Books

“Reflections on Corporate Governance” offers a compelling and insightful exploration of corporate governance, focusing particularly on the Nigerian context. Drawing from the author’s extensive experience in academia, the legal profession, and the boardroom, this book provides a unique perspective on the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of corporate governance. It delves into key principles, practical implementations, and the impact of good governance across various sectors, including the telecommunications and financial services sector.

This book goes beyond a simple set of rules and regulations; it reflects on the practical application of governance principles, the challenges faced, and ongoing discussions shaping the future of corporate governance. Each chapter addresses specific aspects of governance, offering theoretical underpinnings alongside real-world examples. Topics covered include boardroom dynamics, the roles of key players such as the chairman and company secretary, the function of advisory boards, ethical considerations, the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, and shareholder activism. The book also examines the cost of bad corporate governance and the importance of board assessments.

“Reflections on Corporate Governance” aims to be a valuable resource for business leaders, professionals, industry regulators, students, and stakeholders. It equips readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a culture of good corporate governance, emphasising the importance of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in driving organisational success and contributing to the greater good of society. This book also has practical applications for the public sector where adherence to good governance principles is critical to building sustainable institutions. It is a must-read for anyone involved in the governance, management, or oversight of organisations.

‘Creating Art: Ownership & Authenticity in the Visual Arts,’ the second book in a series by Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN and Dr Jess Castellote, builds upon the foundation laid in the first book, ‘Collecting Art: A Handbook’, which provided valuable insights into the practice of art collection. This book comprehensively explores the legal and contractual issues faced by visual artists, art collectors, and intermediaries in the visual arts world. The authors shift their focus and explore critical themes of copyright, authenticity, and ownership in visual arts.

The book explores the fundamental principles of intellectual property rights, particularly copyright and trademarks, and their application to the visual arts. Through real-life case studies and practical examples, the authors demystify complex legal concepts, empowering readers to understand, secure, and enforce their rights effectively. They address the nuances of copyright law in art, discussing concepts such as originality, authorship, authenticity and authentication, and artists’ and art owners’ economic and moral rights. The book also addresses the evolving landscape of digital art and its impact on authenticity and ownership.

The authors emphasise the importance of balancing creativity with commerce, providing artists and art owners the knowledge to navigate contractual negotiations, protect their work, and generate revenue from their creations. ‘Creating Art’ is an invaluable resource for visual artists, collectors, gallerists, and anyone involved in the art world. It offers insights into navigating legal challenges and fostering an environment that respects and values creative contributions.

In the wake of accelerating environmental challenges and global calls for action, the world finds itself at a critical juncture. Each year, the urgency to address sustainability issues becomes more pressing, echoing through the corridors of power and resonating within corporate boardrooms worldwide.

As we stand on the cusp of COP28, the latest chapter in the long history of international climate negotiations, it is crucial to enunciate the role of corporate boards in shaping our collective future. For boards, COP28 should represent more than just another summit; it is a pivotal moment of reckoning, a call to action, and an opportunity to redefine their purpose in sustainable governance.

In this book, we embark on a journey to explore the intricate interplay between sustainability and corporate boards. We delve into the complex dynamics of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability, examining how these intersecting forces shape boardroom decision-making and corporate strategy.

Through insightful analysis and real-world case studies, we aim to illuminate the path forward for boards grappling with the imperatives of sustainability. From climate resilience and carbon neutrality to stakeholder engagement and ESG integration, we confront the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The journey towards redefining the purpose of a board in ensuring sustainable governance goes beyond analysing the current situation; it is about determining how to move forward with significant change. It is also about empowering boards to transcend traditional paradigms and embrace a new ethos of sustainable leadership, accelerating a paradigm change in corporate governance so that social and environmental issues are at the centre of decision-making.

As we embark on this quest for sustainable governance, we are invited to heed the lessons of the past, embrace the present challenges, and envision a future where planetary well-being is synonymous with profitability. Together, let us create the route towards a more sustainable society, one boardroom at a time.

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN
Victoria Island, Lagos
21 March, 2024

Dr. Onajite Newton
London
21 March, 2024

 

 

Brief Insights: A Selection of Milestone Cases (Vol 2) is a careful selection of cases celebrating the progressive matters brought by litigants before Nigerian Courts, the persuasive arguments of Counsel and the well-reasoned and (in some cases) landmark decisions that have enriched legal practice and jurisprudence in recent times. Since the publication of the first edition of the Brief Insights in 2018, we have conducted several cases bordering on varying areas of law, including arbitration, administrative and constitutional law, and commercial law.

Following the fantastic reception of the first volume, this second volume contains Eighteen carefully curated cases of national importance that colleagues have handled within the period. The cases presented in this volume cover energy, finance, telecommunications, national policy, labour and other areas of law, and the arguments put forward in them have, without doubt, assisted the courts in arriving at decisions that continue to shape the legal landscape for trade, commerce and other aspects of the Nigerian society.

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, FCArb
Chairman, Governance Board, Kenna Partners

“The principles of fair hearing are fundamental rules of procedure and pivotal in ensuring fairness and justice to all parties in any legal or quasi-legal proceedings. The principles form the foundation of law and justice without which society would fall into chaos.”

Ejembi Eko, JSC
Supreme Court of Nigeria

“I believe this book would be a useful resource for board members, stakeholders and all who have an interest in the effective governance of companies.”

Mr Adedotun Sulaiman
Chairman
Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria
November 30, 2020