Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflecting on the Governance Journey for a Sustainable Future

Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflecting on the Governance Journey for a Sustainable Future

/Categories SCGN in News

We are certainly living in times defined by change. Technology is transforming how we work, global economies are fluctuating rapidly, social expectations are shifting, and the climate is calling for urgent attention. Disruption is no longer an occasional event but has become part of daily life. This reality forces us to ask an important question:

How can governance remain ethical and strong when the world itself feels unstable?

This question is not abstract or limited to regulators and boardrooms. Governance affects everyone. When it fails, trust is broken, businesses collapse, and societies pay the price. However, when it is upheld, organisations grow and communities thrive. Ethical governance is therefore not a distant idea but the foundation on which a sustainable future must be built.

The forthcoming 20th Anniversary Corporate Governance Conference, organised by the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, takes this reality seriously. Its theme, “Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflection of Governance Journey for a Sustainable Future”, invites us to consider where we are coming from, what progress has been made, and how to prepare for the future.

Beyond Rules: At the Heart of Ethical Governance

Governance is often equated with codes, regulations, and compliance. While they are important, they are not enough. Rules can set boundaries, but they cannot by themselves ensure responsibility. Ethics is what gives governance its strength.

Ethical governance is about making the right choices even when shortcuts seem easier. It is about fairness in decision-making, transparent communication, and accountability to all stakeholders.

History shows how damaging the absence of ethics can be. For example, notable cases of poor ethical governance in Africa include state capture in South Africa, particularly involving state-owned enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom and Transnet. Essentially, financial collapses and institutional scandals remind us that rules alone do not protect against failure. Governance is built on people, and people must choose integrity again and again if systems are to endure.

The Governance Journey so Far

We strongly believe that Nigeria has taken important steps in strengthening governance over the last two decades. We have seen improved codes of conduct, more boards aware of their responsibilities, and more attentive regulators. The Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria has been central to this journey by creating awareness, training leaders, and shaping policies that encourage accountability. Yet challenges remain. Cases of poor management and lack of transparency show that progress is fragile when ethics are ignored. The lesson is clear: rules may guide us, but values sustain us.

Notably, as we mark our 20th anniversary, this year’s conference is more than a celebration. It is a time to reflect on the lessons of the past and a renewal of our commitment to the work that still lies ahead.

Looking Ahead: Governance in a Disrupted Future

The future will bring deeper and faster disruption. Technology, globalisation, climate change, and social transformation will demand new levels of resilience and responsibility.

The question is not whether disruption will come, but whether governance will rise to meet it.

Several areas stand out:

  • Technology and Data: Digital tools are transforming industries, but they also bring risks. Questions of privacy, data misuse, and accountability will require strong ethical responses.
  • Sustainability and Climate: Businesses and governments must place environmental and social responsibility at the centre of decision-making, not as an addition but as a core value.
  • Global Standards: Economies are more connected than ever. Governance must therefore reflect international expectations whilst respecting local realities.
  • Generational Shifts: Young people entering the workforce demand transparency, inclusion, and purpose. Governance that ignores these expectations will struggle to remain relevant.

Disruption can create instability when governance is weak, but it can also drive growth and trust when governance is strong. The difference lies in whether ethics and accountability are at the core.

Why The SCGN 2025 Conference Matters

The 20th anniversary conference of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria will be a meeting point for reflection, dialogue, and forward planning.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Omobola Johnson, former Minister of Communication Technology and veteran board director. She brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors. Panel discussions will feature other respected leaders such as Susanne Iroche, Taiwo Oyedele, Kim Andersen, and Yeside Kazeem. Regulators and market leaders, including Dr Emomotimi Agama, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, Mr Temi Popoola, and Dr Rabiu Olowo, will also provide a practical guest session on the theme of the conference.

For participants, this conference offers more than knowledge. It is an opportunity to be part of shaping a culture of governance that will outlast disruption and build trust for generations to come. Each new disruption is a chance to test our values and refine our systems. With consistent effort, ethical governance can transform uncertainty into stability and growth.

SCGN Corporate Governance Awards

The Corporate Governance Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that show integrity, leadership and commitment to good governance. Dedicated to Professor Fabian Ajogwu OFR SAN, Founder of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, the Awards honour his impact on advancing governance in Nigeria. Winners will be announced at our 20th Anniversary Gala, marking 20 years of promoting governance excellence.

