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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Nigeria Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) has set a target of attracting about 500 leaders and professionals to the 2026 International Coaching Week (ICW), as part of efforts to entrench influence-based leadership across the country.
ICW 2026, a global initiative taking place simultaneously in 99 countries, is designed to promote the value of coaching through conversations, learning sessions and shared experiences.
In Nigeria, the week-long programme is scheduled to hold from May 11 to May 17, 2026, with a flagship conference slated for May 12 in Lagos.
The conference, themed “From Authority to Influence: Coaching as a New Leadership Currency,” is expected to draw participants from diverse sectors, including business executives, entrepreneurs, public officials and young professionals.
President of ICF Nigeria Chapter, Charles Okeibunor, said the 2026 edition marks a strategic departure from previous outings, which were largely limited to coaching professionals.
According to him, the chapter is deliberately widening participation to include professionals across industries.
“We are opening the conversation to everyone. We want bankers, engineers, journalists, lawyers, entrepreneurs and professionals from all walks of life to understand what coaching is and how it can help them become better leaders and decision-makers,” he said.
Okeibunor described coaching as a structured conversation that enables individuals to think clearly, solve problems and make informed decisions, noting that it differs from mentoring or consulting, which often involve giving advice.
Speaking on the conference theme, he emphasised the need for a shift in leadership approach in Nigeria, where authority-driven leadership still dominates.
“Authority can make people obey you, but influence makes people believe in you. People can obey you without believing in you, but they cannot believe in you without obeying you. For sustainable success, leaders must move beyond issuing instructions to unlocking potential,” he said.
He likened human potential to natural resources, stressing that Nigeria’s population remains one of its greatest assets.
“There is immense potential in people, but without the right leadership approach, it remains untapped. Coaching helps to discover and develop that potential,” he added.
The ICW 2026 programme will feature keynote addresses, a CEO/C-Suite roundtable, masterclasses, fireside chats and interactive sessions. Areas of focus include resilience, artificial intelligence, building a coaching culture and business growth, alongside networking opportunities.
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Trustee of ICF Nigeria and organisational effectiveness expert, Habiba Balogun, noted that many organisations struggle because individuals are promoted into leadership roles without adequate preparation.
“Being good at your job does not automatically make you a good leader. Leadership is about people motivating, inspiring and enabling others to perform at their best,” she said.
Balogun explained that leadership built solely on authority often yields limited results.
“When people follow you only because you are their boss, they do the minimum. But when they trust and believe in you, they go the extra mile,” she added, noting that coaching helps leaders build trust and raise other leaders.
Also speaking, executive and leadership presence coach, Janet Adetu, said the conference will equip participants with practical tools applicable to their daily lives and work.
She explained that coaching enhances self-awareness and helps leaders identify blind spots.
“A coach acts like a mirror, helping you see areas you may not be aware of and improve on them,” she said.
Adetu added that participants would gain skills such as active listening, emotional intelligence, empathy and trust-building, which are critical in managing diverse teams.
Director of Marketing and Communications, ICF Nigeria Charter Chapter, Patrenia Werts Onuoha, said the initiative aims to reshape leadership perceptions, particularly in environments where rigid control still prevails.
“In many organisations, leadership is still based on force. People comply only when they are being monitored,” she said.
According to her, such an approach does not deliver lasting change.
“Coaching builds awareness, trust and accountability. When people feel heard and valued, performance improves significantly,” she added.
Onuoha disclosed that the chapter is adopting a strategic approach to drive participation by showcasing professionals who already apply coaching principles in their work.
“We want people to see that coaching is already embedded in many success stories. You do not have to be a professional coach to benefit from it,” she said.
She described coaching as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness, urging leaders across sectors to leverage it as a competitive advantage.
With Nigeria grappling with economic and social challenges, the organisers believe that strengthening leadership capacity through coaching could contribute to national development.
They maintained that ICW 2026 reinforces a growing shift in leadership thinking one that prioritises influence, connection and the ability to bring out the best in others, rather than reliance on authority alone.
