My plans as ICSAN president — Ekundayo

Newly elected President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs Funmilayo Ekundayo, has pledged to leverage Artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive organisational efficiency.

She said she would also use it to address the many challenges facing the future of work.

Ekundayo, while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday, said the move to leverage technology was part of her plans to boost the administrators’ profession.

She noted that globally, there had been an unprecedented shift in the way of work, largely driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

She stressed that as a professional body, it was imperative to stay ahead of the curve, embrace the changes and leverage them for collective benefit.

“As we continue our landing to the future of work, we cannot ignore the impact of emerging technologies such as AI.

“It is up to us as professionals to ensure that we are using these technologies in a responsible and ethical manner and this is where ICSAN becomes saddled with the providence of leading through this compelling transformation.

“AI tools can help these crops of professional Secretaries and Administrators to automate routine tasks, such as record-keeping, compliance monitoring, and document management.

“However, there are also challenges associated with the use of AI tools.

“Therefore, it is crucial that Chartered Secretaries and Administrators are trained in the responsible use of AI tools and are able to ensure that their use aligns with the organisation’s values and objectives,” she said.

Ekundayo said that another major trend impacting the work of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators was remote work with its attendant benefits and consequences.

She stressed that Chartered Secretaries and Administrators must be able to leverage technology to ensure that they can effectively communicate and collaborate with their colleagues, even when they are working from different locations.

“Reflectively, the future of work is not just about technology, it is also about people.

“We must ensure that as we embrace technology, we do not lose sight of the human element.

“We must therefore prioritise the wellbeing of our members and ensure that they are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in this new reality,” she said.

The ICSAN president also adressed the migration of young professionals in search of better opportunities also known as ‘Japa’.

She urged organisations to create a business environment conducive to growth and development.

This, she said, may involve providing opportunities for professional development and creating a culture of innovation and creativity.

She said it could also involve ensuring a level playing field for all professionals, regardless of their background or connections.

Ekundayo said that as president of ICSAN, she was committed to leading the charge to building a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact within the institute and beyond.

She said her leadership would align with ICSAN’s ideals of promoting and advancing the efficient administration of commerce and industry in the public and private sector via corporate and public governance administration in Nigeria.

“As the new President of ICSAN, here are six cardinal growth and development agendas I will lead our council to drive in helping us to forge ahead.

“They are, professional development and education, advocacy and representation, innovation and technology, collaboration and partnerships, transition to Corporate Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN) and the building of ICSAN house,” she said.