Date; 9th of October, 2025, Time; 6:00PM

RSVP: Dr. Tola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, COO, SCGN

obamigbaiye-elatuyi@corpgovnigeria.org, +2348077099405

Conclusion

As the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria marks twenty years of service, this anniversary conference is a milestone and a turning point. The current waves of disruption across every facet of life are unlikely to end, and the pace of change will not slow down. However, the future depends on the values we hold and the systems we strengthen today. With ethical governance, disruption becomes an opportunity for growth and renewal. Without it, the risks of mistrust and instability escalate.

We would like to sincerely appreciate all our sponsors — Seplat Energy, Zenith, FRC, Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development (CPSPD), NGX, FirstBank, JNC International Limited (JNCI), The Metropolitan Law Firm, MoFi, Kenna Partners, MVi, Stanbic IBTC, Zedcrest and Olawalegbin & Associates — for their invaluable support in making the 20th Anniversary Corporate Governance Conference possible.

The conference is therefore more than an event. It is an invitation to all who believe that the future of governance must be shaped by integrity, responsibility, and sustainability.

Event Details

Date: 9 October 2025
Venue: Lagos and Virtual
Time: 10:00 am prompt

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/2025ACGC

Tags:

situs judi bola

https://estheticsadvancedclasses.com/

slot bet 200 perak

https://pigamingshop.com/

gadunslot

GADUNSLOT

GADUNSLOT

slot depo 10k

mahjong wins

Close

Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited

Comprehensive Banking Solutions
Prominent commercial bank offering wide array of personal, business, and commercial banking solutions including savings, current accounts, cards, mortgages, and SME lending.

Digital Innovation
Operates through nationwide branch network supported by digital channels: internet banking, mobile banking, and *909# mobile money service.

Strong Asset Growth
Substantial growth in asset base and customer deposits

Improved Efficiency Better cost-to-income ratio and risk management

Focus Inclusion Financial inclusion and sustainable banking practices
As core part of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, the bank works closely with group subsidiaries to offer integrated financial services, serving diverse client segments from individuals to large corporations with tailored solutions.

Excellence in Corporate Governance
These award beneficiaries represent the pinnacle of corporate governance excellence in Nigeria. Through their leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to best practices, they continue to shape the future of business in Africa.

  • Leadership Visionary leaders driving transformation and sustainable growth across sectors
  • Transparency Commitment to openness, accountability, and ethical business practices
  • Innovation Pioneering new approaches to governance, compliance, and stakeholder value

Impact Creating lasting positive change in Nigeria’s corporate landscape

Close

Seplat Energy Plc

Seplat Energy Plc A leading Nigerian independent energy company established in 2009, dual-listed on Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). Formed through partnership between Shebah Petroleum and Platform Petroleum Joint Ventures.

Core Operations
Oil and gas exploration, development, and production with strategic interests in Niger Delta oil mining leases.

Midstream Business
Integrated gas processing facilities at Oben, ANOH, and Sapele supplying Nigeria’s power and industrial sectors.

Future Focus
Balancing traditional operations with cleaner energy solutions for sustainable energy transition

Strategic Growth: Recent major acquisitions from international oil companies have significantly boosted production capacity and reserves, positioning Seplat as a key player in Nigeria’s energy future

Close

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

A leading Nigerian financial services group offering integrated solutions across banking, investment, pension, insurance, and fintech. Member of Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest financial services organization by assets.

Investment; Corporate and investment banking services

Banking; Comprehensive personal and business banking solutions

Fintech; Digital financial services and innovation

Pension; Retirement planning and pension management

Insurance; Comprehensive insurance and risk management

Close

Ayokunle Ayoko

Ayokunle Ayoko is a Lawyer, Chartered Secretary, HR expert, Certified Management Consultant, Certified Compliance Analyst, Certified Independent Non-Executive Director, and Notary Public. He worked with FirstBank and FBN Holdco PLC where he served as Company Secretary for FBN Insurance Limited (now SanlamAllianz Insurance Limited), FBN General Insurance Limited (now SanlamAllianz General Insurance Limited), and FBN Insurance Brokers Limited, all subsidiaries of FBN Holdco PLC.

