Nigeria needs people of integrity to be at the helm of affairs to help address the challenge of trust existing between those in positions of leadership and the citizens.

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan made this remark at the 40th Anniversary Gala Night of the Institute of Directors (IoD), held at Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Jonathan, “A culture of integrity is what is needed to address many of the challenges confronting governance in our country.

In his words, when integrity is entrenched as a culture and a corporate lifestyle in many organisations, the problems associated with corruption, dishonesty, poor governance and even election irregularities will be significantly addressed”.

Speaking on Africa, he emphasised the need to also develop a sustainable political culture that treats elections as a contestation of ideas, where whoever wins will be disposed to run the country with other broadminded patriots for the benefit of the citizens.

Dr. Jonathan commended the Institute for its achievement over the years, saying that “it has transformed into an independent, strong and reliable institution providing innovative solutions to different professionals in Nigeria”.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State affirmed that his administration will continue to sustain a friendly and collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors in the State to deepen the application of the principles of corporate governance in the system for effective and efficient service delivery to the people.

Sanwo-Olu, said effective application of the principles of corporate governance in the public sector has also played a major role in our ability to connect effectively with the private sector and to firmly commit to implementing policies and strategies designed to promote ease of doing business and support the growth of private enterprises in different sectors of the economy.

He added that his administration, since inception, has been promoting the principles of corporate governance in all aspects of governance, including project management, financial management and human resource management amongst others.

The Governor noted that corporate governance is a major factor in the continued improvement in the growth trajectory of the economy and the capacity to meet the expectations and aspirations of citizens, individuals and corporate organisations, and managing the challenges of a mega city and the demands of the 21st century.

He spoke through Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

Earlier in her welcome Address, the President and Chairmen Governing Council, IoDs Nigeria, Ije Jidenma stated that Institute has achieved its profound impact through its commitment to continued professional education and sharpening of skills of Directors, promoting the entrenchment of good corporate governance in the workplace and the application of best practices in the Management of resources in both the public and private sector of the country’s economy.

While highlighting the achievements of the institute, the Chairman said the IoD had partnered with the Federal Civil Service and State Governments in building the capacity of the high echelon of decision-makers on sound corporate governance practice that promotes the nation’s attractiveness as an investment destination.