At the 2026 KENNA–Lagos Business School Public Lecture, leading corporate governance expert, Fabian Ajogwu, unveiled his latest book, “The Purpose of the Corporation,” delivering a strong call for African businesses to rethink and operationalise corporate purpose.

The event, held on March 31 at Lagos Business School, brought together scholars, board chairmen, executives, legal practitioners, and policymakers to examine the evolving role of corporations in driving sustainable growth and accountability.

In his lecture, Ajogwu, a Senior Partner at KENNA and Professor of Corporate Governance at Lagos Business School, emphasised the need for organisations to move beyond merely declaring purpose to embedding it within governance structures and business strategy.

He argued that corporate purpose must guide decision-making across strategy, capital allocation, risk management, and performance measurement.

“Purpose would remain a boardroom aspiration if it is not embedded in strategy, capital allocation, and incentive design,” he said, urging companies to bridge the gap between stated values and actual practice.

The lecture also featured endorsements from key industry leaders, who described the book as timely and practical.

Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria, Emomotimi Agama, noted that while regulation can enforce transparency, it cannot instil integrity, adding that purpose-driven governance enables organisations to move beyond compliance to authentic leadership.

Similarly, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Rabiu Olowo, said the framework outlined in the book provides investors with tools to identify companies positioned for long-term sustainability.

In her welcome address, the Dean of Lagos Business School, Olayinka David-West, highlighted the importance of such forums in shaping corporate conversations and driving actionable outcomes.

Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo, in her opening remarks, stressed that corporate governance extends beyond compliance, describing it as central to building trust in institutions, leadership, and society. She also reviewed the book, addressing the complexities of corporate purpose, particularly in contexts where governments serve as both regulators and shareholders.

Providing a global perspective, Mervyn King, Chair Emeritus of the King Committee on Corporate Governance in South Africa, noted in the book’s foreword that corporations remain powerful institutions capable of delivering both positive and negative outcomes depending on the governance frameworks that guide them.

“The Purpose of the Corporation” offers an in-depth exploration of corporate governance, stakeholder responsibility, and value creation, providing practical guidance for board members, executives, regulators, and scholars navigating the evolving expectations of modern business.