He served as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser to Berger Paints Plc and Company Secretary/General Counsel for International Breweries Plc (AB Inbev) between 2018 to 2023. He is currently the Group Company Secretary/Head of Legal and Chief Compliance Officer at the CFAO Nigeria Group – a French Multinational. He is also co-founder and Non-Executive Director with Kaizen Academy (Nigeria) Limited, a leading multinational consulting firm.

Ayokunle’s holds a 2nd Class Upper L.L.B (Hons) degree from the University of Ibadan, an LLM from the University of South Wales (UK), and an MBA from the Liverpool John Moores University (UK). He also holds an Executive Diploma in International Law & Diplomacy from Kingsland Foundation, and a Certificate in Global Governance & Diplomacy from the European School for Leadership Development.

His work has earned global recognition, including the fast rising star award by ESQ Magazine, Modern Governance 100 Global & Ethics Leader Award (2019 & 2022, Diligent Corporation, New York) and listings in the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist Nigeria for 2024 and 2025. He was also honored recently as ‘Finest General Counsel – West Africa’ by Legal Era Awards and 2025 Corporate Governance Award by the Society For Corporate Governance Nigeria.

Ayokunle holds Fellowships from the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria (FIMC) and the Global Academy of Finance and Management, USA. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN), Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), and the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Nigeria.

View Linkedin
Close

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF AFRO-OPTIMISM UNLEASHED
CHAMPION OF AFRICAN EXCELLENCE FOR SMES & BEYOND

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is a global Nigerian, lifelong Afro-optimist, and international best-selling author dedicated to shaping a brighter future for Africa. With dual honors degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in the USA, her stellar academic foundation fueled a transformative 20+ year career across four continents within two multinationals. Adeolu culminated this experience as the CEO of Allianz Nigeria and, prior to that, as Regional Head of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Transformation Africa, where she spearheaded strategic growth initiatives that increased Allianz’s African portfolio to nearly half a billion Euros within four years.

Now, as the founder of ZER Consulting Africa (ZER), Adeolu leverages her global expertise in leadership development and strategic planning to empower SMEs, including startups, scale-ups, and social ventures across the continent. ZER partners with development agencies, investment funds, and social ventures to provide strategic guidance critical for growth via their SCALE framework. Adeolu’s strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades.

Adeolu’s strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including East Africa Deal of the Year in 2020 and Top 100 Women Impacting Africa in 2023. Her recent book, Afro-Optimism Unleashed, reached international best seller status on Amazon.

Beyond ZER:
Adeolu’s passion for Africa extends beyond her consulting work. She is the author of Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage, a groundbreaking book that offers a roadmap for African leaders and businesses to achieve sustainable growth and global impact. Drawing from her decades of experience, Adeolu shares strategic insights and practical tools to unlock Africa’s potential on the world stage.

Adeolu’s commitment to Africa’s progress is reflected in her advocacy for financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education, as well as her influential board positions and advisory roles focused on social impact across the continent.

Beyond her professional achievements, Adeolu is a mother of two global Africans and an avid runner, reader, and cultural explorer. Her Afro-optimism is not just a philosophy but a way of life, driving her to inspire and empower others to build a new Africa.

Connect with Adeolu on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and insights on scaling African excellence.

Close

Gbeminiyi Shoda

A Visionary Solutionist in Corporate Governance and Legal Innovation

Gbeminiyi Shoda is a distinguished legal practitioner, transformative leader, and strategic advisor with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in corporate governance, legal services, and innovative business solutions. She is the Managing Director of Structure HQ and Principal Partner of SHQ Legal, where she leads a team dedicated to providing customised corporate and commercial services for innovative individuals, businesses and family offices.

In her illustrious career, Gbeminiyi has served across the Legal, Compliance, and Secretariat functions of a Group structure with over 30 companies within its investment portfolio in diverse sectors. She played a pivotal role in securing regulatory licenses for industry-defining financial institutions and supporting the establishment of key players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. Her initiatives have directly contributed to enhancing sustainable wealth inclusion and driving innovation in regulated markets.

In 2021, she founded Structure HQ, a female-led firm that delivers tailored corporate and commercial solutions to businesses and family offices. Under her leadership, the company has become synonymous with excellence, providing innovative governance systems that empower startups, regulated institutions, and forward-thinking businesses.

