By Rukayat Moisemhe

The outgoing President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs Funmi Ekundayo, has projected a positive economic outlook for Nigeria.

This, Ekundayo said, was due to government’s macroeconomic reforms.

She said this during her valedictory media parley on Wednesday in Lagos.

Ekundayo noted that the country’s various reforms were beginning to gain traction and show results.

“The Nigerian economy has displayed a lot of resilience, right in the face of several challenges.
“With sustained political will and strength by government, these reforms are expected to gain momentum and deliver lasting impact in the country, “she said.
The ICSAN president, however, stated that Nigeria must imbibe good governance and compliance culture to drive economic stability and improve its growth outcomes.
She emphasised the importance of the country putting its best foot forward to tackle its insecurity challenges.
“I also call for increased efforts to diversify the economy to reduce its overly huge reliance on crude oil exports,” she said.
Ekundayo advised emerging entrepreneurs to embed governance principles from the early stage of their business into their operations to promote long-term survival.
She said structures such as decision making protocols, internal accountability mechanisms and good financial records would help strengthen governance within their organisation.
“Conducting regular internal reviews and observing legal and tax obligations from day one will also help them to be law-abiding and they will be able to defend themselves for regulatory breaches.
“No matter how small you are starting out, it is important to have these structures in place.
“As you continue to grow the business, you will see that investors will have confidence to put their money in your business,” she said.
Ekundayo stated that the institute, as part of its many significant contributions to national development, had championed good governance, built capacity and advocated policy reforms.
She ICSAN had helped to foster economic growth by promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism.
“In response to increasing demand for transparency across all sectors, ICSAN has actively positioned itself as a thought leader through strategic advocacy, intellectual engagement, and capacity development.
“Our approach has been to lead by example as an institute and to also serve as a critical voice in national and public governance discourse,” she said.
The ICSAN boss stated that as she bowed out of service, her overarching legacies were of passionate service, institutional consolidation and purposeful continuity.
She listed some of her achievements during her tenure as the president to include the foundation laying of the institute’s N3.5 billion secretariat, increased membership and international exposure among others.
She expressed belief in the competence and capacity of the incoming administration to be led by President Elect, ICSAN, Mrs Uto Ukpanah and Vice President Elect, ICSAN, Mr Francis Olawale.
“The legacy I leave behind is anchored on the belief that good governance is not just a destination, but a journey that demands consistent efforts, courageous leadership and an unwavering commitment to ethical values.
“I believe that the president-elect will continue from where I stopped and achieve even greater feats in office.
“I urge everyone to continue to embody the ideals that define us, which are ethics, professionalism, dignity, and service to society,” Ekundayo said.(NAN)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma