csrreporters Business leaders, policymakers, and governance experts have urged the new President of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, Dr. Adetunji Oyebanji, to champion ethical governance and policy reforms that can strengthen Nigeria’s business environment and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
The charge was given in Lagos on Thursday during Oyebanji’s investiture as the 19th President of the Institute.
Delivering the keynote address, governance advisor and legal author, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, said Nigeria’s economic transformation depends on moving away from outdated, centralised models of governance. He stressed the need for directors to adopt frameworks that are ethically grounded, technologically adaptive, and policy driven.
“If Nigeria is to secure its rightful place in the global economy, leaders and citizens alike must commit to integrity, long-term value creation, and governance that fosters investor confidence,” Ajogwu stated.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, represented by Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, described ethical leadership as key to economic competitiveness. He urged directors to prioritize innovation, transparency, and meritocracy to drive national development and attract global investment.
Prof. Enase Okonedo, Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, echoed the call, saying directors must act with moral courage in shaping policies that safeguard institutions and markets. She commended Oyebanji’s four decades of leadership in the oil and gas sector, describing his record of integrity as a strong foundation for his new role.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji unveiled a three-point agenda Implementation, Collaboration, and Engagement designed to position CIoD Nigeria as a continental hub for governance and leadership excellence. He pledged to align the institute’s activities with national policy goals that support economic inclusion, corporate accountability, and sustainable business practices.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), offered royal blessings, praising Oyebanji’s cultural and professional advocacy and expressing confidence that his tenure will strengthen governance frameworks that underpin economic stability.
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