NILDS to partner ICSAN on effective corporate governance in public sector

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has expressed readiness to partner with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to strengthen corporate governance, especially in the public sector.

The move, the institute said, was in line with its mandate to strengthen capacity and provide technical support to the legislature and other institutions of democracy in Nigeria.

Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, who made the call during the investiture of Taiwo Owokalade as the 28th president of ICSAN, said with the growing independence of the legislature and operalisation of financial autonomy, ICSAN and NILDS could collaborate to promote and entrench good values.

Noting that the institute was already developing a code of conduct for legislative employees in Nigeria, Sulaiman, urged that both institutes could work together to strengthen the regulatory framework governing NILDS, and bring it in sync with modern realities.

The new president of ICSAN, Owokalade, in his 12-point agenda, said his administration, among others, would embark on strategic rebranding to position the institute appropriately in the committee of professionals, both locally and internationally.

He promised to embark on aggressive membership growth, pragmatic industry growth, digitalisation of operations, rebranding, internship, name change and building infrastructure, among others.

He added that his administration’s drive would be hinged on uncommon courage and refreshing opportunities mantra.

“Our founding fathers have done so much to take us to where we are and we need to do much more by not only building on their achievements but creating new opportunities, exploring and exploiting same, with uncommon courage. I have put my hands on the plough and there is no looking back. I know that the expectations are very high but with God and you all, the task shall be achieved,” he said.

In his valedictory speech, the immediate president of ICSAN, Bode Ayeku, who highlighted his achievements during his tenure, said based on his personal sacrifices; he made positive returns to the institute and stakeholders.

While seeking better co-operation for his successor, he urged that members should continue to spread the gospel of good governance, which is what Nigeria needs to become a great country.