ICSAN Pledges Continued Partnership With Stakeholders To Ensure Good Decisions Are Made

… As It Celebrates 60th Anniversary
By Bassey Nkponam
LAGOS
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has pledged to continuously work with its stakeholders to ensure Nigerians are conscious to make good decisions,  as it rolled out the drums to celebrate its 60 years of existence as an institute in the country.
The institute made the pledge during a press briefing for the unveiling of ICSAN at 60 Logo, themed, “Six Decades of Excellence: Shaping Governance, Empowering Futures,” which took place in Lagos, Wednesday.
Briefing newsmen at the event, attended virtually by some attendees, the president and chairman of ICSAN governing council, Mrs Uto Ukpanah, said the institute intends to engage in dialogue with its stakeholders in its bid to shaping the corporate landscape, and promoting best practices in the various sectors.
Ukpanah described ICSAN as the leading, statutorily established professional body dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of corporate governance and public administration, and the only professional body authorised in Nigeria to conduct the examinations leading to the qualification as Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
According to her, though ICSAN began in Nigeria in 1944 as an associate of the international body based in the United Kingdom, it became chartered by Act 19 of 1991 and became a member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), a global organisation registered initially in Geneva, but currently incorporated as a limited by guarantee entity in Hong Kong.
Ukpanah recalled that the institute elected its first president in 1966, and its first female president in 2023, followed closely by its second in 2025 through a transparent, meritorious process, saying ICSAN has consistently promoted the ideals of sound corporate governance and produced seasoned governance professionals who have meritoriously contributed their quota to Nigeria’s advancement.
She noted that over the past six decades, ICSAN has grown in stature, influence, and impact, becoming a leading professional body in Nigeria, and playing a crucial role in shaping the corporate landscape, promoting best practices, and developing professionals who have made significant contributions to various sectors.
The institute’s president said the media briefing was convened to unveil activities marking the 60th anniversary of the institute, which underscores the importance of the media as a strategic partner in nation-building and institutional development.
“We are delighted to engage with you as we formally commence a year-long celebration of six decades of professional excellence, service, impact, and enduring commitment to good governance in Nigeria.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 60 years of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
“As we commence the ICSAN at 60 activities beginning with the unveiling of the logo, we honour the legacy of our founding members, who had a vision to promote governance, professionalism, and excellence in the corporate secretarial and administrative profession”, she said.
Ukpanah mentioned a significant feature of the ICSAN at 60 celebration as, its alignment with the construction of the institute’s new National secretariat building project which, according to her, represents a strategic investment in institutional sustainability and operational efficiency, thanking members and other donors who continue to support the project through regular donations despite prevailing economic challenges.
She made known that the Jubilee celebrations will also serve as fundraising platforms to mobilise support from members, partners, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to ensure the timely completion of the important project, as the  new secretariat will stand as a lasting legacy of the Diamond Jubilee, symbolising stability, professionalism, and the enduring relevance of ICSAN.
The president said ICSAN’s commitment to pursuing the passage of the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN) Bill at the National Assembly was an important milestone that the governing council was also committed to achieving.
Ukpanah identified the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the institute as it embarks on the new chapter,  stressing, “we must continue to innovate, adapt to changing times, and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global environment”, as the ICSAN at 60 activities will be a celebration of the institute’s rich history, achievements, commitment to excellence, and a
platform to engage with stakeholders, share knowledge, and showcase its expertise.
She urged all members to participate actively in activities to mark the diamond anniversary to share their experiences, and to contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of the institute, as ICSAN was committed to the values of professionalism, integrity, and service that have defined it  over the years.
Vice president of ICSAN and chairman, ICSAN at 60 committee, Mr Francis Olawale, said ICSAN is an institute of learning that grooms professionals, company secretaries, managing directors, and administrators, and has over the years empower people and build capacity.
According to him, the institute is not compensational and does not criticise, but communicates, advices and constantly partners state governments and agencies in the country, recalling that in the last five years, ICSAN has been evolving its activities and equipping its members in line with the evolving technology, while also intending to do more.
Olawale said the Diamond Jubilee celebration, which intends to be celebrated at various geo-political locations in the country, was an opportunity for the institute to reflect on its achievement and see how to double its efforts to attain more heights in future.
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the ICSAN at 60 Logo by the president, Ukpanah, assisted by the vice president, Olawale.