ICSAN Seeks N3.6bn To Build Secretariat

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) held a fundraising event to solicit funding for its N3.6b new National Secretariat building.

Held in Abuja, the event convened the institute’s members and stakeholders from the finance, economy and trade industries, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Chairman of the Occasion, Mr Olayemi Cardoso.

Speaking at the event, ICSAN President Funmi Ekundayo FCIS said the fundraising, the first of its kind, is pertinent as it’s the institute’s way of appealing to the Nigerian public for aid.

She said the proposed building kickstarted by her predecessors has been in the pipeline for years; however, owing to a lack of funding and the general state of the Nigerian economy, the project has yet to be executed.

“The reality is that our financial capacity is minimal. Our revenues come from our certification courses and membership dues.”

However, he noted that ICSAN had pooled its resources to kickstart the building’s foundation, which will soon be completed.

“The new national secretariat will not only be the biggest legacy of my administration but also the biggest legacy for the institute as a foremost governance professional institute that needs to put up a structure befitting its status within the Nigeria socio-economic space.”

Underscoring the proposed edifice’s importance, ICSAN Vice President, President-Elect, and Chairman of the Building Project Uto Ukpanah said the building proves that the institute will continue to provide its services to build the nation.

“ICSAN is a leading governance institute. We are the hub of governance professionals; thus, our membership (spanning 10,000) spans public, private and not-for-profit sectors. What we do is build capacity.

“Once you have exceptional governance professionals of integrity, you are guaranteed the sustainability of such institutions. You know offices and programmes will be run properly, and people will not compromise on values.”

Post its completion, the new national secretariat of ICSAN, situated in Lagos on a 3,500 square meter plot, will feature a four-storey building with three arms: the administrative arm located in the east wing, the academic area with the library and lecture halls situated in the west wing, and the commercial areas, open for long-term lease, to be housed on the second and third floors.

Founded in 1966, ICSAN is the leading recognised body in Nigeria dedicated to enhancing the status and practice of corporate governance and public administration. The institute also updates members and the public on the knowledge and skills necessary for their continued growth in a fast-changing digital world through its Post-Qualifying Education (PQE), Mandatory Continuing Education (MCPE) and other varied activities, including workshops, conferences and public lectures.