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By Henry Uche
Group Managing Director (GMD) of FBN Holdings Plc (the parent company of First Bank of Nigeria Limited), Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, and the immediate past chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce – Nigeria, Chief Dr. Olusegun Osunkeye, as well as other management and administrative gurus, have urged thought leaders in Nigeria to deliberately and sacrificially offer mentoring services to young people who are willing and ready to learn what they don’t teach them at Harvard.
The keynote speaker at the launch of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD’s) Mentoring Scheme, where young directors were linked with mentees, held in Lagos, Mr. Okonkwo, who is the immediate past Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, narrated his life journey to the audience and affirmed that people can get mentorship unconsciously by virtue of life circumstances, as every experience, especially bitter ones, has a way of shaping one’s life for greater responsibilities.
“We must have the right frame of mind and attitude to receive from mentors. In all of these, there must be discipline, and there must be structure that does not give you unnecessary access to either the mentor or the mentee until you both understand the essence,” he added.
For Dr. Osunkeye, everyone must see themselves as both a mentor and a mentee at every phase of their life. “We must consciously impact knowledge on people while also learning,” he advised.
In his address, the President & Chairman of the Governing Council of CIoD Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani M. Borodo, explained that the initiative was aimed at bridging the gaps in knowledge and competencies within the corporate governance space. According to him, it was a session for cross-breeding of ideas and practical experience sharing from the fountain of knowledge in leadership and corporate governance between veterans/doyens and upcoming stars in different fields of endeavour.
Initiated by the Immediate Past President of CIoD, Dr. Mrs. Ije Jidenma, the CIoD president said, “As leaders, the need for continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and skill development in this complex and dynamic environment cannot be overemphasised. As a company director, your role is crucial in leading your organization with a clear vision, strategic direction, and unwavering integrity.
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“You are entrusted with the responsibility of making well-informed decisions that balance the interests of various stakeholders, while skillfully navigating the ever-changing landscape of market conditions and regulatory requirements. More importantly, you are expected to position today’s talents and upcoming leaders for a seamless transition in the future, to lead the transgenerational sustainability of the legacies you are building today.”
Borodo emphasised that the Mentoring Scheme aims to foster a culture of excellence in corporate governance, develop the next generation of directors and leaders, provide guidance and support for professionals navigating complex governance issues, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses globally.
“Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It provides a safe space for learning, reflection, and exploration. Our mentors are seasoned professionals with vast experience in corporate governance, leadership, and management. They will share their expertise, experiences, and networks to support the development of our mentees.
“It was designed to be transformative. We aim to create a community of practice where knowledge is shared, expertise is developed, and relationships are built. Our mentees will have access to regular development sessions, CIoD Nigeria’s resources and network, and opportunities for professional certification and recognition.”
He encouraged mentees to embrace opportunities, challenges, and learnings that lie ahead to propel their growth, but they must actively participate and engage by taking advantage of the knowledge, expertise, and networks available to them.
“I urge you all to remember that effective governance is not just a requirement, but a cornerstone for sustainable success. Let us work together to elevate the standards of corporate governance in Nigeria. Let us strive for excellence, integrity, and accountability in all that we do,” he implored.
