The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria has called on professionals and corporate leaders to urgently adopt ethical Artificial Intelligence to enhance efficiency and promote long-term economic development.
Speaking on Monday at a press briefing in Lagos, Vice-President of ICSAN Francis Olawale urged professionals to pay attention to AI’s growing influence on governance and business operations. Olawale, who stood in for the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Uto Ukpanah, spoke ahead of the Institute’s 49th Annual Conference scheduled for September 18–19 at Harbour Point, Victoria Island.
Olawale said, “AI is not just a tool, but a disruptive force shaping many areas, including the governance realm. Nigeria must not only adapt to this revolution but also provide the framework for its ethical and responsible deployment.”
He explained that concerns about AI went beyond the fear of replacing humans. Olawale stressed, “The fear in some quarters is for it not to even get to a point where humans cannot control AI. Artificial intelligence is such a phenomenon that it requires proper disposition for engaging with it in corporate governance. It is a revolution.”
The ICSAN VP stressed that AI was already influencing leadership and governance at all levels. He said, “Governance entails giving direction, making decisions, and coordinating people. And you realise that there are existing machines that can assist leaders to do this. Artificial intelligence is now involved in all of those things, and naturally, it helps efficiency.”
Olawale noted that the forthcoming conference would equip participants to understand both the benefits and limitations of AI. He said, “We want to position our members and the general public to have an idea of the limitations of AI. To know how they can still function effectively along with artificial intelligence and be able to still achieve excellence altogether as an entity.”
He added that the event would help participants overcome the fear of disruption AI brings and instead view it as “a great tool for creativity and efficiency on their job and professional callings rather than as a hindrance.” He also said attendees, whether members or not, would have the opportunity to network with seasoned professionals.
The conference is themed ‘Reimagining Governance: Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Revolution for Excellence.’ The conference will feature Chairman of Seplat Energy, Senator Udo Udoma, as the conference chairman; Executive Director at Chams Holding Company, Dr. Femi Oyenuga, as the keynote speaker; and Chairman of Dangote Cement, Dr. Emmanuel Ikhazobor, as the dinner chairman.
ICSAN disclosed that activities lined up for the conference include social impact initiatives such as a recently held Walk-for-Life across its chapters to promote wellness and an upcoming book donation to secondary schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility drive. The programme will also feature the conferment of awards in three categories: Distinguished Chartered Secretary Award, Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance (Individual), and Corporate Category Award.
The Institute noted that it was making adequate preparations to ensure the success of its 49th Annual Conference and to provide a national platform for charting Nigeria’s governance future.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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