Wale Jagun
L-R Mr. Yomi Adebanjo FCIS, Chairman Membership and Branch Liaison Committee ICSAN , Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo FCIS, Vice President ICSAN , Mr.Taiwo Gbenga Owokolade FCIS President ICSAN, Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed Executive Secretary CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) Professor Wole Adewunmi Chairman of Education Committee ICSAN and Mrs. Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi FCIS, Registrar CEO Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria at the 21st Induction Ceremony of the institute in Lagos.
The Executive Secretary, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), Mr Shuaibu Ahmed, has emphasised the need to set Nigeria on a path to sustainable growth through the demonstration of ethical values.
Ahmed said that such values must be demonstrated by governance professionals in the public and private sectors.
He spoke at the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria’s 21st Induction Ceremony of Associates and Graduates, on Wednesday, in Lagos.
The induction had the theme: “Entrenching the Values and Ethics of a Governance Professional in the Nigerian Business Terrain.”
Ahmed, delivering the lecture, said that good values and ethics practised by governance professionals serve as the bedrock of national development and productivity.
This, he said, is evidenced by studies and experience.
Ahmed urged governance professionals to practise ethical values to rebuild public trust and confidence in the Nigerian economy, thus facilitating increased trade and foreign direct investment.
“For Nigeria to be set on a firm path to sustainable growth, the real journey starts with individuals and professionals like you and me.
“We must espouse laudable goals for ourselves, families and companies, thus, forming a bedrock of society with enviable values that will translate into sustainable growth for companies, and ultimately a macroeconomy like advanced countries.
“Growth and development in companies aggregate to contribute significantly to a better Gross Domestic Product (GDP) performance, more employment opportunities and attraction of foreign direct investment.
“As governance professionals, you should seek to promote public awareness of essential corporate values and ethical practices that will enhance the integrity of your immediate business environment and the wider Nigerian economy,” he added.
Ahmed urged the inductees to exhibit values such as diligence, loyalty, honesty, obedience to laws and regulations, self-control, discipline and personal responsibility among others.
According to him, this is to ensure success as governance professionals in their fields.
He noted that though entrenching values and ethics was a veritable tool for national development, the assurance of its effectiveness was only achievable when those values were inherent in individuals and organisations.
Ahmed, therefore, called on new and existing members to strive to adopt, implement and comply with best corporate governance practices and ethical values.
“By adhering to these ethical values, governance professionals demonstrate commitment to good governance practices and increase their level of trust, transparency and integrity,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the institute, Mr Taiwo Owokalade, said that the theme of the lecture was a reflection of the emphasis the institute placed on the concept of ethics.
Owokalade said that the majority of the problems and challenges in the country emanated from a dearth of ethics, integrity and uprightness in various aspects of life.
He said it was, therefore, pertinent for members to maintain high standards and adhere to values and ethics to avoid their membership being withdrawn.
“We take the issue of ethics very highly at the Institute. Your membership demonstrates that you are committed to the high professional standards expected of all ICSAN members worldwide.
“It, therefore, behoves you to keep striving both in the area of continuous education and adherence to values and ethics.
“Any member found guilty of gross misconduct in defiance of dictates of ethics will have his or her membership withdrawn,” he said.
He also advised the inductees to update their membership data, and fulfil moral and financial obligations to be able to take advantage of various opportunities that the institute offers.
The opportunities include access to educational materials and learning tools, including informative and enlightening resources, the Governance Practitioner Trainee Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme and job opportunities in diverse sectors of the economy.
One hundred and seventeen were inducted as Graduates and 344 as Associates into the institute.
ICSAN is a leading, statutorily established professional body, dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of Corporate Governance and Public Administration.
It is the only professional body authorised in Nigeria to conduct the examinations leading to the qualification as Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
