Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Chartered Institute of Directors’ (CIoD) Nigeria for raising standards and shaping ethical leadership across the country.

The governor gave the commendation when executive members of the institute, led by its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Adetunji Oyebanji, paid him a courtesy visit.

Speaking on leadership and corporate governance, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that Lagos can only thrive when governance is strong and accountability is taken seriously.

He mentioned the role institutions must continue to play in strengthening both the public and private sectors.

In his address, the CIoD boss commended Sanwo-Olu on the approval and facilitation of the state’s membership base within the institute, comprising permanent secretaries and directors from various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and parastatals.

He stated that the robust participation is viewed as a testament to the state’s progressive culture and its dedication to institutionalising best governance practices.

Oyebanji, at the meeting, presented two strategic partnership frameworks built around four pillars that directly align with the state government’s priorities and developmental aspirations.

The programmes, with a focus on membership drive, executive training and capacity development programmes, Oyebanji said, support boards and management teams of MDAs and parastatals under the Lagos State Government.

On the CIoD house and future re-engagement, he said the institute’s objective extends beyond the construction of an office facility to the establishment of a centre of excellence that reflects contemporary standards of corporate governance.

While he acknowledged the state’s valuable support, particularly the regulatory fees and the waiver granted for design approval, the CIoD chief said the interventions have facilitated regulatory compliance, thereby reaffirming the government’s commitment to the institute’s success.

Building on the strong foundation, Oyebanji sought Sanwo-Olu’s support to formally re-engage with the state government in the coming months as it transitions to the next phase of development, ensuring that the CIoD House stands as a lasting symbol of the productive partnership between the CIoD and Lagos State.