Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has urged the Institute of Director, Nigeria to ensure integrity to address many of the challenges confronting governance in the country.
He spoke at the 40th-anniversary dinner of the Institute in Lagos.
He said, “A culture of integrity is what is needed to address many of the challenges confronting governance in our country. When integrity is entrenched as a culture and a corporate lifestyle in many organisations, the problems associated with corruption, dishonesty, poor governance, and even election irregularities will be significantly addressed.
“We can indeed reimagine the fate of governance in our country through ethical and sound work culture. This must begin with respective leaders like you who serve as directors, senior business leaders, and entrepreneurs in different organisations.”
He urged the directors to project IoD as the go-to organisation for integrity and exemplary leadership, noting that the institute could serve as a policy institute where corporate and political leaders could visit to test their ideas for responsible leadership and good governance.
“It can also serve as the place where leaders could go to headhunt for tested and trusted technocrats to occupy strategic national positions; those that would justly deploy their skill and experience in exemplary service to the nation. This is my hope for IoD Nigeria as you celebrate this milestone,” he added.
In her welcome address, President/Chairman of Council, IoD, Dr. (Mrs.) Ije Jidenma, said that in the last four decades, IoD has been at the forefront of promoting good corporate governance in Nigeria.
“The Institute has played a vital role in shaping the business landscape of this country, setting the standard for ethical business practices and ensuring that companies operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. IoD has been instrumental to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy,” she stated.
