By Merit Ibe
The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, is set to hold its 2023 edition of the Annual Directors’ Conference from November 16 to 17.
President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, who made the announcement noted that the theme of the conference which is: “Driving Nigeria’s Economic Transformation & Diversification: The Role of Corporate Governance,” underscores the pivotal significance of corporate governance in propelling the growth and development of the nation’s economy.
The conference, which will be held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Borodo disclosed will be inaugurated on Thursday 16 November by the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the opening ceremony will be chaired by Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, MTN Nigeria while the guests of honour include the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.
President of CIoD also noted that the highlight of the opening session will be the keynote address by a distinguished figure in the international community, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Chairman, Leadway Pension, PFA Ltd, former Minister of Finance and former Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment.
Borodo said within the central theme are four sub themes selected to focus on key sectors, identifying their potential contributions to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“The key areas are the energy sector, Digital Space, Human capital, Agriculture and non-oil mineral sectors of the economy.”
He viewed that the various sectors within the economy are influenced by corporate governance, which is a catalyst for change and progress. “Corporate Governance plays a pivotal role in steering the economy towards sustainability and efficient practices, facilitating the adaptation of ethical principles and transformation. It also ensures the identification and retention of top talents to fuel economic growth. Finally, good corporate governance unlocks the potentials of sectors like agriculture, solid minerals, and the blue economy to diversify Nigeria’s economic landscape.”
This flagship event, he said is the core of the institute’s advocacy engagement series, uniting stakeholders from private, public and not-for-profit sectors to deliberate on crucial and contemporary issues concerning leadership, ethics, the economy and business, among others.
“I am optimistic that the presentations and discussions during this year’s Conference will serve as a platform for stakeholders across various sectors of the Nigerian economy to foster a deeper commitment to corporate governance best practices.
“We anticipate a positive ripple effect across all sectors, nurturing a better appreciation of the roles played by corporate governance in driving Nigeria’s economic diversification and transformation.”
For her part, Chairman, National Organising Committee of the Conference, Mrs. Fatumata Coker, disclosed that the conference will be a hybrid event and participants would be joining virtually from all over the world, while the physical venue is the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja.
She said the special guest of honour at the dinner will be the Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives; Guest of Honour is His Excellency, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; the Chairman is Col. Sani Bello Retd, Chairman, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, while the guest speaker is Mrs. Bola Adesola, Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria Plc.
She noted that the conference will feature a distinguished panel of guest speakers, discussants and moderators, comprising eminent personalities from various sectors. Speakers for Plenary Sessions are Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited; Mr. Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF); Dr. Habila Amos, Former Director HR & Admin, NAICOM and Mr. Femi Williams, M.IoD, Managing Director, Newwaves Ecosystems Limited.
The Discussants for the Sessions are Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President; Prince Bambo Ademiluyi, Managing Director, Quaint Agencies Ltd; Mr. Femi Adeyemo, CEO, Arnergy Solar Limited; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centres (OADC); Mr. Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer YF Talent Partners; Mrs. Toyin Sanni, Group CEO of Emerging Africa Capital Group; Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, F.IoD, Founder, Proshare Group; Mr. Tony Nwakalor, CEO, SoundCore Group; Mr. Africanfarmer Mogaji, Chief Executive Officer X-Ray Farms Consulting.
Moderators include Mrs. Chizor Malize; Managing Director, Financial Institution Training Centre; Prof. Franca Ovadje, Founder, Danne Institute for Research; Mr. DeRemi Atanda, Managing Director, Remita Payment Services Ltd; Dr Abiodun Adedipe, Partner, BAA Associates;
Coker noted that the presence of all these influential stakeholders will ensure that the discussions and recommendations at the conference will significantly contribute to shaping policy outcomes for the nation’s economic advancement.
“This year’s conference aims to attract industry leaders critical to the conference’s focus and fostering discussions and engagements. It is tailored to appeal to young directors, entrepreneurs, and millennials, offering them mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform for expanding their knowledge in corporate governance.
“The conference will in the evening of Thursday, November 16, 2023, feature the “Special Business Meets Government Dinner,” an event with an exclusive gathering uniting prominent Business Leaders with key public sector figures.