Tinubu, Adesina to headline 2025 Directors’ conference

By Seun Ibiyemi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group are set to headline the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria's 2025 Annual Directors' Conference.

The prestigious event, which is the largest gathering of directors and boardroom executives in Africa, will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate governance enthusiasts to discuss the theme, “Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises.”

The conference is scheduled to hold between October 22–23, 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.Addressing journalists at a press conference, CIoD President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Otubade Tunji Oyebanji, said the theme reflects the need for Nigerian business leaders to respond to global disruptions and declining public trust with resilience and innovation.

“This period of change is not just a threat; it is an opportunity to redefine purpose and build more resilient, impactful institutions,” Oyebanji said.

The conference will feature high-profile participants, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour; Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, Chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, who will chair the opening session; and Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, as keynote speaker.

A highlight of the event will be the Business Meets Government Dinner on October 23, aimed at fostering collaboration between policymakers and private sector leaders to drive national development.

First Bank of Nigeria, the headline sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting corporate governance initiatives and empowering business leaders to navigate Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.

The CIoD urged directors, executives, policymakers, and stakeholders across sectors to participate, stressing that the conference will strengthen professional capacity while advancing good governance and sustainable growth.