Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has charged professionals in business administration and knowledge management to deploy their knowledge and expertise towards nation-building and sustainable development.
Mrs Jonathan spoke at the second international annual conference of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management in Port Harcourt where she was awarded the honorary fellowship of the Institute for her contributions to society.
A statement signed by Media Assistant, Office of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Wealth Dickson Ominabo said Mrs Jonathan was the special guest of honour at the conference in her goodwill message noted that the conference is important and necessary as it sets an agenda for all stakeholders towards a better society.
Jonathan said: “Conversations like this should be encouraged because knowledge management and sharing will help the world recover faster from the economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the economic growth, peace and the stability of many nations including Nigeria.
“However, professionals like you all gathered here today have important roles to play if we are to overcome current global challenges.
Commenting on the theme of the conference and the role of experts in nation-building.
She stated that: “The theme of this conference: “Professional Business Administration and Knowledge Management: Panacea for Economic and Institutional Health and Sustainability” is very important to us all giving our current realities.
“As professionals and experts in business administration and knowledge management, you are stakeholders in the task of nation-building.
“Your responsibilities at a time like this are to be patriotic and be committed to the unity and progress of our country, our continent, and nation-building.”
She thanked the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management for finding her worthy of fellowship at the Institute.
“This award is special to me. It is a call for me to continue to serve God and humanity with more commitment and passion.” She said.
