A COUNTRY in pursuit of national development and transformation must deploy its 'energies' to building smart, knowledgeable and resourceful labour force as key drivers of the process. This was the major thrust of the position taken by Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, at the 8th graduation ceremony of the Honeywell Excellence Programme (HEP) held at its corporate headquarters in Lagos.Twenty-five participants benefited from the programme, which Otudeko described as platform for realising the Group's vision of providing young and intelligent Nigerian graduates with the opportunity to acquire entrepreneurial and business management skills.Otudeko declared that business growth and national development would remain impossible if resources were not committed to human capacity development.'The human mind is the base and root of development. Without developed minds, no country can attain enviable status within the comity of nations. This is why emphasis must be placed on relevant, robust and practical education and training for Nigeria to attain its vision of joining the league of developed countries in the near future', he said.Congratulating the beneficiaries, Otudeko said 'the HEP is underpinned by our vision to provide a platform for young, intelligent graduates of tertiary institutions to hone their business and management skills through a comprehensive training in business management principles, discipline, ethics as well as the core values of underpinning our enterprises.'According to him, the programme has, since inception, continued to be a vehicle for infusing skills and professionalism into the Nigerian economy.The graduates of the eight edition expressed gratitude for the chance offered them to participate in the programme, describing it as a rewarding opportunity which enabled them strengthen their skills and acquire new ones.Mr. Dolapo Denton, one of the graduates, said it was a valuable exposure. 'Before I joined the programme, I knew very little, but now, I know so much about diverse sectors from the several courses we took in Human Resources, Energy Fundamentals, Business Processes, Engineering and so on. So, right now, I believe I am a well-rounded professional and ready for more responsibilities.''The Honeywell Excellence Programme, the company said, 'is a veritable platform to nurture and groom the next generation leaders as the focus and content is targeted at bridging the wide gap between the standard university curriculum and the business world's expectation of graduates.'The programme strategically targets exceptional graduates from across the nation's universities, who are taken through a rigorous selection process which culminates into a 12-month intensive on-the-job and class room experience.'Trainees have the unique opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals across various skill spheres who impart knowledge, mentor, and ensure that the trainees imbibe the right work ethos and culture. Since its inception, the programme has produced over 120 graduates.
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