Owokalade takes over as ICSAN 28th President

Nigeria’s leading professional body authorised in Nigeria to conduct examinations for qualification of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) penultimate Thursday elected Taiwo Owokalade as its new president.

Owokalade took over from Bode Ayeku, who held sway as president of the Institute for two years, as the 28th president of the institute.

Owokalade is a chartered secretary, corporate governance practitioner, International Finance Corporation (IFC) certified trainer, insurance practitioner, human resources specialist, pension and trust management practitioner, community development advocate and a legal practitioner.

Born in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, he had his primary education at St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebute-Metta, before proceeding to Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu, Ogun State for his secondary education.

Thereafter, he had his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at School of Basic Studies of Ogun State College of Education Ijebu-Ode, now called (Tai Solarin College of Education) before he later proceeded to Ogun State University (now called Olabisi Onabanjo University) Ago Iwoye for his First Degree in Philosophy.

In 1994, as pioneer student, Owokalade had his Master Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR) at the University of Lagos.

In furtherance of his academic pursuit, Taiwo proceeded to Lagos State University (LASU) to study Law and graduated in 2005. He was thereafter called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007.

He is a member of many professional bodies, including Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and Institute of Benefits and Trust Management (IBTM), among others.

He is presently serving as the Chairman of Lions Day with the United Nations.

The new ICSAN president is married to Aderonke Modupeola, nee Odagi of Igbesa, Ogun State and the marriage is blessed with children.

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) is a leading recognised professional body dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of corporate governance and administration in both the public and private sectors of the economy.

The new president of ICSAN, Owokalade, in his 12-point agenda, said his administration, among others, would embark on strategic rebranding to position the institute appropriately in the committee of professionals, both locally and internationally.

He promised to embark on aggressive membership growth, pragmatic industry growth, digitalisation of operations, rebranding, internship, name change and building infrastructure, among others.

He added that his administration’s drive would be hinged on uncommon courage and refreshing opportunities mantra.

“Our founding fathers have done so much to take us to where we are and we need to do much more by not only building on their achievements but creating new opportunities, exploring and exploiting the same, with uncommon courage.

“I have put my hands on the plough and there is no looking back. I know that the expectations are very high but with God and you all, the task shall be achieved,” he said.

In his valedictory speech, the immediate president of ICSAN, Bode Ayeku, who highlighted his achievements during his tenure, said based on his personal sacrifices; he made positive returns to the institute and stakeholders.

While seeking better co-operation for his successor, he urged that members should continue to spread the gospel of good governance, which is what Nigeria needs to become a great country.

ICSAN is the only professional body authorised in Nigeria to conduct the examinations leading to the qualification of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. ICSAN is a member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), registered as a global voice for Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals.

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has expressed readiness to partner with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to strengthen corporate governance, especially in the public sector.

The move, the institute said, was in line with its mandate to strengthen capacity and provide technical support to the legislature and other institutions of democracy in Nigeria.

Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, who made the call during the investiture of Taiwo Owokalade as the 28th president of ICSAN, said with the growing independence of the legislature and operalisation of financial autonomy, ICSAN and NILDS could collaborate to promote and entrench good values.