The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has honoured the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Professor of Corporate Governance, Lagos Business School (LBS), Fabian Ajogwu, Managing Director, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Ume Takang and Chairman, Board of Directors, Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazobor, with its Honorary Fellowship in recognition of their contributions across their respective fields.

The recognition comes amid growing concerns over the need to strengthen ethical leadership, institutional accountability and governance standards in Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

The President and Chairman of the Council of ICSAN, Uto Ukpanah, announced the distinguished Nigerians as recipients of the institute’s honorary fellowship at its 60th anniversary award night and diamond jubilee celebration held in Lagos.

Ukpanah said the institute was proud to recognise individuals whose contributions had made significant impacts in their respective fields, adding that the honours reflected ICSAN’s commitment to promoting professional excellence and sound governance.

While welcoming them into the ICSAN community, she said the recognition formed part of activities marking the institute’s 60th anniversary, celebrated under the theme: ‘Six Decades of Excellence: Shaping Governance, Empowering Futures.’

Ukpanah said ICSAN had remained committed to promoting good governance, effective public administration and ethical leadership since its establishment, stressing the importance of sustaining professional standards as Nigeria’s economy and institutions evolve.

She noted that the institute’s contribution extended beyond professional certification to promoting corporate governance practices that support organisational performance, sustainability and accountability.

The honorary fellowship was a highlight of the anniversary celebration, which also featured the induction of 40 new fellows and the recognition of individuals and organisations for advancing corporate governance, leadership and institutional development.

Addressing the newly inducted fellows, Ukpanah urged them to uphold the institute’s values, warning that their professional conduct and leadership would influence public perception of the governance profession.

She said the fellowship, ICSAN’s highest cadre of membership, was not merely an achievement but a responsibility that demanded greater commitment to integrity, competence, and service.

“As fellows, you are ambassadors of ICSAN and custodians of our values,” she said, urging them to see their elevation as the start of a new chapter of higher service rather than the end of their professional careers.

She expressed optimism that the next six decades would be defined by greater excellence, deeper impact and transformational leadership.