The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Annual Conference recently brought together Nigeria’s top business minds, turning the event into a hub for strategic dialogue on leadership, governance, and sustainable enterprise.
With a focus on “Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Resilient Enterprises,” the conference drew business leaders, policymakers, and governance experts to explore how organizations can thrive amid disruption, uncertainty, and global shifts.
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The conference spotlighted the role of directors as catalysts for change, emphasizing that strong boards are the backbone of resilient and future-ready organizations. Discussions centered on institutional capacity, risk management, and strategic foresight, highlighting the urgent need for Nigerian organizations to adapt to evolving economic, technological, and environmental landscapes.
President of CIoD, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji shared insights on how the institute is equipping directors to navigate these challenges. He explained that beyond traditional training programs, CIoD leverages advocacy, policy influence, and collaborations with government and strategic institutions to prepare directors for dynamic leadership. “Our goal is to ensure that directors can anticipate risks, innovate responsibly, and lead with integrity, even as the world around them changes rapidly,” Oyebanji said.
He also addressed Nigeria’s positioning on the global corporate governance stage. While acknowledging progress, he stressed that both public and private sector entities must adopt world-class governance standards. Partnerships with institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and ministries across finance, education, and civil service are key in embedding best practices across the board.
Emerging topics like artificial intelligence, cybercrime, ESG compliance, and climate-related risks dominated conversations, illustrating the modern pressures facing directors today. Participants examined not just how to manage organizations but how to future-proof them, ensuring sustainability, innovation, and ethical leadership become the new standard.
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By the end of the conference, the message was clear: Nigeria’s corporate leaders are not only shaping the destiny of their organizations but also defining the country’s path toward resilient governance, economic stability, and long-term national development. CIoD continues to position itself as a cornerstone institution, preparing directors to meet the challenges of today while anticipating the opportunities of tomorrow.
