Sanwo-Olu tasks managers on innovation, ethical leadership
…As Hamzat bags NIM Fellows’ award
Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has charged Nigerian managers and professionals to embrace innovation, strengthen ethical leadership and build stronger institutions needed to navigate Nigeria’s rapidly changing economic and technological landscape.
Sanwo-Olu made the charge on Thursday at the 65th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), with the theme, “Leading Through Transformation: the Human Element in Modern Leadership,” held in Lagos.
The governor said professionals who fail to adapt to these changes risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive environment
Represented by the deputy governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, he noted that the change has become necessary as organisations across the public and private sectors grapple with disruptions driven by digital transformation, shifting global markets, and increasing demands for accountability and efficiency.
According to him, “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. This Institute has an important role to play in preparing such leaders.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed that leadership in today’s world goes beyond technical competence, noting that integrity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are now essential qualities for effective management. He added that strong institutions remain the backbone of any successful society, as they ensure stability, promote trust and sustain long-term development outcomes.
Celebrating the vision of the Institute for fostering professionalism, nurturing talent, and inspiring many individuals to pursue excellence in their careers, the governor said each award presented represents years of hard work and a strong commitment to fostering progress.
He affirmed that the development agenda of his administration is founded on the conviction that Lagos must remain a city where enterprise is encouraged, and institutions are strengthened to achieve meaningful outcomes.
“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. In the chapters ahead, we must embrace digital transformation, strengthen professional standards, and equip Nigerian managers with the skills needed to succeed in the global economy” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, President/Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Rtd.), reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting management excellence and development in Nigeria, adding that the establishment of the institute placed a greater responsibility on it to establish standards and effective systems for evaluating and developing management professionals.
Ayuba noted that the institute is a group of professionals, industry leaders, technocrats and public servants who came together to establish a management group, stating that its mandate was further strengthened in 2003 when the National Assembly granted it a charter to control and regulate the practice of management in Nigeria.
“This development for us placed a greater responsibility on our founding fathers to establish standards and effective systems for evaluating and developing management professionals. Today we are also paying tribute to past presidents who had contributed to the growth of the Institute. The occasion therefore serves as both a celebration of present achievements and a tribute to the enduring legacies of those who have advanced management excellence in Nigeria,” he noted.
The highlight of the event was the investiture of the deputy governor of the state, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as a Fellow of the Institute.
