Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has affirmed that governance remains central to restoring confidence and unlocking long-term prosperity under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The governor said this at the Chartered Institute of Directors Dinner and Awards Night on Wednesday night.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the state’s willingness to collaborate with the institute to advance governance.

He asserted that authority only had value when guided by integrity, honour and governance.

The governor noted that the environment in which directors operated today was complex, with an unpredictable market, technology shaping business, newer stakeholders’ demands, and a sustainability drive.

He urged directors to be informed and accountable, as the margin for error has narrowed and stressed that strong institutions support economic development.

“To all directors, continue to champion transparency and mentor the next generation, and yes, Lagos is willing to collaborate with CIoD as part of our recommitment to excellence in leadership.

“Under the renewed hope agenda, governance remains central to restoring confidence and unlocking long-term prosperity,” he said.

Michael Olawale-Cole, chief executive officer, Colenson Brokers Nigeria Ltd., noted that triumphs as directors were often portrayed as breakthroughs, groundbreaking innovations, crisis resolution, expanded market share, and other achievements.

He, however, said that leadership in challenging times reminded him that triumph was not merely a destination but the journey itself.

Mr Olawale-Cole affirmed that true leadership triumphs not by avoiding adversity, but by navigating it and ensuring that teams not only survive but emerge stronger, more focused, more united, and more resilient.

He restated the need to integrate the three essential pillars of leadership in challenging times, clarity, courage and connection, into leadership decision-making processes.

CIoD president Adetunji Oyebanji said the event’s theme spoke to the courage and discipline required of directors in a period marked by economic strain, social pressure, and shifting corporate realities.

He said it affirmed recognition of directors who continue to uphold sound judgment, stability, and clarity of purpose despite the uncertainties affecting organisations across sectors.

Mr Oyebanji noted that the year has been one in which boards were called upon to make difficult decisions, reinforce ethical standards, strengthen risk oversight, and sustain confidence among stakeholders.

He said the institute remained steadfast in its mandate to raise the standard of directorship in the country.

Mr Oyebanji said in looking towards 2026, CIoD remains firmly committed to deepening the quality of directorship in Nigeria.

He asserted that the institute would broaden capacity-building efforts, strengthen its advocacy, and pursue more purposeful alliances that support ethical leadership and effective board practice.

 BUA Cement bagged the CIoD Corporate Governance Award. Shamsuddeen Usman, chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, was awarded for good governance.

Ibukun Awosika, founder of the Chair Centre Group, was awarded the CIoD Entrepreneurial Award, while the Anofi Goubadia Award for Leadership and Excellence was presented to Oscar Onyema, former CEO, Nigerian Exchange Ltd., among others.

(NAN)