Prof. Femi Olufumilade, a former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential aspirant, says there is need to entrench corporate governance principles in various areas of governance in Nigeria.
Olufumilade gave the advice at the investiture ceremony of Mr Olufemi Sokan as the 11th Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria(ICSAN ) on Saturday.
He said that the institute as the vortex of corporate governance must deploy governance tenets to tackle areas of corruption, insecurity and the economy.
Olufumilade advised the new chairman to provide result driven leadership as seen in his readiness to serve on the basis of international best practices and in sync with corporate governance principles.
He also charged the institute to leverage technology by integrating germane technology models in its operations and providing its offerings via the digital world to engender more participation and inclusiveness.
“Chartered secretaries are in vantage position to ensure probity, administrative reforms and accountability in every little and large corners devoid of corruption.
“ICSAN as a part of its contribution to good governance and social responsibility must make a study pushing anti corruption and available same to relevant authorities,” he said.
Olufumilade, who is also the Pioneer Director, Buratai Center for Contemporary Security Affairs, Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo, urged ICSAN to partner the university to widen the net of their training activities.
In his acceptance speech, Sokan, expressing gratitude at the privilege of leadership, said the time was now for the chapter to arise and drive the changes needed in the area of governance in both private and public sectors.
Sokan said that as a result, the working motto of his administration titled “Bracing up for the Journey” would be characterised by guidance, wisdom and courage in spite of all challenges that may be faced along the way.
“Our team is a balanced team of good gender mix, a good mix of in house company secretaries and practitioners with good mix of various educational backgrounds which complement our unity of focus and success,” he said.
He stated that his administration would build on the existing pillars of the chapter’s pursuits, introduce additional dimensions and focus on capacity enhancement of members, improved welfare, increased revenue, and better visibility.
“One key way we intend to achieve this is to organise governance rallies showing the importance of it in our society.
“Also, we plan to have a partnership scheme with the Lagos State Government in ensuring that selected secondary schools in the major local government areas are given lectures on corporate governance.
“This will help to drive home to the younger ones who are the future leaders of tomorrow that no society can achieve or attain greatness without good governance and proper strategies in place,” he said.
Lagos Chapter Immediate Past Chairman, Mrs Nkechi Anyimah, noted that the new chairman was not new to leadership and expressed her confidence in his ability to move the chapter and the institute to greater heights.
She said that her administration deserved kudos with some legacies such as annual retreat, leadership sessions, annual flagship magazine, first liaison office among other efforts it expended.
Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, Naval Director of Ships Design and Acquisition, confirmed the new chairman’s sterling leadership qualities and astute business acumen hence his emergence.
“I have no doubt that you are the man whom the cap fits as you bring your wealth of experience and administrative sagacity to bear as you pilot the chapter to greater heights.
“Be highly focused to ensure the smooth running of the chapter with tangible results because it is a rare privilege to serve and all service would be judged by posterity,” he said.
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