The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at Pan-Atlantic University has launched a groundbreaking handbook titled “Safeguarding: Implications for Entrepreneurship Development,” marking a significant stride towards cultivating ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship. This handbook, unveiled in Abuja, serves as a vital resource for entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders, offering practical guidance on integrating safeguarding principles into entrepreneurial activities. The handbook’s launch underscores the growing recognition of safeguarding’s critical role in creating a responsible and thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the EDC, emphasized the handbook’s timeliness and relevance in today’s business environment. She highlighted the collaborative effort behind its development, reflecting a collective commitment from various stakeholders to promote ethical conduct within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The handbook is poised to empower both entrepreneurs and institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement safeguarding measures effectively, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability.
The launch event featured a compelling keynote address by Maryam Uwais, former special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on social investments. Uwais’s address, titled “Safeguarding and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse to Enhance Entrepreneurship Development,” underscored the vital role of safeguarding in fostering inclusive and responsible business practices. She explored key issues relevant to the entrepreneurial realm, including the creation of safe environments, promotion of gender equality and inclusion, establishment of robust policy frameworks, and enhancement of trust and collaboration among stakeholders. Uwais emphasized that safeguarding is not merely a compliance exercise but an integral element of sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship.
The handbook provides actionable strategies for safeguarding individuals and communities involved in various business processes. It delves into critical topics such as recognizing and addressing sexual harassment, developing comprehensive safeguarding policies, and fostering inclusive environments that nurture productivity and innovation. By offering practical guidance on these crucial issues, the handbook equips entrepreneurs with the tools to create safe and respectful workplaces, promoting a culture where everyone can thrive.
The launch of this handbook signifies a major milestone in the pursuit of ethical entrepreneurship development. It sets a precedent for integrating safeguarding principles into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging businesses to prioritize the well-being and safety of their employees, customers, and communities. This initiative reflects a growing understanding that ethical conduct is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver of sustainable business success.
By promoting ethical and responsible business practices, this initiative aims to cultivate a more equitable and sustainable entrepreneurial landscape. The handbook serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses that are not only profitable but also contribute positively to society. It champions the idea that ethical conduct is essential for long-term success and that safeguarding is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to build stronger, more resilient, and impactful businesses. The handbook’s comprehensive approach, coupled with the collective commitment of stakeholders, positions it to make a significant contribution to the advancement of ethical entrepreneurship in Nigeria and beyond.
