Sanwo-Olu advises managers on ethical leadership

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerian managers and professionals to strengthen ethical leadership, embrace innovation and build institutions capable of responding to rapid economic and technological change.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Hamzat, made the call recently at the 65th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night of the Nigerian Institute of Management in Lagos, where he warned that professionals who fail to adapt risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive economy.

The event, held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, was themed ‘Leading Through Transformation: The Human Element in Modern Leadership’.

The Governor said rapid urbanisation, technological disruption, economic transformation and changes in work were placing new demands on leaders across the public and private sectors.

He urged managers to combine strategic thinking and technical competence with integrity, adaptability and continuous learning, arguing that strong institutions were essential to sustaining trust, stability and long-term development.

“The challenges before us today range from rapid urbanisation and technological disruption to economic transformation and the changing nature of work, and will require leaders who are strategic, ethical, innovative, and prepared to make difficult decisions in the public interest,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He described NIM’s role in developing management professionals as important to Nigeria’s ability to navigate the changing business and economic environment, while encouraging the institute to continue promoting professional standards.

Sanwo-Olu also called for greater adoption of digital transformation and stronger professional standards as Nigerian managers seek to compete in the global economy.

“As we celebrate the achievements of the past 65 years, let us reaffirm our commitment to excellence in management and pledge to ensure that the ideals of this Institute endure and thrive for many more decades to come,” he said.

Earlier, President and Chairman of NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting management excellence and professional development in Nigeria.

Ayuba noted that NIM’s charter, granted by the National Assembly in 2003, expanded its responsibility to establish standards and systems for evaluating and developing management professionals in the country.

The anniversary dinner also recognised the contributions of past presidents and other professionals to the development of management practice in Nigeria.

The highlight of the event was the investiture of Hamzat as a Fellow of NIM.