The Institute of Leadership Coaching and Strategy (ILCS) has said only ethical and moral leadership can build the Nigeria every citizens are yearning for. Experts and professionals called for inspiring, trusted leadership at the ILCS’s Second Induction Ceremony in Lagos, themed ‘Ethical Leadership for Societal Impact.’
The Institute, which admitted new members into various established grades at its second induction ceremony held in Lagos, said that the challenges in many African nations are predominantly attributed to poor leadership. The institute observed that leadership is not about title but inspiring others, driving positive changes and making lasting impact on people and communities. He noted with concern that family, community, and national progress hinge on leadership, citing Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada as examples of ethical leadership success.
The Institute’s President Dr. Olasunkade Azeez noted that “If ethical leadership could transform Singapore from a developing country to a developed nation, and if despite the numerous regional, national and multicultural challenges in Canada, the country became enviable, Nigeria can be built with ethical leadership,” he said.
“Our institute’s vision is to be a leading reference point in responsible leadership, culture and strategy, safety, growth, innovation and accessibility. He further stated that “Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations through cutting-edge knowledge, scheme and best practices to reset and turn around individual and operate on a leading edge, through a leading edge, equity, fairness, technical practices and justice, through advocacy, conversations and through advocacy.
“We are responsible professionals and we are also leaders in causing value change in the economy.
“Leadership is not just about title or position. It is about expanding order, driving positive change and making a lasting impact on the society.
He charged the new members that “You have demonstrated your commitment to excel and your dedication to shaping the future of leadership with your profound expression or interest to be part of work,” Olasunkade remarked. He commended the inductees for showing commitment to excellence and leadership transformation.
The Chairman of the occasion and a former Executive at African Leadership Forum, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale, in his remark posited that a leadership strategist and development expert, said everything rises and falls on leadership, stressing Nigeria’s urgent need for ethical leaders. Aderinwale, stated that unless Nigeria produces principled leaders, it cannot achieve the vision of its founding fathers. “We now live in a society where shamelessness is a shared value. Ethical conduct is hardly a consideration anymore,” Aderinwale said.
He called for a visionary society committed to producing trusted, value-driven leaders with discipline, honesty, integrity, and professionalism. “If we fail to groom young Nigerians with ethical values, the nation will remain stagnant,” said Aderinwale, a former Executive at Africa Leadership Forum.
Describing the task before ILCS as herculean, he noted that Nigeria had endured too much corruption and unethical conduct. He urged ILCS to stay focused on raising a generation of ethical, transformative Nigerian leaders. Aderinwale reminded the inductees that core values are essential to achieving Nigeria’s collective aspirations.
“This is your chance to walk the tough road with like minds and help create the Nigeria we all desire,” he said.
The Guest Speaker, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, a former Lagos Commissioner, said Nigeria had no reason to be underdeveloped, given its abundant resources. She described leadership and people as the missing links to Nigeria’s sustainable development and growth.
“If we normalise abnormality and remain silent, we will not progress,” Ponnle warned. She praised ILCS for championing ethical leadership, stating that true leadership inspires extraordinary actions from ordinary people.
Qualities of a good leader, she said, include ethics, conviction, integrity, empathy, focus, courage, and accountability.
“It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible,” she added.
Mr Jide Ologun, a cleric and ILCS Fellow, questioned whether Nigerians truly desire ethical leadership.
He noted that many leaders act unethically because they face no consequences for their misconduct.
If accountability existed, he said, leaders would be forced to uphold core values and act ethically.
The inductees were sworn in by the ILCS President and Chairman of the Governing Council in batches and were admonished to make impact in the society through ethical leadership.
Dr. Olasunkade Azeez, formally inducted new members with the administration of oath allegiance to the Institute. He was supported by the Institute’s Registrar and Chief Executive Barr. (Mrs) Ifeoma Adeniyi, Vice President, Dr. Adedayo Odukoya, National Treasurer, Dr. Samuel Senbore at the ceremony. The Institute is a multi-dimensional professional body was established as an offshoot of Chartered Institute of Leadership, Policy and Strategy, Delaware USA. It is a strategic partner of the International Federation of Training and Development – African confederation (IFTDO-Africa) and accredited by the Centre for Management Development. The Registrar/CE administered the Institute’s Code of Conduct to all members in attendance at the occasion.