Fawaz Adebisi
The Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria has inaugurated Dr. Remilekun Bakare as the new Chairman of its South-West Zone, with a charge to deepen corporate governance and ethical leadership, as the institute announced a 50 per cent increase in active membership across the region.
Bakare was sworn in on Wednesday during the third South-West Zonal Investiture Ceremony held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, succeeding High Chief Bode Mustapha, whose two-year tenure witnessed significant membership growth and expanded stakeholder engagement.
In his valedictory address, Mustapha disclosed that active membership in the zone increased from 54 to 81 members through aggressive recruitment and reactivation campaigns.
He said the zone recruited 27 new members, reactivated 11 inactive members and attracted over 150 prospective members from Ogun and neighbouring states, including senior executives, entrepreneurs and public sector leaders.
According to him, two associate members were elevated to full membership, while two others attained the institute’s prestigious fellowship status.
Mustapha added that 26 members participated in the Company’s Directors Course to strengthen boardroom competence, while eight members attended the 2025 Annual Directors’ Conference in Abuja, with the South-West Zone contributing about N7m towards the success of the event.
He said the institute also expanded its reach through strategic engagements with more than 20 organisations and institutions across the South-West and strengthened partnerships with hospitality establishments under its Partnership Advantage Programme.
The outgoing chairman, however, identified the prevailing economic challenges as a major obstacle to membership expansion, saying rising financial pressures had discouraged many qualified professionals from joining the institute.
He urged the national leadership of the institute to review membership fees and introduce flexible payment plans for professionals outside Lagos to encourage wider participation.
“I hand over with immense confidence in the incoming chairman and his executive committee to build upon these achievements and take the South-West Zone to even greater heights,” Mustapha said.
In his acceptance speech, Bakare pledged to consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing leadership by strengthening membership engagement, promoting ethical corporate governance and expanding the institute’s influence across the South-West.
Describing the institute as Nigeria’s foremost professional body for directors, Bakare promised transparent leadership, improved communication with members, stronger partnerships and deliberate investment in developing young directors.
“You don’t get medals for trying. You get medals for results, and results are what we promise,” he said.
President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institute, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, charged the new executive to position the South-West Zone as a model for corporate governance and ethical leadership.
He urged members to actively participate in the institute’s programmes beyond paying annual subscriptions, stressing that integrity, transparency and accountability must remain the guiding principles of every director.
Oyebanji also called for stronger advocacy on governance issues, expansion of the Young Directors Forum and greater contribution by the South-West Zone to national conversations on corporate leadership.
Representing the Ogun State Government, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele described Bakare’s emergence as well deserved, saying his wealth of professional experience had prepared him for the responsibility.
She noted that Ogun’s growing status as an industrial and investment hub required competent directors, ethical boards and sound corporate governance to sustain economic development.
“The institute has a strategic role to play in strengthening the bridge between government and the private sector, mentoring future business leaders and promoting accountability and professionalism,” she said.
Salako-Oyedele urged the new leadership to deepen collaboration with businesses, entrepreneurs and public institutions across the South-West to broaden the institute’s impact and attract more professionals into its fold.
Other officials inaugurated include Mr. Olaoluwa Osundina as Vice Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Olalekan as Honorary Treasurer, Mrs. Vera Funmilayo as Honorary Secretary and Mrs. Ronke Akinleye as Assistant Honorary Secretary.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers and members of the institute from across the South-West.
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