The Handbook which as launched on Tuesday 17th December 2024 at The Wells Carlton hotel Abuja brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss the critical role of safeguarding in entrepreneurship.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nneka Okekearu underscored the handbook’s relevance in today’s entrepreneurial landscape and said the handbook was the outcome of collaborative efforts by stakeholders towards promoting ethical conduct in entrepreneurial activities.
She noted that the handbook is a timely resource for entrepreneurs and institutions alike, offering practical insights and tools to integrate safeguarding principles into their operations.
The launch featured an enlightening keynote address on ‘Safeguarding and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse to Enhance Entrepreneurship Development’ by Maryam Uwais, former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investments.
Uwais emphasized the importance of safeguarding principles in fostering inclusive and responsible business practices.
The keynote explored key issues that are particularly relevant to the entrepreneurship space including creating safe environments, gender equity and inclusion, policy frameworks and enhancing trust and collaboration.
L-R: Head, Safeguarding, Mastercard Foundation; Dr. Oluranti Adetoye, Co-founder, Tarihaan Integrated Services (TIS), Hajiya Aisha Abubakar; Executive Director, Ladela School, Mrs. Angela Ajala; Executive Director, Illlmi Children’s Fund, Mrs. Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin; Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu; Country Office HR Manager, Save the Children International, Mrs. Mercy Orji; Head, Support Services, Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nnenna Ugwu; and Principal Consultant, Zubairu Atta & Associates, Mr. Zubairu Atta during the EDC Handbook launch on safeguarding: Implications for Entrepreneurship Development in Lagos recently
The newly launched handbook serves as a vital guide for entrepreneurs, providing actionable strategies to safeguard individuals and communities involved in business processes. It covers topics such as recognizing and addressing sexual harassment, building safeguarding policies, and fostering inclusive environments that enhance productivity and innovation.
Attendees expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting its potential to inspire a new era of responsible entrepreneurship. The event concluded with a lively panel discussion and networking session, where participants shared ideas on implementing safeguarding measures in various entrepreneurial settings.
The launch of this handbook marks a significant milestone in the journey toward ethical entrepreneurship development, setting a precedent for integrating safeguarding into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.