In a move to advance ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship, the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University has unveiled a handbook titled “Safeguarding: Implications for Entrepreneurship Development“. The launch, held in Abuja, brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders to emphasize the importance of safeguarding principles in entrepreneurial practices.
Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, highlighted the handbook’s significance, describing it as a collaborative effort aimed at promoting ethical conduct and fostering responsible business environments. She noted that the resource provides practical tools and insights for entrepreneurs and institutions to integrate safeguarding principles into their operations, addressing critical challenges in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The event featured a keynote address by Maryam Uwais, former special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on social investments. Speaking on *Safeguarding and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse to Enhance Entrepreneurship Development*, Uwais stressed the need for safeguarding to create inclusive and responsible business practices.
Her address explored issues such as creating safe environments, promoting gender equality, establishing policy frameworks, and building trust and collaboration in entrepreneurial spaces. She underscored the handbook’s role as a vital guide, offering actionable strategies for addressing challenges like sexual harassment, fostering inclusion, and building safeguarding policies to enhance productivity and innovation.
Uwais lauded the launch as a landmark achievement, setting a precedent for embedding safeguarding principles in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The handbook, she noted, is a critical resource for entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses that not only thrive economically but also respect and protect individuals and communities involved in their processes.
The initiative marks a significant step toward fostering ethical entrepreneurship and strengthening Nigeria’s business environment with values of responsibility and inclusivity.
