CIoD Nigeria Installs Oyebanji as 19th President, Chairman of Council
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of 11Plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc,) Mr. Adetunji A. Oyebanji, was installed as the 19th President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD) on Thursday.
Oyebanji took over from the immediate past President of CIoD, Mr. Tijjani M. Borodo.
In his acceptance speech during the presidential investiture ceremony, which was held at Pearl Harbour Point, Oyebanji declared that implementation, collaboration and engagement (ICE) would be the main thrust of his presidential tenure.
He said, “I present to you the guiding principle of my service encapsulated in the three point agenda of implementation, collaboration and engagement, with the acronym I.C.E.
“First, let me talk about implementation. For many years our institute has distinguished itself by crafting visionary strategies, developing meticulous plans and setting ambitious goals.
“Yet, as with every great design, a blueprint is always the beginning. It points us toward what is possible.
“The true measure of our leadership now lies in our collective ability to transform these aspirations into concrete, lasting achievements that will define our legacy.
“My tenure will be defined by a relentless focus on execution. This is not about rushing to action but about ensuring that every initiative, every project and every policy has a clear roadmap and a designated team.
“We will consolidate the full implementation of the CIoD Establishment Act, embedding its provisions into the very fabric of our governance and operations.”
He added, “The second pillar of our focus is collaboration. In today’s interconnected world, no institution thrives in isolation. Our strategy will be to consolidate these partnerships and deliver measurable benefits for our members.
“We will deepen our partnerships with key national institutions, including the federal civil service, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and other notable institutions.
“This collaboration will not only elevate our visibility but will position CIoD Nigeria as the undisputed epicentre of governance and leadership excellence in Africa.”
Oyebanji also said that his presidential tenure “will place engagement at the very heart of our mission. For it is in our members that our true strength resides, and it is through their voices, needs and aspirations that our relevance will always be measured.
“Engagement must be a living commitment, deep, continuous and authentic. Together we will foster a community where every member feels seen, heard and valued, and where collective energy drives us toward greater heights.”
In his address during the investiture ceremony titled: ‘Leadership, Legacy and the Future of Governance: Charting a New Direction’, Professor Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), said that Oyebanji’s election to this esteemed office reflected not “only your achievements and leadership but also the confidence the governing council and the Institute have placed in you at a time when leadership, legacy, and governance are vital across all sectors.
“Today’s investiture is more than a ceremonial passing of the baton; it is a call to service.
“The CIoD stands as the conscience of corporate leadership in Nigeria, and your presidency comes at a moment when the nation looks to the institute to uphold credible governance across corporate boards and public institutions.”
The ceremony was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Vice Chancellor of PAN-Atlantic University, Professor Enase Okonedo, amongst other very important personalities.
