He described the present Nigerian economy as VUCA – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous and charged the academia and the operators of the SMEs to create a sustainable pathway through business.
He however, stated that Nigerians themselves are the ones who could make the country great again.
Mrs Onaeko advised participants to always recognise their staff as assets rather than liabilities and to always motivate them to put in their best.
She further advised business owners to ensure excellent service delivery; to create value for their customers and to run their businesses on principle.
Participants were given the opportunities to ask questions.
University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria
