IOD establishes forum to groom youths on effective leadership

THE Institute of Directors ( IOD) Nigeria has established the Young Directors’ Forum ( YDF), to build leadership capacity of young directors on governance and effective leadership. The IOD said building the capacity of young directors in business and delivering more effectively on their roles and responsibilities was paramount.

President and Chairman of Council, IOD, Chris

Okunowo, at the launch of the YDF, said the forum was birthed as an intervention aimed at addressing governance skill gaps in the Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMES) space, as well as among young business professionals and millennial business leaders.

He said this was important, especially with regards to supporting the sub- sector with quality governance tools in a systematic manner that would enhance its players’ sound corporate governance practice.

According to him, given the fact that the SMES constitute the bulk of businesses that have the greatest potential of reducing youth unemployment and growing the economy significantly, the sector must be well supported in all ramifications, including governance structure and practice.

Okunowo maintained that the theme, “Building Millennial Business Leaders,” was apt as it would position young directors for effective and efficient board- level functions locally and globally and address governance skill gaps among young business professionals and the millennial business leaders.

In his remarks, Group Managing Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Alake Olakunle, said for Nigeria to progress, young people must be nurtured to take up leadership responsibilities, and charged corporate leaders with the task to put Nigeria on the path of growth.