CIoD Tasks Corporate Leaders on Economic Growth, Development

Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) has engaged Directors of the Institute and other corporate leaders across various sectors of the economy, with modern trends and insights on how to soar in their respective businesses in the overall interest of Nigeria economy.

Speaking during its maiden Academy’s Network Breakfast in Lagos, CIoD President and Chairman of Governing Council, Mr. Tijjani M. Borodo, said, having earned chartered status, the Institute would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that its members, and by extension other corporate leaders, gain requisite knowledge and understanding of current models of running businesses in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.

“We must take environment, social and governance issues to our boardrooms. We must be sensitive to what is happening in the world. It is imperative to keep seeking new knowledge to navigate and soar in this troubled world of business. Regarding the hunger protest, we want to see the federal and state governments doing what they promised,” he urged.

Leading an interactive session, the Chief Consultant of B. Adedipe & Associates Limited, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, who spoke on ‘Megatrends and Insights for Tomorrow’s Business Landscape’, said marketing and sales, de-globalization, collaboration, among other trends should be the top priorities for corporate leaders.

On his part, Principal Partner at Balliol Myers, Mr. Femi Ojumu, advised corporate leaders to take cognizance of global disruptions and dynamics, strategic thinking, geopolitics, and competitive advantage.

He said: “We need to be alive to the strategic and operational risks in all these. Government must make proper laws for businesses to thrive. You don’t obstruct people; you don’t make access to loans complicated. Business environment must be conducive.”

Other participants at the session advised chief executives in the public and private sectors to follow the trends in the world like the current wars and conflicts, climate change, leadership failure and the likes, which are rocking every nooks and crannies of businesses and quality of Life, then plan better ahead.

According to them corporate leadership is a call and responsibility to manage disruptions and restore lost trusts and confidence. Moreover, doyens in the corporate world must begin to incorporate the younger generation in their planning process, decision-making and policy design as a matter of urgency.