IoD Nigeria restates commitment to members’ capacity development

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria has, at its 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Lagos, reiterated its commitment as a foremost institute for decision makers within the public and private sector to invest more in the development of its members.

Samuel Yemi Akeju, the outgoing president and chairman of council, IoD Nigeria, in his remarks at the AGM said despite the grave challenges of Year 2016, the institute through focused and unwavering commitment of committees sustained growth in several areas of operations and activities.

According to Akeju, the institute is growing at a fast pace with assurances that it would look inward and strategise to make IoD Nigeria stronger.

“We are a Nigerian organisation and we have been affected by the national economic recession which affects every other organisation; we did not expect it as such,” he said.

Akeju, however, opined that capacity development of members remains one of his outstanding achievements as president of the institute.

“We were more interested in developing the capacity of directors and I think because of the economic recession, a lot of directors are looking inwards to improve their understanding. Because if those who are strong are not making it, if they are weak definitely you don’t stand a chance, it is in the interest of organisations that those who take the decision at top level should be properly equipped and trained so that they give quality service,” Akeju said.

However, as a proactive institution with focus on deepening corporate governance within the Nigerian management sphere, IoD Nigeria initiated the Independent Directors’ Register to further good corporate governance and global best practices, which ensures checks and balances on the power and rights accorded shareholders, stakeholders of organisations and the society.

Independent Directors on the board of an organisation are to ensure that the board keeps faith with best practices in corporate governance, taking the lead in conflicts resolution. The independent director must therefore, ensure that the consideration of issues by the board takes due account of all relevant interests of the organisation.

 

Seyi John Salau