Institute Of Leadership Coaching And Strategy Holds Maiden Induction
The Institute of Leadership Coaching and Strategy (ILCS) on Thursday 28th November 2024 in Lagos conducted its maiden induction with scholars and experts advocating for “ethical nexus” between the people and ruling class, as one of the veritable instruments to deploy, in resolving the leadership challenges in Nigeria.
An academic, Prof. David Aworawo, led the advocacy during and after his lecture, with the theme: “Nigeria at 64 the leadership factor – which way out?” on Thursday, in Lagos.
Fielding questions after the lecture, Aworawo, a Professor of Industrial Relations and Strategic Studies, at the University of Lagos, restated that for Nigeria to grow its leadership, there is need for ethical change and transformation and advocacy for people to do the right thing.
Prof. Aworawo who declared that the journey to good leadership in Nigeria is yet to begin, however, admitted that there would be a positive twist to this discouraging trend, “until the leaders apply qualities of honesty, selflessness, embrace knowledge” and appreciate common good.
He affirmed that good leadership results in “sustainable development”.
According to him, to ensure that followers influence the leaders to take the right path, there is need for reorientation, change, efforts to drive people to think positively and selflessness.
While delivering the lecture, Prof. Aworawo highlighted that a good leader must be knowledgeable, honest, self-sacrificing, and has capacity to sensitise and mobilise for common good.
Moving forward, the erudite scholar stressed that for Nigeria to overcome its leadership quagmires, called on individuals to do their own parts in offices, organizations and institutions, reiterating that followers must be up to task – play their roles, so as to influence the leaders – to be on the right track.
Speaking at the induction, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Akinlolu Iroko in his opening remarks, asserted that no matter the level of efforts deployed to get it right, leadership would not thrive “without dealing with the culture of impunity”.
Iroko, who is the Chairman, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc also declared that when empathy is lost in the process, then, the leadership is lost.
The former boss of the Institute of Directors also established that when leadership makes mistakes, such errors should be admitted, while amendments should be made.
Iroko noted that doing this translates to taking responsibility, adding that this approach earns leadership respect and recognition.
“As leaders, don’t sectionalise; leaders should lead with an open mind”, Iroko stated.
In his welcome address, ILCS President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Olasunkade Azeez, disclosed that the institute emerged as a multidimensional professional body for leadership coaching and strategy due to its global vision, comprehensive mission that prioritizes sustainable development, and core values.
These, he listed include: a commitment to professionalism, ethical practices, discipline, consistency, transparency, and service for a better society through responsible and responsive leadership advocacy.
He indicated that the quality of leadership in Nigeria today is a subject of concern and debate, noting that while there are some effective leaders in various sectors, the country still faces significant challenges in terms of leadership effectiveness. Some of the issues include: Dr Azeez highlighted: “Corruption: Widespread corruption and nepotism undermine leadership credibility and effectiveness.
“Lack of accountability: Insufficient transparency and accountability mechanisms hinder leadership accountability.
“Poor governance: Ineffective policy implementation, weak institutions, and inadequate public services characterize governance in Nigeria. The effect of fuel subsidy has been a big challenge to an average man survival since the inception of this administration.
“Ethnic and religious divisions: Leaders often prioritize ethnic or religious interests over national unity and development.
“Inadequate infrastructure development: Nigeria’s infrastructure lags behind, hindering economic growth and development.
“Security challenges: Ineffective handling of security issues, such as Boko Haram and banditry, erodes trust in leadership.
“Economic mismanagement: Nigeria’s economic potential is hindered by poor leadership decisions and a failure to diversify the economy.
“Lack of vision and strategy: Short-term thinking and absence of a clear national vision hinder long-term development.
“Ineffective communication: Poor communication and engagement with citizens contribute to mistrust and disillusionment.
“Leadership succession issues: Unclear or disputed leadership transitions can create instability and undermine progress”.
He restated: “Our emergence will support leaders across socio-economic and political value chains to enhance among other the following turn-around goals through our advocacy and collaboration strategic thrusts…”
Dr Azeez related that this involves: “Strengthened institutions and governance structures; Enhanced accountability and transparency mechanisms; Leadership development programs and capacity building; Improved citizen engagement and participation; A culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and national unity”.
The ILCS President told all new inductees that expression of willingness to join ILCS leadership is a clarion call to “serve our nation and we should be focused” to achieve the purpose of existence.
He enjoined the newly inducted members to resolve to establish a legacy for a better society by embracing the institute’s code of ethics and membership obligations to fulfil its mandates through their expertise to deliver unparalleled values for the common good.
Speaking to our correspondent after her induction, Mrs Olubusola Abidakin, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Establishment and Training, replied the feat was a milestone to her, as a core Human Resources practitioner.
On what ILCS could do better, Mrs Abidakin, said apart from advocacy, the Institute should do more with respect to informing the public about its tenet and core value, stressing that a lot of people need to be mentored on leadership.
She stated further: “Leadership is about bringing people together – to get the best. It’s not being toxic; not being oga, but about carrying people along to achieve the vision and mission of an organization”.
A total of 56 members were inducted at the event. Out of the figure, 48 were inducted as Fellows; three as Full members and five as Associate members.
The inductees cut across private and public sectors, mostly from the top and managerial cadres.
The induction was graced by the ILCS heads, including: the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Olasunkade Azeez, Vice President, Dr Jonathan Odukoya, Registrar/Chief Executive, Barr. Ifeoma Adeniyi and National Treasurer, Dr Samuel Senbore.
ILCS was established in December, 2023, with service, consistency, ethical practices, professionalism, discipline and transparency as its core values.
