ICSAN Elects New President as Ayeku’s Tenure Expires
Taiwo Owokalade, ICSAN President
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has elected Taiwo Owokalade as its new president following the expiration of Ayeku’s tenure. Taiwo Owokalade succeeds Bode Ayeku who held sway as the 28th President of the Institute for two years.
ICSAN is a leading recognized professional body in Nigeria dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of Corporate Governance and Public Administration. ICSAN is the only professional body authorized in Nigeria to conduct the examinations leading to the qualification of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
The Institute is a member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), a Hong Kong-registered global organization, dedicated to developing and growing the study and practice of Secretaryship to improve professional standards, the quality of governance practice and to improve organizational performance. The Association is the global voice of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals.
Owokalade is a chartered secretary, corporate governance practitioner, International Finance Corporation (IFC) certified trainer, insurance practitioner, human resources specialist, pension and trust management practitioner, community development advocate and a legal practitioner.
Born in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, he had his primary education at St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebute-Metta, before proceeding to Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu, Ogun State for his secondary education.
Thereafter, he had his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at School of Basic Studies of Ogun State College of Education Ijebu-Ode, now called (Tai Solarin College of Education) before he later proceeded to Ogun State University (now called Olabisi Onabanjo University) Ago Iwoye for his First Degree in Philosophy.
In 1994, as pioneer student, Owokalade had his Master Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR) at the University of Lagos.
In furtherance of his academic pursuit, Taiwo proceeded to Lagos State University (LASU) to study Law and graduated in 2005. He was thereafter called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007.
The new president of ICSAN, Owokalade, in his 12-point agenda, said his administration, among others, would embark on strategic rebranding to position the institute appropriately in the committee of professionals, both locally and internationally.
He promised to embark on aggressive membership growth, pragmatic industry growth, digitalisation of operations, rebranding, internship, name change and building infrastructure, among others.
Earlier in his valedictory speech, the immediate past president of ICSAN, Bode Ayeku, who highlighted his achievements during his tenure, said based on his personal sacrifices; he made positive returns to the institute and stakeholders.