The President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, FCIS, has called for the integration of ethics, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement in corporate governance practices as the Institute commemorated its 2025 Governance Practitioners’ Day.
Delivering the welcome address at the event held at NECA House in Alausa, Ikeja, Ekundayo emphasized the importance of ethical leadership and sustainable corporate reporting in today’s governance environment.
“This theme is not only timely but also critical,” she said, referencing this year’s focus: “Integrating Ethics and Compliance with Stakeholders’ Engagement for Sustainable Corporate Reporting.” “Ethics without enforcement is not enough, compliance without conscience is not sustainable, and stakeholder engagement without sincerity is a lost cause.”
The one-day forum brought together governance experts, corporate executives, and public sector leaders to share insights and foster collaboration. Distinguished guests included ICSAN Vice-President Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, Treasurer Mr. Francis Olawale, FCIS, Immediate Past President Mr. Taiwo Owokalade, FCIS, and several past presidents of the Institute. Keynote speaker Mrs. Hafsat Rufai, ACIS, along with a panel of seasoned professionals such as Mr. Babasegun Adewunmi, FCIS, Lady Cheta Nwabuikwe, FCIS, and Dr. Abubakar Rasaq, ACIS, headlined the event.
Mrs. Ekundayo highlighted the Institute’s role in shaping governance discourse in Nigeria, pointing out ICSAN’s historic mandate and professional legacy dating back to 1944. She noted that ICSAN is the only statutorily recognized body in Nigeria authorized to qualify Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and is a proud member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA).
“ICSAN continues to provide thought leadership in corporate and public administration. For nearly six decades, our members have held influential roles across sectors, contributing significantly to national development,” she said.
In a significant announcement, the ICSAN President encouraged eligible members to apply for the Institute’s Practice Licence, which allows qualified Chartered Secretaries to establish firms and operate independently in governance consulting. She assured that holders of the Practice Licence, seal, and stamp would be recognized by regulatory bodies across the country.
The President also commended the Governance Practitioners’ Day Planning Committee, chaired by Mrs. Lynda Onefeli, FCIS, for organizing what she described as an exceptional and impactful event.
“This forum remains a strategic platform for innovation, professional development, and meaningful contributions to the nation’s socio-economic progress,” she concluded, as she formally welcomed participants to a day of dialogue and learning.
The 2025 Governance Practitioners’ Day underscores ICSAN’s unwavering commitment to advancing governance practices and setting the pace for professional excellence in Nigeria.