The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has announced that its 49th Annual Conference will focus on the intersection of governance and artificial intelligence (AI), examining how AI can redefine governance and leadership across sectors.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Vice President of ICSAN, Francis Olawale said the conference, scheduled for September 18 and 19, will provide a platform for thought leaders, governance professionals, stakeholders to deliberate on how emerging technologies are reshaping governance across sectors.
According to him, the theme of this year’s conference, “Reimagining Governance: Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Revolution for Excellence,” reflects what the institute described as the urgent need to prepare leaders, institutions, and businesses for the disruptions and opportunities brought by AI.
“You know artificial intelligence is such a big phenomenon, you know, that it requires proper disposition to its governance. So our theme this year is redefining governance, navigating the artificial intelligence revolution. You’ll agree with me that it’s a revolution in every space, about now, in every endeavor, artificial intelligence is becoming a topic everybody is focusing on and then we believe that we should navigate it and It should be toward excellence, and as you know excellence is getting the best from whatever you want,” he said.
He stressed the urgent need to properly govern AI to ensure that it aids efficiency and excellence rather than becoming a source of fear and disruption, insisting that the key to survival in a technology driven age is constant upskilling.
Highlighting the benefits of the upcoming conference, he said participants would gain practical insights into balancing AI with ethics, legal implications, and risk management, while also boosting their capacity to live with technological disruptions.
Beyond the conference, Olawale said ICSAN remains committed to capacity building and advocacy.
Mrs. Biola Laseinde, Council Member and Chairman of the Publicity and Advocacy ICSAN emphasized that the summit is about “shaping thoughts” and preparing governance professionals, as well as other stakeholders, to confront digital disruption and technological transformation without fear.
“Are we just sitting and waiting for things to happen or are we taking a position? Some people are even intimidated by digital transformation. Some people will tell you, I don’t want it. A lot of us used to be like that, but now we want to open our eyes, our hearts, because, you know, corporate government is our DNA,” she said.
