Media executive, Ralph Tathagata, has said there is no viable alternative to the adoption of ethics in business, stressing that ethical conduct remains fundamental to sustainable growth and societal stability. Tathagata made the assertion while speaking at an event organised by the Rotary Club of Ikeja Cosmopolitan titled “Ethics in Business,” held during the official visit of the District 9111 Governor, Henry Akinyele.
In his remarks, Tathagata described ethics as the fulcrum on which society rests, warning that the absence of ethical values in business and public life would inevitably lead to systemic failure. He noted that transparency and accountability are the core pillars of ethical practice, adding that organisations that ignore these principles often pay a heavy price in the long run. He cited the My Pikin syrup saga as a case study, explaining that the company involved could have built a strong reputation and generated more revenue if ethical standards had been strictly upheld.
According to him, the crisis triggered by the product underscored how lapses in ethics can destroy trust, damage brands, and have far-reaching consequences beyond financial losses. Tathagata urged business leaders and professionals to prioritise ethical decision-making, noting that profitability should never come at the expense of integrity, public safety, or societal well-being.
He added that businesses that embed ethics into their operations are better positioned to earn public trust and achieve long-term success. The event provided a platform for participants to reflect on the role of ethics in shaping responsible leadership and sustainable business practices in Nigeria.
