The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, has emphasized the urgent need to rethink and redefine governance practices in Nigeria’s evolving business landscape. She made this call while delivering her welcome address at the 2025 Annual Summit of the Lagos State Chapter of ICSAN, held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Jewel Aeida, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ukpanah described the summit as a milestone event in the Institute’s ongoing efforts to deepen the culture of good governance, transparency, and professional excellence. She lauded the Lagos State Chapter, fondly referred to as the “Flagship Chapter,” for its consistent commitment to professional engagement, event organization, and membership development. According to her, the chapter continues to exemplify the ideals of corporate governance and administrative distinction that ICSAN stands for.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Governance Redefined in a Business Environment: A Continuum or New Paradigms,” the ICSAN President noted that governance in today’s world can no longer be viewed through a static lens. She highlighted that technological disruption, socio-economic shifts, and evolving stakeholder expectations are reshaping how organizations are managed and held accountable. “Governance professionals must move beyond compliance to strategically interpret and apply governance principles that foster resilience, stakeholder trust, and sustainable value creation,” she said.
Mrs. Ukpanah further commended the Lagos State Chapter, led by Ms. Efosa Ewere, FCIS, for its visionary leadership and diligence in hosting the event. She also extended appreciation to the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the keynote speaker, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, SAN, whose participation she said lent “depth and credibility” to the summit. She urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, exchange ideas, and harness insights that would strengthen governance practices across sectors.
Reaffirming ICSAN’s commitment to capacity building and professional development, Mrs. Ukpanah concluded by encouraging members to uphold the Institute’s core values—integrity, professionalism, service, and leadership. “Let us continue to redefine governance as a living practice that transforms institutions, enhances trust, and drives national development,” she said, closing her address with the Institute’s rallying call, “ICSAN! Greater Together!”
