In a momentous event marking a new chapter in the advancement of corporate governance in Nigeria, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, has been formally invested as the 30th President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
The ceremony, held today, celebrates not just a leadership transition, but the rise of a distinguished woman whose quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and enduring commitment to excellence have made her a beacon in governance and professional development.
Mrs. Ukpanah’s investiture is a testament to the power of resilience and purposeful leadership.
Throughout her career, she has embodied the values that ICSAN stands for—transparency, accountability, and ethical administration. Her ascension is seen by many as a watershed moment for women in leadership across sectors.

In her congratulatory message, Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson, Chair of the Lawyers in Academia Forum and Past 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (2018–2020), lauded the new ICSAN President with heartfelt words:
“As a woman of excellence, integrity, and quiet strength, your journey continues to light the path for many others—especially women in leadership.
Your dedication to professional development, accountability, and good governance has earned you this honour, and I am confident that ICSAN will soar to greater heights under your leadership.
She further added, “It is a privilege to witness and celebrate this moment with you. May your tenure bring transformation, growth, and purpose.”
Mrs. Ukpanah’s leadership is expected to usher in a transformative era for ICSAN, strengthening the institute’s role in shaping corporate ethics, regulatory standards, and strategic governance across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Her investiture resonates with the words of Eleanor Roosevelt:
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.”
With her wealth of experience and visionary leadership, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah is poised to inspire a generation of professionals to lead with purpose and principle.

#ICSAN2025 #LeadershipMatters #WomenWhoLead #CorporateGovernance #UtoUkpanah #ProfFolukeSpeaks
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