The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has empowered journalists with a training programme on corporate governance reportage, to promote interest on such principles in the nation.
Mrs Lynda Onefeli, Chairman, Publicity and Advocacy Committee, ICSAN, said at the training on Friday in Lagos that it would enable the media understand better and appropriately propagate the Nigerian code of corporate governance.
According to her, the media is key in spurring the interest of both private and public institutions in the area of corporate governance.
Dr Fassy Yusuf, President VDG International Limited, stressed the importance of the media in advancing good corporate governance principles, being purveyors of news and such issues.
Yusuf urged the media to assist in the articulation and pursuit of good corporate governance interest, to help strengthen the economic and social fabrics of the society.
He said this could be achieved by the provision of informed criticism, viable alternatives on corporate governance matters and monitoring
the performance of organisations on compliance.
“I urge the media to function as an agent of change and educate the country on global best business practices by working harmoniously with ICSAN for the delivery of strategic and tactical good corporate services to the nation.
“This would assist in setting an agenda of priorities in corporate management and economic development of the nation, as good corporate governance is the key to the survival of the country.
“The media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm should hold operators of the economy accountable to the society,” he said.
In her lecture, Mrs Ezinne Njoku-Obi, Principal Partner, Olive Chambers, said the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, 2018 (Code) was aimed at establishing best practices in corporate governance in Nigeria.
Njoku-Obi said the Code would serve to restore confidence in the Nigerian economy and build an atmosphere for viable and sustainable business operations.
“It provides a framework to ensure good corporate governance practices in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“The core principle of Corporate Governance in Nigeria is on how to make those in the management of the companies more accountable, responsible and sensitive to the interest of shareholders, the interest of creditors and members of the public.
“The expected outcomes are to enhance business integrity, rebuild public trust and confidence, facilitate trade and investment and drive business sustainability,” she said.(NAN)
