ABU Business School holds 2nd International Conference
Ahmadu Bello University Business School in collaboration with CBN Centre for Economics and Finance (CENEF) and International Centre of Excellence for Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship (ICERFE) has held the 2nd International Conference and Postgraduate Colloquium.
The Conference with the theme ‘Innovations, Opportunities and Challenges in the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Era’ held today (Tuesday, 10th December, 2024) at the Telepresence Room, CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Declaring the conference open, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, disclosed that the theme of the conference is heartwarming, given the economic challenges faced by the country in present times.
Prof. Bala stated that ABU as a citadel of learning should be engaged in intellectual discourses in order to proffer solutions to contemporary issues.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the ABU Business School for maintaining the tradition, having started last year.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Dean, ABU Business School, Prof. Idris Ahmed Aliyu, noted that the conference is a vibrant platform for scholars and practitioners to share ideas, experiences and research findings in order to address national and international constraints.
Prof. Aliyu thanked all participants and members of the Local Organizing Committee for the proper organisation of the conference.
In a lead paper presentation, Prof. Ayoib Che Ahmad of College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysi, explained that adaptability is key to thriving of businesses globally.
Prof. Ahmad established that innovations emerge from chaos and disruptions experienced in the course of carrying out business.
On the elements of effective Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), Dr. Ahmad highlighted that environmental focus, ethical governance, board buy-in, sustainable supply chain, risk management, human rights and data protection are some of the major factors affecting it.
He said 64% of consumers switch or avoid a product/company due to social issue.
Prof. Ahmad thanked the organisers for the opportunity given to him.
In another presentation, Associate Prof. Wanamina Bostan Ali of Prince of Songhla University, Thailand maintained that ideas become innovations when they add value to an individual or the society.
She commended the ABU Business School for coming with a topical issue in a critical time like this.
In a closing remark, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Ismail Tijjani Idris, expressed gratitude to all participants for availing themselves both physically and virtually.
Dr. Idris thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the success of the Conference.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(SGB)
Tuesday, 10th December, 2024.
