In a compelling webinar hosted by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) Edo / Delta Chapter on the 6th of November 2025, governance professionals gathered to explore the theme “ From Compliance to Purpose Driven governance in a volatile time: strategies for business and Company sustainability”.
The event was officially opened with an insightful address by the President and Chairman of ICSAN’s Council Mrs Uto Ukpanah, who welcomed participants and emphasized the timeliness of the topic.
She praised the guest speaker’s multidisciplinary expertise and encouraged attendees to engage actively, noting that the insights shared would enhance governance practices across their various organizations.
Delivering her speech, the Chairperson of ICSAN Edo/Delta Chapter Barr. Agatha Nwanji highlighted the growing complexity of the corporate landscape. “In today’s ever-changing business environment, companies face challenges ranging from regulatory compliance to social and environmental pressures,” she said. “Governance professionals must move beyond compliance to embrace a purpose-driven approach that creates long-term value for all stakeholders.”
The keynote speaker, a seasoned governance expert, Nkemdilim H. J. Agu, ACIS, LLM, AFHEA, PGDEAP, a Postgraduate Researcher and Doctoral Tutor at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom addressed the multifaceted volatility affecting organisations, namely regulatory, social, and technological.
She argued that compliance models are no longer sufficient for sustainability but a purpose driven model . “Governance must serve as a bridge between an organization’s purpose, vision, and mission,” she stated, “Without purpose, governance is like a rudderless ship headed for ruin.”
She urged organizations to align every decision with their core purpose and to build governance structures that can withstand crises. Chartered Secretaries, she added, are pivotal change agents who must lead the charge in embedding resilience and strategic foresight into corporate frameworks.
The presentation concluded with actionable strategies for implementing governance in volatile times, earning widespread praise from participants.
Attendees included executives and members from ICSAN Edo/Delta Chapter, members from other state chapters of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN students, and non-members, all of whom commended the speaker’s clarity and depth.
The webinar reaffirmed ICSAN’s commitment to equipping governance professionals with the tools and mindset needed to drive sustainable value in an unpredictable world.
