Sanwo-Olu bags NIM’s honorary fellowship

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been conferred with an honorary fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), reaffirming the state government’s support for professional development and excellence.

The award was presented during the 2025 Management Day Lecture at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, praised the institute for its continued efforts in promoting sustainable and purpose-driven leadership across sectors.

He emphasized that strong management practices remain crucial for building resilient institutions and advancing national development.

Declaring the event open, NIM President and Chairman of Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (retd),  proposed that 19th November be officially designated as a national day to celebrate the management profession.

This year’s lecture, themed: “Sustainable and Purpose-Driven Organizations: ESG, Circular Economy and Beyond,” featured Mr. Niyi Yusuf, Managing Director of Verakki Partners and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, as keynote speaker. Yusuf underscored the transformative power of ESG frameworks and circular economy models for Nigeria’s economic future.

He noted that while profit sustains organizations, purpose sustains nations, urging companies to embed sustainability into their governance and daily operations.

He further highlighted the global expansion of the ESG market, forecast to rise from US$35.48 trillion in 2025 to US$167.49 trillion by 2034—as a major opportunity for Nigerian businesses.

According to him, ESG should be viewed as an investment in long-term competitiveness rather than an operational cost.

In a significant milestone for the Institute, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, was also awarded an honorary fellowship, his first from the body alongside other distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors.

The ceremony also featured long-service awards for NIM staff who have served ten years or more.

The Institute reiterated its commitment to promoting excellence in management practice, strengthening sustainable business culture, and supporting national development through its diverse programs and initiatives.