Members of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, renowned for elevating the standing and application of public administration and corporate governance, have performed symbolic foundation laying ceremony of its three point five billion naira National Secretariat project.

L-R: Registrar/CEO, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mr. Babatunde Oladipo Okuneye ACIS; Chairman, Fortuna Engineering Ltd, Mr. Pade Ayoola; Vice President of ICSAN, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS; President of ICSAN, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, FCIS; Hon. Treasurer of ICSAN, Mr. Francis Olawale, FCIS; and Managing Director, Fortuna Engineering Ltd, Bldr. Banji Ayoola at the Symbolic Foundation Laying Ceremony held in Lagos.

ICSAN President and Council Chairman, Funmi Ekundayo, recalled how the organisation has been fostering the notion of building a suitable National Secretariat for the Institute for many years.

Ekundayo, who is ICSAN first female president, affirmed that the project has been envisioned for over a decade, and it was high time the Institute started erecting it.

According to her, most importantly, the edifice would be a hub for grooming governance, leadership, and administrative professionals for national development.

In her words, the building would help the institute to train the next generation of governance, administrative and leadership professionals, to mark a new chapter in the journey towards excellence and growth.

She added that with such development, ICSAN reinforces its commitment to strengthen professionalism, integrity, and continuous advancement in good governance and administration in Nigeria.

According to her, the building is designed to provide a conducive environment for ICSAN members, staff, and stakeholders to interact, learn, and share ideas on best practices in corporate governance, administration, and leadership.

In her words, the new National Secretariat building is expected to be completed shortly, and it will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern auditorium, conference rooms, library, and offices, the building will also be designed to be environmentally sustainable and accessible, reflecting ICSAN’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

Ekundayo expressed her excitement and gratitude to members, stakeholders, and partners who have supported the Institute’s vision, saying today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards establishing a world-class national secretariat that will serve as a beacon of excellence in corporate governance and administration in Nigeria.

She solicited the much required support from each and every member of the Institute towards the actualisation of the noble National Secretariat Project.

Ekundayo highlighted that the new secretariat would serve as a hub for the Institute’s activities, furthering its goal of being the foremost professional institution in corporate and public governance, saying the Secretariat represents a scaled-down yet functional design compared to previous ambitious proposals.

The President and Council Chairman said the Institute will appreciate sincerely all kind gestures in whatever forms towards the successful completion of the all-important project.

Similarly, the ICSAN Vice President, Uto Ukpanah, expressed optimism over the project as she reaffirmed the Institute’s resolve to vigorously pursue its vision and mission and stand out among other professional bodies in Nigeria.

Ukpanah, who restated her confidence in the leadership of Ekundayo, assured that ICSAN is capable of achieving any project it embarked on, given the calibre of its personnel and its ability to network with like-minded people around the world in line with its mandate establishing it.

She called on all stakeholders to support the project because a great number of corporate governance, leadership and administrative professionals will emerge from here, expressing gratitude for the visionary and transformative leadership of ICSAN today.

According to her, all members of the Governing Council and various committees have been working tirelessly and are still making every effort towards the realisation of the new National Secretariat building, the ICSAN Tower, saying some of the efforts made so far by the Governing Council include reaching out to Government at different levels, engaging with influential local and international organizations and well-meaning individuals for support.

I hereby enjoin you all to continue to exhibit the passion, commitment and collaboration you are all well known for so that together, we make the ICSAN Tower a reality.