The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), embarking on an ambitious N3 billion national secretariat building project, has garnered significant support from key financial institutions and government ministries. A fundraising event held in Abuja solidified this backing, with representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance expressing their commitment and announcing contributions to the project. This collaborative effort underscores the shared vision of strengthening corporate governance and professional development within Nigeria. ICSAN’s initiative signifies a crucial step towards enhancing its capacity and further solidifying its role in promoting ethical and efficient administration across various sectors.
The CBN, under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, affirmed its alignment with ICSAN’s core values, emphasizing the importance of corporate governance and public administration. Philip Ndanusa, representing the CBN Governor, highlighted recent reforms within the bank that reflect this commitment, including restructuring to focus on core mandates and the appointment of new directors. He reiterated the CBN’s ongoing support for the secretariat project, promising further collaboration as the construction progresses. This partnership signifies a strong endorsement from a pivotal financial institution, acknowledging ICSAN’s contributions to the Nigerian economy.
The Federal Ministry of Finance also pledged its support, with Aderonke Jayesimi, representing Minister Wale Edwin, commending the visionary nature of the project. She described the future building as a testament to capacity building and professional development, announcing a donation on behalf of the minister and promising future consideration of further ministerial support. This commitment from the Ministry of Finance further solidifies the project’s national importance and its potential to enhance governance standards across the country.
Further reinforcing the project’s significance, Ndidi Chinoso, representing the Minister of State for Finance, lauded ICSAN’s influence in promoting corporate governance and professional integrity across both public and private sectors. Chinoso emphasized the event as an opportunity to invest in the future of governance and capacity building, urging broad-based support for the initiative. This call for collective action highlights the shared responsibility of stakeholders in fostering a robust and ethical business environment.
Funmi Ekundayo, ICSAN President and Chairman of the Governing Council, articulated the rationale behind the project, explaining the Institute’s need for a befitting national secretariat despite its significant impact and influence. She highlighted the financial constraints that have hindered previous efforts and emphasized the importance of this fundraising initiative in achieving this long-held goal. Ekundayo also revealed the Institute’s forthcoming rebranding to the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN), a move further solidifying its focus on governance and reflecting its evolving role. The impending name change, coupled with the new secretariat, symbolizes a significant step in the Institute’s journey towards strengthening its capacity and reach.
To recognize and appreciate the contributions of donors, Ekundayo outlined plans to honor major contributors in the ICSAN Hall of Fame and to name rooms and spaces within the new facility after significant corporate or individual donors. This gesture signifies not only a recognition of their financial support but also their shared commitment to ICSAN’s mission of advancing corporate governance and administration in Nigeria. The new secretariat project, therefore, represents a landmark achievement for ICSAN, embodying its growth, ambition, and dedication to fostering a culture of good governance across the nation. The support received from key stakeholders demonstrates the widespread recognition of ICSAN’s vital role and the shared belief in the transformative potential of this project.