As a sought-after solutionist, Gbeminiyi serves on the Board of notable organizations, including VFD Tech, Inspired by Glory, Template, and Canary Point Holding, where she provides strategic support and brings her governance expertise to bear.

Close

Mr. Oscar Onyema

Board Member

Mr. Onyema is an accomplished board director and capital markets executive with over 25 years of experience leading institutional transformation, market infrastructure development, and strategic growth across financial services, energy, and technology sectors. As former CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and founding Group CEO of NGX Group, led historic demutualization and listing, launched multi-asset platforms, and delivered a 200%+ surge in profitability.

 
Brings boardroom depth from global institutions including the World Federation of Exchanges, Green Impact Exchange, and CSCS Plc, with a strong track record in navigating complex regulatory environments, scaling platforms, and unlocking capital for innovation and growth. Combines financial acumen with proven execution in ESG, digital transformation, and risk governance. National honoree (OON), published author, and recognized voice shaping the intersection of capital markets, energy transition, and frontier economies.
Close

Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri

Board Member

Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), a position he assumed in November 2017. He has overall responsibility for delivering on the company’s vision and mission. Since taking over at the helm, he has driven a number of strategic initiatives, leading to notable efficiency gains and repositioning the company for sustainable growth.

Mr. Jalo-Waziri has three decades hands-on experience across multiple financial disciplines, with a career spanning Investment Banking, Securities Trading, Pension Funds Administration and conventional Asset Management, Business development and Regulation. He is an award-winning Executive, with reputable track record in leading successful start-ups and business transformations.

Prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, he was Executive Director, Capital Markets at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with primary responsibility for deepening the market through products, market structure innovation and new listings, as well as generating order flow across all asset classes. Under his stewardship, the partnership between the NSE and the London Stock Exchange was established, an alliance which has birthed a number of dual listings on these Bourses. He led the launch of the Premium Board on the NSE, distinguishing value companies with strong governance practices and creating enhanced liquidity flow for the counters. He also led the introduction of the Nigerian Sovereign Green Bond as well as the Federal Government Retail Savings Bonds. Mr. Jalo-Waziri previously served as Managing Director/Chief Executive at both UBA Stockbrokers Limited and UBA Asset Management Limited, transforming the businesses to becoming top- 5 in their respective segments. He also pioneered the asset management business of Kakawa Discount House Limited (now FBN Merchant Bank) and previously worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Mr. Jalo-Waziri is a Director on the Board of NG Clearing Limited and the Board of Special Olympics Nigeria. He is on the Advisory Board of Business Day and currently serves as Vice President of the AIFA Reading Society, an NGO, which focuses on promotion of a reading culture and sustainable development of the educational system in Africa. He has served on the Boards of several companies, including FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Nigeria-German Chemicals Plc, Protea Oakwood Hotel Limited, Coral Properties Limited, UBA Stockbrokers Limited and UBA Asset Management Limited to mention a few. He is a life member of the Institute of Directors.

Mr. Jalo-Waziri is an economist, and an alumnus of reputable institutions, including the Lagos Business School and Venture Capital Institute of America. He holds a first degree and MBA from the University of Maiduguri and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University respectively. He is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment UK, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and Institute of Capital Market Registrars.

Close

Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed

Board Member

Mr. Tajudeen is a highly experienced strategic leader with three decades of executive management expertise combining of business leadership with deep functional expertise across Treasury Management, Portfolio Management, Credit Management, Manufacturing, Agro-allied, Construction and Transportation sectors, among others.

Mr Tajudeen has held various managerial positions in the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which includes Head Strategic Portfolio & Loans AMCON, Executive Director, at the Resolution & Restructuring Company Limited (A wholly owned subsidiary of AMCON that managed Portfolios in other entities) and Group Head, Asset Management AMCON. He held the positions of General manager and Group Head Treasury at Dangote Group and Chief Financial Officer at the Greenview International Co. Ltd, Ghana (A division of the Dangote Group of Companies).

Mr Tajudeen Ahmed also held the position of Principal Manager & Group Head Treasury, Inland Bank Nigeria PLC (Now FCMB Group PLC), Lagos.

With a solid career history in management, Mr Tajudeen possesses extensive global expertise, including High Performance Leadership, Corporate Policy, Development Strategy, Portfolio Management, Fiscal Responsibility, International Banking, Treasury Management, Investment Risk Management and Environmental Management.