Overview
The Corporate Governance Roundtable for Startups and SMEs is an annual initiative of SCGN that fosters dialogue, learning, and collaboration among business leaders, regulators, ecosystem enablers, investors, and entrepreneurs. As the startup and SME ecosystem in Nigeria continues to mature, the importance of sound corporate governance becomes increasingly apparent, not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic tool for resilience, investment readiness, and long-term success.
Now in its fourth edition, the Roundtable builds on the momentum of previous years by curating high-impact conversations that equip founders and SME owners with insights to thrive in today’s complex environment.
Objectives:
The 4th edition of the Corporate Governance Roundtable will strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s startup and SME ecosystem by promoting the adoption of sound corporate governance practices as a catalyst for sustainable growth, investor confidence, and institutional resilience.
This edition seeks to equip founders, business
leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders with the insights, tools, and networks necessary to transition from informal structures to well-governed enterprises that can thrive in Nigeria’s dynamic regulatory, funding, and operational landscape.
Through engaging discussions with experienced board members, investors, and innovators, the program aims to demystify governance, reposition it as a strategic enabler, and inspire a new generation of purpose-driven, governance-conscious entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Proposed Theme
“Beyond Founders: Building Institutions, Boards, and Ethical Cultures”
Focus: Moving from founder-led to institution-led governance structures that ensure continuity, accountability, and employee trust
Agenda
Date
June
26th, 2025
Attendance Mode
100% Virtual
Time
10:00am - 12:30pm
WAT
Moderator
Dr. (Engr.) Nduka G. Ofulue
Dr. (Engr.) Nduka G. Ofulue, CTM, DoD – Founder & CEO, J.A.M Ltd
Why: Gregory is an accomplished Nigerian investment professional, entrepreneur, and engineer. He currently serves as the Founder & CEO of JODOR Asset Management (J.A.M) Ltd. Alongside J.A.M, he also established and leads DiČX Africa, a multi-strategy exchange and advanced technology ecosystem aimed at supporting farmers and MSMEs, with a goal to scale from an initial 10,000–100,000 participants by 2025 toward 25 million by 2027.
Keynote Speaker
Dr Segun Adaju – CEO Consistent Energy Limited
Why: Segun Adaju is a Nigerian entrepreneur, Founder & CEO Consistent Energy Limited and President, Renewable Energy Association Nigeria. He was Co-Founder & Deputy manager of Integrated Micro-finance Bank limited which was the pioneer Micro-finance bank in Nigeria and was Managing Director of GS Micro-finance Bank Limited.
- Coordinating Director, Directorate of Corporate Governance and Directorate of Inspections & Monitoring, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC)
- Board Member, IoD Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG)
Dr Segun Adaju
Panel Session
Gbeminiyi Shoda
Panelist
Gbeminiyi Shoda – Principal Consultant, The Structure HQ
Why: Gbeminiyi Shoda is a legal practitioner with extensive experience in corporate and commercial law. As the Principal Consultant at The Structure HQ, she specializes in providing customized governance solutions that help Startups and SME founders build sustainable institutions and businesses.
- Principal Consultant at The Structure HQ
- Expert in corporate and commercial law
- Advocate for governance structures that promote business longevity and generational wealth
Panelist
Adeolu Adewumi-Zer – Founder & CEO, ZER Consulting Africa
Why: Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is a seasoned strategist and transformation leader with nearly 25 years of experience in financial services across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the USA. She is the founder of ZER Consulting Africa, a pan-African consultancy dedicated to fostering sustainable growth.
- Founder & CEO of ZER Consulting Africa
- Former Managing Director/CEO of Allianz Nigeria Insurance Ltd
- Led Allianz Nigeria to its first underwriting profit in three years
- Advocate for financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education
- Member of professional bodies including the Institute of Directors Nigeria and the Nigerian Actuarial Society
Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Ijeoma Adesanya
Panelist
Ijeoma Adesanya – Founder & CEO Kobikam Africa
Why: Ijeoma Adesanya is a dynamic social entrepreneur. Her journey includes impactful roles at General Electric (GE) as a Finance Leader and leading the vibrant ScaleUp Lab at FATE
Foundation
- Founded Kobikam Africa, a gender advisory and advocacy company that has coached 100+ women in Sub-Saharan Africa and impacted over 1,000 women in mini-grid communities across Nigeria.
- Managed and co-ordinated a 1.3M Euro fund to enable pre-incubation stage entrepreneurs across Nigeria to launch and scale their businesses.
- Facilitated training on Business Ethics & developing a Business Model Canvas for 100+ entrepreneurs.
- Co-Chaired the Advocacy Committee in WIMBIZ where she advocated for 30% representation of women on boards across companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
- Empowered over 700 women through ‘Built to Last Women’, a non- denominational platform raising visionary female entrepreneurs