The Chartered Institute Of Directors Nigeria (CIoD), has on Tuesday lauded the great encouragement and believe of the Alake of Egbaland in the tenet of good corporate governance in the country.
The President and Chairman of Council, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo revealed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit with other executive members of the institute to the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadegbo.
He described Alake as a revered traditional ruler who has demonstrated a blend of both leadership at the traditional front and the corporate world.
“As the Chairman of a major publicly quoted company in Nigeria, Your Majesty has combined boardroom dexterity with the native intelligence required of a revered traditional ruler and have blended both to provide leadership both at the traditional front and the corporate world”.
“We commend you for your wonderful blend of the traditional stool and the corporate boardroom, which is indeed an exhibition of an uncommon excellence”.
The President however pleaded with monarch towards ensuring the realization of having a befitting Zonal Headquarters of the Institute in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The President revealed the motive behind the establishment of Zonal Headquarters of the institute in Abeokuta in 2016.
He further pleaded with the monarch to persuade the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in fulfilling his promises of ensuring a befitting headquarters for the institute in the state
“Your Majesty, the Institute established the Abeokuta Branch in 2016. The choice of Abeokuta as the seat of the zonal headquarters of the Institute in the Southwest was very deliberate”.
“It was not unconnected with the rising profile of Ogun State as a commercial and business hub, which factories and organisations opening shop in difference parts of the State. CIoD Nigeria felt the need to move closer to the directors of these organisations in order to provide them with support they need to successfully lead their organisations”.
“Unfortunately, I must confess to Your Majesty, that since its inception in 2016, the Abeokuta Branch of the Institute has struggled and is yet to find a firm footing”.
“We however believe that with eminent members of the Institute like Your Majesty, like His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Governor, etc., we have all we need to turn around the fortune of the Branch”.
“I therefore solicit to the support of Your Royal Majesty for the Institute’s efforts to revitalise the Abeokuta Branch of the Institute”.
“We not only count on your wealth of experience and your knack for excellence but also your influence with leaders of both the public and private sectors in Ogun State to aid the Abeokuta Branch of the Institute succeed and grow to become a corporate force to reckon with in Nigeria.
He however, sympathized with the Alake and the people of Egba Land on the demise of their industrious daughter, Late Iyalode Alaba Lawson.
“I cannot end this speech without registering our heartfelt condolences to Your Royal Majesty on the passing of one of the illustrious daughters of Abeokuta, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, F.IoD, who graced our Institute with her presence and influence. Iyalode was an eminent Fellow of the Institute, a driving force and was the Chairman of the Abeokuta Branch until her death on Saturday, 28 October 2023”.
“Though she may no longer be physically with us, her memory and the impact they made will forever be etched in our hearts. Iyalode Alaba Lawson was not only a dedicated contributor but also a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her”.
“Her passion, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to her work were unparalleled, leaving an indelible mark on our Institution”, he added.
While reacting, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadegbo lauded the institute of its impact in the society and the corporate world.
He thereafter assured the Institute of his unwavering support towards ensuring sustainability and provision of a befitting headquarters in Abeokuta.
The visit also witnessed presentation of award and broucher containing pictures of the Oba Micheal Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo during the 2023 edition of the Institute’s advance company direction held in London.
Also in attendance during the courtesy visit include; Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji (First Vice President, CIoD Nigeria), Mr Bamidele Alimi (Director General, CIoD Nigeria), Mr. Kene Nwanegbo (Secretary to Governing Council, CIoD Nigeria), Chief Bode Mustapha (Osi of Egbaland and Acting Chairman, CIoD Abeokuta Zonal Headquarters), Dr. Segun Alabi (Head Communication & Programs, CIoD Nigeria), Mr. Tolulope Ajayi (Assistant Manager, Digital Communication, CIoD Nigeria), Mr. Emmanuel Adeniran (Zonal Manager, Abeokuta Branch, CIoD Nigeria), Dr. Remilekun Bakare (GMD Gateway Holdings) and Olori Omosalewa Aboderin (Executive Director, Punch Newspaper).
