A former Nigerian minister of finance, Shamsudeen Usman, has stressed the need for Nigerians to imbibe integrity as a way of life, saying Nigeria needed more men of integrity now than before.
Usman, who spoke recently after being inducted along with five others as Fellows of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) at its 2016 yearly presidential dinner and induction ceremony in Lagos, also canvassed the need to ensure that companies commit to international code of corporate governance.
In the event, which also saw the induction of 55 new members of the society, the economist also recalled a popular saying, before now, that the private sector was the giver of corruption, while the public sector was the taker.
Similarly, Felix Ohiwerei, former managing director of Nigerian Breweries plc and inductee, expressed regret that integrity was being paid lip service in Nigeria, noting that Nigerians should make integrity a way of life, not just for public officers in the highest level but for everyone.
Earlier, Olusegun Osunkeye, former managing director of Nestle Nigeria plc and president of the Society, had described integrity of character and accountable leadership as pillar of the society that was established 11 years ago.
He said the society deeply remained focused towards enhancing programmes, in the development and promotion of corporate governance best practice in Nigeria. “This society aims to be recognised as a reference point both nationally and international in matters relating to corporate governance and to provide a template for formulation and enforcement of corporate governance standards for Nigeria and other emerging economies,” he said.
Among the inductees who, he said, were distinguished Nigerians, whose characters were found to be in tandem with the objective of the society included former managing director of Red Star Express plc and Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Isaac Orolugbagbe; the founder and managing director of JNC International Limited, Clare Omatseye; former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Odozi Victor, and pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Pan -African University, Albert Alos.
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