By Esther Adebayo.
The Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria has officially launched its Mentoring Scheme, on the 11th of December 2024.
This is an initiative aimed at fostering excellence in corporate governance by equipping the next generation of directors with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in leadership.
The event, held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, was attended by seasoned industry professionals, corporate leaders, and mentees eager to embrace this transformative opportunity.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Tijjani M. Borodo, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIoD Nigeria, highlighted the scheme’s mission to bridge knowledge gaps in governance and leadership.
“This initiative fosters a culture of excellence in corporate governance, develops future directors, and enhances the global competitiveness of Nigerian businesses,” he stated.
He also commended the supervisory committees and stakeholders whose tireless efforts brought the scheme to life.
The event featured a powerful keynote speech by Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, M.CIoD, who shared his personal journey of how mentorship profoundly influenced his life and career.
Growing up in Benue State, Okonkwo initially pursued a career in medicine at the insistence of his parents.
However, after missing admission to medical school, his life took a new direction when a family friend and mentor, encouraged him to explore a career in banking.
“That encounter changed everything for me,” Okonkwo recounted.
“Having the right mentors can redefine your path, offering guidance and opening doors you never imagined.”
Okonkwo emphasized the importance of building meaningful relationships and remaining open to constructive criticism.
He advised mentees to “work the net to get the network,” urging them to embrace mentorship as a tool for growth.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, DF. CIoD, CON, OFR elaborated on the importance of shared values in mentor-mentee relationships. “Before entering a mentorship relationship, values must align.
A good mentor understands the mentee’s goals and fosters a mutually beneficial relationship,” he explained.
The Immediate Past President and Chair of the Mentoring Supervisory Committee, Dr. Ije Jidenma, DF.CIoD, took the mentees in their affirmations.
Jidenma also emphasized the need for the mentoring scheme to be meticulously monitored and improved over time, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of both mentors and mentees.
Alhaji Borodo reiterated the importance of continuous evaluation of the scheme’s impact. “Launching this initiative is just the beginning.
We must consistently measure its progress and refine its operations to achieve sustainable success,” he stated.
The programme will provide mentees with access to regular development sessions, CIoD Nigeria’s resources, and opportunities for professional certification.
Designed to create a community of practice, the scheme aims to equip mentees with the tools to excel in corporate governance while nurturing their leadership potential.
Mentees at the launch were encouraged to take their roles seriously, with Alhaji Borodo reminding them of the importance of honesty in mentorship relationships.
“Your mentor can only guide you effectively if you are truthful and transparent,” he noted.
Mentees affirmed their commitment, acknowledging that the journey ahead would require dedication, active participation, and a willingness to learn from experienced leaders.
The CIoD Nigeria Mentoring Scheme, initiated in 2022, represents a significant step forward in the Institute’s mission to elevate corporate governance standards.
With a focus on mentorship as a cornerstone of leadership development, the scheme underscores the transformative potential of shared knowledge and guidance.
The launch concluded with gratitude expressed to the supervisory committees and stakeholders, including the Women Directors Development Committee (WDDC), Young Directors Advisory Committee (YAC), and Membership & Branch Development Committee (MBDC), for their roles in shaping the programme.
As Mr. Okonkwo’s story illustrates, mentorship is not just a career accelerator but a transformative journey that fosters growth, resilience, and purpose.
This initiative sets the stage for a new era of leadership in Nigeria’s corporate sector.