The Institute of Directors (IoD) has reiterated its commitment to upskilling of directors on digitalisation to enable them take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution for their organisations’ sustainable growth and profitability.
Dr Ije Jidenma, President, IoD, said this on Monday in Lagos at a news conference to announce the 2022 Annual Director Conference (ADC) of the institute.
Jidenma said that the fourth industrial revolution emergence; essentially driven by information technology and the global effect and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the alignment of directors to digitalisation.
“All these have combined to alter the skills, expertise and knowledge needed by leaders to guide their organisations through the trying, dynamic and unprecedented environment that organisations have found themselves.
“Today’s leaders must possess visions for a technology-driven future and be prepared to purposefully lead these complex and innovative transformations.
“It suffices to say business leaders must disrupt now before they are themselves disrupted,’’ she said.
The IoD president said the 2022 ADC of the institute with the theme: “Corporate Governance & Digital Transformation: Leading Purposefully for Growth and Sustainability,” would hold from Nov. 24 to 25 at Lagos.
“I am optimistic that the presentations and discussions at this year’s conference will provide a platform for players in all sectors of the Nigerian economy and will deepen their commitments to corporate governance practices and best practices.
“We also hope that it will have a positive spiral effect across all sectors and crystalise a deeper understanding of the roles that technology and digital transformation play in the success and sustainability of our enterprises and institutions,’’ she said.
Alhaji Lamis Dikko, Chairman, National Organising Committee, IoD, said the event would elucidate the connection between technological transformation and the drive for sustainable business growth in a dynamic and unpredictable global business environment.
Dikko said that President Muhammadu Buhari would declare the conference open while Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, International Breweries Plc, would chair the opening ceremony.
“Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, are guests of honour.
“The climax of the opening session is the keynote address by one of Africa’s pride in the international community, Ms Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations,” he said.
He added that the event would be split into four plenary sessions over the two-day period to address sub-themes such as “The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Disruptive Technology and Board Readiness.”
“This year’s ADC has been designed to attract key professionals and leaders in the public and private sectors, who will drive various discussions that are pivotal at the conference.
“It is also expected to appeal to young directors, entrepreneurs and millennials whom we hope will seize the opportunity of the conference for mentorship, networking and expanding their knowledge for sound corporate governance.
“With the presence of key stakeholders in the corporate and public policy environment, we are optimistic that the discussions and recommendations at the conference will be pivotal in improving the quality of policy outcomes for the advancement of our nation’s economic development,” he said.
