By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria, has declared commitment to deepen its relationship with the federal government to foster human capacity building and continue to promote the practice of good corporate governance in the country while engaging stakeholders across all sectors.
The president of IoD, Ije Jidenma made this promise at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday where she announced a year-long line up of events and activities to mark its 40th anniversary which would be flagged off by a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari on March 16, 2023.
Describing the government as a partner in nation building and human development, Jidenma emphasized the need for collaborative dialogue with government at all levels.
“As part of the programme, President Buhari would be invited alongside regulatory bodies and strategic key players across public and private sectors to interface on ways to harness the power of human resources and otherwise to contribute to the development of Nigeria.”
She added that improving the capacity of directors to deliver on their mandates through various capacity development programmes would expose and equip them with the qualities required to effectively implement corporate governance in Nigeria in compliance with global best practices.
“It is a well-known fact that human resources is the most important resource. Even with the availability of the best technology, you cannot achieve anything as a nation or a business without the competence and integrity of a trained person.”
Themed “Celebrating 40 Years of Visionary Leadership and Corporate Governance”, the IoD president continued that the programmes lined up for the anniversary had been designed to add immense value to all players as it would serve to increase stakeholders’ awareness and amplify the role of the institute over the last four decades.
Jidenma, while admitting that Nigeria was going through its challenges as a developing nation however reiterated the commitment of the institute at driving a positive impact towards its development.
Highlighting some notable strides by the IoD, she mentioned that with over 5000 members, the institute is the nation’s prime apex membership organisation and professional body which had consistently championed the cause of good corporate governance while promoting ethical leadership, directors’ development and capacity building.
“It also represents its members by playing advocacy roles for the ultimate benefit of society. Its membership is spread across private indigenous companies, multinationals, developmental organisations and government institutions,” she added.
Also speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Institutes Anniversary Planning Committee, Samuel Akeju added that the institute would also hold the foundation laying ceremony of its national headquarters building named the “IoD Towers” in Lagos.
Other events to mark the celebration included a health and fitness programme, “Walk for Life” to be held across all branches nationwide and a special golf tourney in Lagos.