The former Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Ernest Ndukwe has charged public sector operators particularly directors to always uphold integrity and accountability for organisations they represent.
In his opening speech as Chairman at a one day symposium for Public Sector Directors hosted by the Centre for Public Sector Governance last Wednesday via Webinar, Ndukwe noted that “we live in a world defined by uncertainty, complexity and rapid transformation and posited that the public sector often seen as the stabilizing force, must itself evolve to meet the demands of the times.
Unequivocally, he asserted that “at the centre of that evolution are the governing boards and top leaders of public sector enterprises who are invariably the custodians of vision, integrity and accountability for the organization.”
According to him, “a well purposed board does not just oversee and guide, but it inspires. Such a board is required to set the tone for ethical leadership, create clarity of purpose and ensure that institution serves the public good above all else. As is often said, good governance begins not in policies, but in the mindset of those who will lead the implementation of the policies.”. He emphasised that “the future belongs to institutions that learn, adapt and lead with integrity.”
With the theme of the symposium as “Reimagining Public Sector Boards: Global Insights for Africa’s Transformation” he held that the topic speaks directly to the heart of what must be done to unlock Africa’s full potential.
In the words of the former boss of NCC, “to reimagine our boards, is to go beyond structure and composition. It is to ask ourselves deeper questions.
“How do we make our boards more agile, inclusive, responsive and fit for purpose.
“How do we ensure that public values and interest, not personal gains, drive decision -making and how do we build leaders who are not passive administrators, but stewards of trust.”
He reminded participants that “at the Centre for Public Sector Governance, the mission has always been to catalyse that kind of future, one where leadership is ethical, institutions are accountable and governance is anchored on service, not self interest.”
In declaring the conference open, Ndukwe,who currently chairs the board of MTN Nigeria, had enjoined the participants that “institutions are not transformed by policies alone but by people with the courage to lead differently and impact positively.”
