Wednesday, June 17, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Garlands for Margery Okadigbo

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…Former Senate president’s wife receives ICSAN’s honorary fellowship

On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Institute of Chartered  Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) conferred an honorary fellowship on Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo, wife of former president of the Nigerian Senate. This esteemed  recognition was presented at the institute’s 47th annual conference and dinner, themed “Sound governance as a cursor to a thriving  economy: A case for inclusiveness.”

Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo’s remarkable journey in public service  spans over four decades, encompassing the public and private sectors of Nigeria. Her contributions to governance and corporate excellence have not only transformed the landscape of the energy, oil and gas sector but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring leaders, especially women, in Nigeria.

As the pioneer chairman of the board of directors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the first woman to have held the role in its transition, Senator Okadigbo has been at the forefront of  championing reforms that have redefined the industry. Her unwavering commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance has ensured  strict compliance with ethical principles in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, repositioning Nigeria’s petroleum industry to be globally competitive.

Conferring the award on the recipients, the ICSAN President/Chairman of Council, Funmi Ekundayo, described their performances in governance as  superlative and worthy of emulation.

“While we celebrate Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo’s exceptional journey, it is important to acknowledge the other recipients of CSAN’s honorary fellowships. These individuals have also made significant contributions to governance and leadership, collectively embodying the spirit of progress and inclusiveness.

The list of honorary fellowship recipients includes Amb. Shuaibu Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria; Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and Registrar-General of the

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Garba Abubakar. Others were Etido  Inyang and Ekerebong Umoh, who have likewise demonstrated unwavering dedication to excellence in their respective fields.”

In his remarks, Governor Babajide  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu Hundeyin, congratulated the awardees on the  achievements recorded in their respective fields of endeavour. She also congratulated Mrs Ekundayo for becoming the first female president of ICSAN since its inception 47 years ago.

The former Minister of Communications, Omobola Johnson, reiterated the need for more inclusiveness for women in accordance with the conference  theme. Senator Ishaku Abbo also congratulated the  awardees in his remarks.

In accepting the prestigious honorary fellowship from ICSAN and  responding on behalf of the award recipients, Senator Okadigbo expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue justifying the confidence placed in them by promoting  ethical corporate governance principles and inspiring the next generation of leaders.