The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has urged directors to reconsider their roles and responsibilities in order to promote economic development, social stability, and love among Nigerians.
This was said by Mr. Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Board of Directors, NESG, at the inauguration of Dr. Ije Jidenma as the 17th President and Chairman of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Council on Sunday in Lagos.
“Nigeria in Challenging Times: Rethinking the Role of Governance in Leadership,” was the theme of the investiture.
The allegation, according to Ighodalo, stemmed from the key role of leadership in effective governance, which would, in turn, drive economic progress.
He pointed out that countries that experienced continuous economic growth and development had strong institutions, visionary and political leadership, and a forward-thinking, influential private sector.
Ighodalo stated that the moment has come to enhance the alliance and deepen trust among financial institutions, business organizations, and entrepreneurs in order to restore the faith of the international market.
“More than ever, these times require visionary and exemplary leadership in our public and private sector as we have been through two economic recessions and a pandemic in the last six years.
“There has also been a contraction in demands for goods and services, fiscal deficit, high unemployment, volatile oil revenues, high inflation, depreciation currency, and decaying health facilities, among others.
“Directors and business leaders have not fully realized the power we can wield as a cohesive, transformative body and have not gathered the will and discipline to push effectively for a review of policies and to encourage the government to try a different tack.
“We must pay specific attention to our public sector leadership, monitor and review policies in place to create an enabling environment for economic growth.
“We must force and upgrade of discussions to issues of competence, vision, social policies, integrity, love of the Nigerian people, and understanding of the dynamic world politics,” he said.
IoD’s immediate past President, Chief Chris Okunowo, has charged members of the institute and corporate organizations to provide the essential support for the next president’s success.
Mrs Ije Jidenma, the incoming President of the IoD, stated that her two-year administration would be founded on a “future readiness” slogan and would be supported by five pillars.
She described them as inclusivity of the private-public sector and equal female involvement, digital transformation, chartered status, and the institute’s growth and development, as well as the institute’s construction project.
“We would create an opportunity for mentorship and even cross mentorship from the young one to the older generation.
“We would drive processes to ensure that the institute become more digitalisation to serve our members diligently.
“We would continue to educate our members to entrench values of meritocracy, accountability, fairness, good governance and partner with great organisations to move this nation forward,” Jidenma said.
Jidenma, the founder, Leading Edge Consulting, has consulted for Small and Medium Enterprises, indigenous companies, public sector, and international non-governmental organizations
