FBCS Conference Day Two: We Are Consumers of what the rest of the World produce” – Osaghae tells Intellectuals.

• By Sunday Gbolagade and Ayorinde Helen

Professor Eghosa Osaghae stated that Africa especially Nigeria consumes what the rest of the world produce at the opening ceremony of FBCS 2019 International Conference.

It was a gathering of intellectuals as the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan organized her 2019 International Conference titled “Technology, Security and Socio-economic Development in Africa.” The opening ceremony had in attendance the Rector of the institution, Professor (Engr.) Kazeem Adekunle, Registrar, Mrs. Modupe Fawale, the Deputy Rector, Mr Bayo Oyeleke, the Dean Students Affairs, Dr. S.A. Ajibola, other Management Staff, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, guests from all walks of life and students.

In his opening remarks, the Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adekunle stated that the school is known to carry out deliberate efforts towards eradicating socio-economic and security problems in the country as well as proffering solutions to the hindrances obstructing the development of Nigeria through conferences.

He however eulogized the efforts of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies for ensuring continuity in the system. Also, he expressed his profound gratitude to the Guest Speakers for honouring the conference.

While giving his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, Mr. Femi Ipadeola emphasized on the need to appreciate the management of the institution for the supports and privilege towards ensuring that the conference is a success.

While speaking on the theme, Mr. Femi Ipadeola stated that there are four pillars of socio-economic development which the Guest Speaker would expose to the public.

In his keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Professor Eghosa Osaghae clarified the various perceptions of people on the concept of development. He indicated that development is the right to justice, fairness, security, as well as employment and breaching the gap between the rich and the poor. According to him, development is all-encompassing which ranges from high life expectance to high literacy level as well as the government’s actions towards accountability and responsibility.

In his final submission, Prof. Osaghae reinstated that without the right to self-autonomy and self-determination by every individual, without the state seeking the intervention from other countries of the world especially America, there is no development.

While presenting his paper titled “Fourth Industrial Revolution, Artificial Intelligence Technology and the place of Africa”, one of the alumni of the institution at the Department of Mass Communication, Prof. Abiodun Salawu challenged intellectuals on the need to appreciate the use of Artificial Intelligence in all sectors. He stated that robotics, artificial intelligence, block chain, biotechnology, amongst others, are machines which act just as human beings with the ability to think, learn and be conscious of the environment.

Prof. Salawu while speaking on the place of Africa in the fourth industrial revolution encouraged the use of Artificial Intelligence in both public and civil service sectors, institutions, agriculture as well as in journalism to promote social transformation and economic growth.

The event featured goodwill messages, music entertainment by the Music Department of the Institution and guests were also treated to sumptuous refreshment.