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By Henry Uche
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, Port Harcourt Branch, South South/South East Zone, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, has been charged to provide visionary leadership and strengthen corporate governance, as experts affirmed that effective corporate leadership is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s economy.
At a hybrid investiture ceremony, corporate and traditional leaders stressed that corporate leaders must uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, probity and ethical governance to support the country’s economic transformation.
Admonishing Peterside, the Paramount Ruler & King of Ada -Ama Twon Brass, Bayelsa state, His Royal Highness, David Serena-Dokubo Spiff, who is the father of the day, charged urged him to take his position seriously to make impact by ensuring that Institutions and businesses within his reach are run in a decent manner. “Your role is fundamental and critical to the survival of Nigeria’s economy, so you must take it seriously”.
In a keynote address, Founding Partner at George Etomi & Partners, barrister George Etomi, who spoke on the theme: ‘Visionary Leadership, Sound Corporate Governance & Ethical Stewardship; Imperatives for Sustainable Economic Growth in a Dynamic Environment’, challenged Peterside to distinguish himself from other corporate leaders by adhering strictly to every principles of good leadership, management and administration.
He advised corporate leaders saying, “As directors and leaders in different spheres, your responsibility does not end at the glass doors of your private offices. It is your collective duty to act as the leading voice demanding essential institutional change. We cannot build a sustainable, resilient economy on a fractured foundation.
“The question before us, therefore, is not whether these principles are important, but whether we have the courage and commitment to embed them in every institution; public and private alike, because true national progress will only be realized when the public official and the private executives are held to the exact same high standards of ethical stewardship. Let us champion a unified governance model, one that instils absolute transparency, restores public trust, and secures long-term economic prosperity for Nigeria” he implored.
On his part, the President/Chairman of Council of CIoD, Otunba Oyebanji, cautioned that any unethical act from any member of the executive would undermine the image of the Institute. He encouraged, “You must always act professionally as expected in line with our core values and the standards we are known for” he charged.
For the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, who is the chairman of the occasion, Peterside must leave a legacy for the future generations. This, he said is possible if the new Chairman takes decisions and act in the most disciplined and responsible manner in all his dealings. “You must leave a legacy the next generation will be proud of”
In his acceptance speech, Peterside who is the 5th Chairman of the branch averred that his leadership will be anchored on mentorship, visibility and membership expansion. He pledged to abide by the codes of corporate governance and deliver on mandate. “CIoD House shall be for learning and professional development for us and our economy” he assured.
