By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has urged newly inducted chartered secretaries to uphold ethical leadership and strengthen corporate governance to drive national development.
Speaking at the institute’s 25th induction ceremony in Lagos on Thursday, Prof. Veronica Ekundayo described chartered secretaries as catalysts who transform governance principles into practice, promote ethical decision-making and strengthen compliance within organisations. She stressed that professional competence must be complemented by integrity, noting that governance professionals should serve as the conscience of their organisations.
Ekundayo said strong governance frameworks remained the foundation of economic growth, adding that countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates built effective institutions before achieving rapid development. She urged the newly inducted members to use their professional qualifications to influence governance decisions that would shape Nigeria’s future.
Earlier, ICSAN President Uto Ukpanah said the induction marked the beginning of a professional journey dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and institutional excellence. She noted that chartered secretaries play a vital role as trusted advisers to boards, governments and other stakeholders.
Ukpanah urged the new members to embrace lifelong learning, remain digitally competent and uphold the institute’s ethical values in their careers. She also encouraged them to protect their professional integrity, describing it as the foundation of public trust and effective governance.
