In a significant move to combat the rising tide of sexual crimes in the workplace, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, along with other prominent figures from Nigeria’s corporate sector, will convene for an important session on October 25 in Lagos.
This initiative aims to address the critical issue of workplace sexual harassment and its far-reaching implications.
Joseph Edgar, Chairman of The Duke’s Masterclass and the event’s convener, made this announcement in a statement released on Saturday in Lagos. He revealed that the session, themed “Sexual Relations in the Workplace,” will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island.
Justice Alogba has endorsed the participation of Justice A. Akinlade, a senior judge of the Lagos High Court, who is set to present a paper titled “The Menace of Sexual Harassment, Rape, and Other Violent Crimes in the Workplace.”
The event will also feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of the Odua Group; Olumide Aju, SAN; Adekunle Oyinloye, Chairman of the Gbose Group; and Dr. Austen Ebose, Managing Director of Anchor Insurance. Other notable contributors include Tokunbo George-Taylor, an expert PR consultant; Omokunbi Adeoti of Leadway Group; Dr. Olayinka Jibunoh; and CSP Lasisi Nurudeen.
Mr. Edgar stressed that the issue of sexual relations in the workplace has escalated into a significant threat to corporate existence.
He stated, “Unfortunately, many business leaders often failed to recognize its severity until it became too late, by which time the organisation’s structure might have been damaged, sometimes beyond repair.”
He further elaborated that while certain aspects of workplace relationships may seem beneficial, the overwhelming negative consequences, if left unaddressed, threaten organizations in four key areas: legal, human capital, brand reputation, and structural integrity. Edgar added, “These effects could weaken an organisation, making it incapable of achieving its corporate goals.”
The session is expected to attract a diverse audience, including chief executive officers, business owners, corporate leaders, brand and reputation management experts, and HR professionals.
Mr. Edgar articulated the session’s objectives, stating, “The goal is to not only discuss the various facets of this issue but also to develop practical solutions and preventive measures that can be embedded into corporate culture to eliminate this harmful trend.”
The Duke’s Masterclass aims to empower corporate leaders through targeted engagements that strengthen corporate institutions and promote sustainable growth. Previous notable speakers at the masterclass have included figures such as Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd), Emir Mohammed Sanusi II, Kola Adesina, and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, among others.
