Photo caption from left: The President and Board Chairman, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – Mr Simon -Jude Mmayie ( 2nd right), the Chief Executive Officer, IIA- Mr Ambrose Enuma (right), Director of the Institute – Mr Don Umeha (left) and the 2025 Conference Chairperson – Mrs Bunmi Akinde at the unveiling of the IIA September 2025 Conference in Lagos at the weekend.
By Charles Okonji
It is paramount to note that Internal Auditors facilitate the achievement of stated goals by assisting organizations to follow stipulated operational processes, whether in the Public service or in business.
Moreover, Internal Auditors help organizations to identify the risks to the attainment of set goals and how to avoid them and also mitigate any at any time.
These were the submissions of Audit professionals at the weekend in Lagos at the unveiling of the 2025 Institute of Internal Auditors Nigeria Conference holding at the Muson Center, Lagos on Wednesday, 17th September 2025.
Speaking at IIA’s Ikoyi office, Lagos, the association’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ambrose Enuma said, gone were the days when Internal Auditors would shun visibility and remain silent achievers.
He stressed that IIA would ensure that members are better valued because of the significance of their roles, adding that the Institute would provide sustained capacity building opportunities.
According to the CEO, “We are not just concerned with the financials, but do a lot more. We give assurance and support organizations to achieve their objectives. We also identify risks, do risk control and ensure compliance to procedure”.
He expressed that the September conference, with the Theme “Living the Future: Fusing Tech and Ethics” provides a unique capacity building opportunity which should not be missed by professionals and other stakeholders, especially Internal Auditors.
Also speaking at the unveiling, IIA’s President and Chairman – Mr. Simon – Jude Mmayie stressed that Internal Auditors elevate the importance of doing things right.
In his words: “Both in the Public and Private sectors, what IIA stands for is providing an assurance to the board and providing insight and foresight that are advisory and consulting in nature.”
He said; “As internal auditors, we share your vision, identify what can aid its achievement, what can hinder it, and provide advice for enhanced value.
To us, getting to the end doesn’t matter unless the right process is followed.”
On his part; the Director of the Institute, Mr. Don Umeha, noted: “The corporate world rely so much on us. That’s why we are increasing public awareness and members’ empowerment. So, as we are having our yearly conference in September, we also have another one in May.”
The September 2025 Conference Chairperson, Mrs. Bunmi Akinde, said the conference would enable all participants to evaluate their roles currently and appreciate what the future holds.
According to her, “Like the Theme clearly stated, the only way an Internal Auditor can continue to function well is to fully understand the need for the impact of technology and compliance with ethics with the future in view. That is why this conference is a must event to Internal Auditors, and hence the need to ensure necessary awareness.”
