By Ibiyemi Mathew
President Muhammadu Buhari will today declare open the 2022 Annual Directors’ Conference in Lagos.
Buhari alongside one of Nigeria’s reverred traditional ruler and Boardroom Guru, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, International Breweries Plc, will be the Chairman at the Opening Ceremony, Dr (Mrs.) Ije Jidenma, President & Chairman of Governing Council, Institute of Directors Nigeria (IOD) has revealed.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr Ijeoma stated that the theme of the 2022 Annual Directors’ Conference which is “Corporate Governance & Digital Transformation: Leading Purposefully for Growth & Sustainability” is focused on reskilling and retooling Directors on how they can take full advantage of digitalisation to lead their organisations on the path of sustainable growth and profitability.
According to her, “The emergence of the fourth industrial revolution which is essentially driven by information technology and the effect and challenges thrust on the world by the COVID-19 pandemic have combined to alter the skills, expertise and knowledge needed by leaders to guide their organisations through the trying, dynamic and unprecedented environment that organisations have found themselves.
“Today’s leaders must possess visions for a technology-driven future and be prepared to purposefully lead these complex and innovative transformations.It suffices to say business leaders must disrupt now before they are themselves disrupted,” Dr Ijeoma said.
“I am optimistic that the presentations and discussions at this year’s Conference will provide a platform for players in all sectors of the Nigerian economy and will deepen their commitments to corporate governance practices and best practices.
“We also hope that it will have a positive spiral effect across all sectors and crystalise a deeper understanding of the roles that technology and digital transformation play in the success and sustainability of our enterprises and institutions,” she concluded.
Commenting on the relevance of the conference, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, Chairman, National Organising Committee, 2022 Annual Directors’ Conference said, “The presence of key stakeholders in the corporate and public policy environment, we are optimistic that the discussions and recommendations at the Conference will be pivotal in improving the quality of policy outcomes for the advancement of our nation’s economic development.”
The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, CON, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, F.IoD and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, F.IoD are expected guests of Honour.
Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations is also slated to deliber a keynote address at the opening session.
The Conference would be rounded up on Friday, 25th November 2022 with a Special Business Meets Government Dinner. This is an exclusive high-profile event that attracts a cross-section of notable Business Leaders and Captains of Industry in the private sector who will get the chance to meet and interact with Nigeria’s top level public sector technocrats and policymakers.
The Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Ahmad Lawan is the Special Guest of Honour at this Special Dinner, while Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Former Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Principal Consultant, The KRC Limited, is the Chairperson of the Dinner. The Minister of Aviation, Sen, Hadi Sirika, is the Guest of Honour, while Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, will be the guest speaker for the dinner.