A Legacy of Good Governance and Economic Resilience: ICSAN’s Contributions to National Development
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) stands as a bastion of good governance, ethical leadership, and national development. As the outgoing president, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, prepares to pass the baton, she reflects on the organization’s achievements and its unwavering commitment to these core values. Her tenure, built on the foundation laid by her predecessors, has been marked by courage, audacity, and a firm belief that good governance is a continuous journey, not a mere destination. This principle has guided ICSAN’s efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Mrs. Ekundayo’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the belief that consistent effort, courageous leadership, and an unwavering commitment to ethical values are the pillars of sustainable progress. Her two years at the helm have witnessed bold initiatives and impactful interventions, all aimed at strengthening corporate governance and fostering a culture of integrity within both public and private sectors. The incoming leadership, comprising President-elect Mrs. Uto Ukpanah and Vice President-elect Mr. Francis Olawole, inherit this rich tradition of excellence and are expected to further elevate ICSAN’s contributions to national development.
Despite facing numerous macroeconomic headwinds, including inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, the Nigerian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Mrs. Ekundayo acknowledges these challenges while highlighting the steady growth driven primarily by the services sector, particularly financial services and telecommunications. However, she emphasizes the need for continued diversification to reduce the nation’s overreliance on crude oil. She advocates for sustained government reforms and intensified efforts to address security concerns, expressing optimism that positive projections will materialize as these reforms gain traction.
ICSAN’s contributions to national development are multifaceted and far-reaching. The organization plays a crucial role in promoting good corporate governance by instilling the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in its members. These members, operating across various sectors, contribute to economic growth by ensuring compliance, managing risk, and upholding ethical practices within their respective organizations. ICSAN’s capacity-building programs, educational initiatives, and policy advocacy, particularly its engagement with public sector leaders and regulators, further solidify its commitment to national progress.
A testament to ICSAN’s dedication to enhancing corporate governance and professional development is the ambitious ₦3.5 billion sectorial project currently underway. This initiative aims to not only strengthen corporate governance practices but also provide a platform for policy discussions and knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration and innovation within the sector. This significant investment underscores ICSAN’s commitment to building a robust and sustainable economic framework for Nigeria.
Beyond its core functions, ICSAN actively engages in public-private collaborations, research, and knowledge dissemination. The Institute regularly provides position briefs and governance guidelines on critical national and sectoral issues, contributing valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers and industry leaders. This proactive approach demonstrates ICSAN’s commitment to shaping policies and practices that promote good governance and sustainable development. As Mrs. Ekundayo hands over the reins, ICSAN stands poised to continue its crucial work, guided by the principles of good governance, ethical leadership, and a steadfast dedication to Nigeria’s economic progress.
