By Moses Okorie
Mr. Ben Farrell, the Global Chief Executive Officer of Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) on Thursday, in Abuja, launched the ‘Great Conversation’ in Nigeria as part of an ongoing global programme aimed at discussing and proffering solutions to the future of procurement and supply professionals in the whole world.
The event has in attendance chief executive officers from different public and private organisations as well as the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and presentation of CIPS Life Membership Award to Dr. Bola Afolabi, and CIPS Ethics certificate to MEBS Global.
Speaking to newsmen at the event, Farrell said, “CIPS Great Conversation is about the future of the procurement and supply professions in an age disrupted by geopolitical events; new technologies, climate change challenge, emerging risk to supply.
“And so, what we’re doing is launching a global conversation about the future skills and competencies, and professionals needed to equip nations and businesses to be successful and prosper.
“We want to hear from everybody around the world, and CIPS has a presence in 180 countries. Part of our launch is to come here to Abuja today to engage some of the top procurement professionals in this conversation and share our dialogue with everybody”.
On his part, the Director-General of BPP expressed satisfaction with CIPS saying Nigeria as a country needs international partners like that who have built reputation across the globe. He added Nigeria also needs their professional advice when making international procurement even without paying a dine.
Adding his voice, the Country Director of CIPS, Chukwudi Uche said they are privileged to have the Global Chief Executive Officer who came to Nigeria for his occasion, and emphasized that the Great Conversation is necessary if the procurement profession will survive the evolving technology.
“We are looking at the future in the light of all the challenges, issues that are facing us. And these cut across things like geopolitical tension, advancement in technology, increase in environmental risk, economic volatility, and others.
“And we are looking at it as a profession to see what are those capabilities we need to have to deal with these issues from now and into the future.
“And in having this conversation, which we launched by 30th of April this year, it’s just a privilege for us to have our global CEO in Nigeria who has come to launch this. I’m saying a privilege because we have presence in about 180 countries of the world. And what I mean is, there is no way he’s able to go across all these countries. And coming to Nigeria is such a privilege.
Uche said for the first time, from the regulatory perspective, Nigeria would have a director general of BPP that is well qualified, and who is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of International Development.
He said now the Bureau of Public Procurement is working with stakeholders in the country to work out the best framework to implement for the benefit of Nigeria.
Accepting the award, Olushina Olajide-Ayoade of MEBS said, “This award recognises organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to ethical procurement practices, transparency, accountability, and professional excellence within the supply chain and procurement profession.
“MEBS Global is an international logistics, procurement, and supply chain solutions company providing trusted support services across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States”.