Standing On the Shoulders of the Giants
BRIEF REPORT ON THE 1ST ANNUAL CHRISTOPHER KOLADE LECTURE ON BUSINESS INTEGRITY
The programme which is the first in the series was borne out of the need to reward distinguished individuals who stood with the organization in its crucial history from inception till date. The decision that the programme be named after the Chairman of the Governing Board of The Integrity organization ( Dr. Christopher Kolade) was arrived at a time when the organization found it expedient to mark his landmark year- his 80th year.
During the event, icons of the business integrity movement such as Mr. Akintola Williams, Late Ambassador Prof. Gabriel Olusanya, Dr. Michael Omolayole, Late Surveyor Adekunle Kukoyi and Prof. Pat Utomi who stood up and defended the need for business integrity at a time many considered “anti-corruption” to be an “anti-Government” activity were recognized. This necessitated the theme for the first year, “Standing on the Shoulders of the Giants”.
The event was sponsored and supported by the Business Action Against Corruption with Platinum sponsorship from Guinness Nigeria PLC; Gold sponsorship from SAP Nigeria Ltd, Silver Sponsorship from Access Bank Plc and Bronze sponsorship from Sokoa Chair Center. The event held at the prestigious Iris Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos on Thursday, June 27th, 2013. The event which was strictly by invitation, had in attendance Chief Executives Officers of companies listed on the Stock Exchange, The Chief Operating officer of The Nigerian Stock Exchange- Mr. Oscar Onyeama represented by Mr. Bola Adeeko, The Director – General of The Stock Exchange Commission, Mrs. Arunma Otteh, Director – Generals of Regulatory Authorities, our numerous stakeholders as well as media partners. The hall was filled to capacity as we recorded a total attendance of over one hundred and sixty participants.
Subsequent editions will see companies who have built a solid reputation for business integrity also recognized. This will be done in partnership with the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The companies will be selected based on their performance on the new Corporate Governance Rating System developed by The Convention on Business Integrity for the NSE. CBi is set to provide a steady flow of robust data that will be used to rate the quality and efficacy of the corporate governance of listed companies in Nigeria in a Corporate Governance Index. The NSE will have the responsibility to publish the data solely or in conjunction with others on an annual basis.
It is our expectation that listed companies on The Nigerian Stock Exchange who have been invited to the inaugural lecture will start preparations in earnest for the next edition which would recognize companies who have a solid reputation for business integrity.
