The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, has said the country requires innovation, diversity and inclusion to achieve sound governance.

Head of Secretariat, Oladunni Ogunsulire (left); Annual General Meeting Committee Member, Tunde Rufai; Vice President, Uto Ukpanah and Publicity and Advocacy Committee, Bunmi Adefolu, all of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, at a pre-conference media briefing.

It argues that when sound governance is inclusive, it would take into cognisance gender, the youth, and persons with disabilities in conversations.

Its Vice President, Uta Ukpanah, called for inclusiveness in fostering sound governance to effectively serve everybody equally.

According to Ukpanah, incorporating inclusiveness in sound governance enhances the performance and productivity of any nation.

In her words, governance is the mechanism, process, and procedures whereby citizens manage their resources and also solve public problems, adding that sound governance plays a key role in enhancing integrity and efficiency.

Ukpanah, said this at a news briefing, ahead of the institute’s 47th yearly conference, with the theme: ‘Sound Governance as a Cursor to a Thriving Economy: A Case for Inclusiveness.’

According to her, sound governance requires a lot of work from all stakeholders and it is a basic requirement for a thriving democratic environment, transparency, and accountability.

According to Ukpanah, in the corporate world presently, there was a focus to harness the potential of women and drive towards a situation where skills women brought to the workplace were well harnessed.

“It also requires innovation, diversity, and inclusion. To achieve these in sound governance, particularly inclusivity, it effectively serves everybody, ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged, taking into account agenda and various facets of diversities, and accountability by the government to all members of the society. Inclusive governance provides the opportunity to bring excluded people like women, youth, and persons with disabilities into the conversation.

She added, “Hence we realised that there is a case for inclusiveness in sound governance. Inclusion provides a competitive edge; an inclusive environment that promotes equality and respect for humankind, creating a harmonious society and everyone is heard, being the first stakeholders that can contribute positively.”

Highlighting details on the sub-themes, which she said focus on gender equity, would x-ray the immense potential of women and also harness the skills women bring to the workplace.

Scheduled to hold next week, she added that Asue Ighodalo, who is the Founding Partner, Banwo and Ighodalo, would chair the conference, among other notable speakers.

She disclosed that part of the activities for the event included a charity visit (Corporate Social Responsibility initiative), a ‘Walk for Life’ event, annual conference and dinner/awardees, and induction of members to fellowship grade.