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By Henry Uche
Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the captains of industries, managers and administrators in the country to show exceptional leadership by upholding management and administrative principles at all times, if they must make significant impact in people and the country at large.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bimbo Salu-Hundeyin, at the annual dinner and award ceremony put together by the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, equally urged members of the Institute to consider mentorship as a top priority and ensure ethical standards are maintained while making policies and taking decisions in their respective capacities.
“Titles mean little without responsibility, and that authority only has value when it is guided by integrity. Continue to promote ethical leadership, sound risk management, and effective oversight across both the private and public sectors. You must uphold good governance principles in practical boardroom realities.
“Directors must be informed, courageous, and principled. The margin for error has narrowed, and the responsibility has grown. Strong boards build strong institutions. Strong institutions support economic resilience and sustainable growth. And as Nigeria continues its reform journey, sound governance will remain central to restoring confidence and unlocking long-term prosperity. Continue to champion transparency, mentor the next generation, and uphold ethical standards even when it is inconvenient” he added.
Similarly, the chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Micheal Olawale-Cole, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Colenson Brokers Nigeria Limited, reminded corporate directors that leadership is not a designation on a door, but a courageous choice made every day.
With the theme, “The Triumph of Leadership in Challenging Times,” Olawale-Cole stressed that leadership in challenging times should remind leaders across board that triumph is not merely a destination; but the journey itself, the character forged in hard decisions long before applause arrives, the resilience built in the quiet, demanding hours when no one is watching.
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“True leadership triumphs not by avoiding adversity, but by navigating through it, and ensuring that our teams not only survive but emerge stronger, more focused, more united, and more resilient. In this dynamic landscape, our responsibility as leaders has become even more profound. It is our vision, our ethical compass, and our unwavering commitment, to excellence that shape enduring institutions, strengthen our economy, and sustain the trust and unity essential for national progress.”
He explained that leadership in challenging times is the victory of character over comfort, which rests on ‘Clarity over Chaos, Courage over Comfort, Connection over Isolation’, which forms the framework for sustained leadership triumph in today’s fast-changing global landscape.
He urged them to integrate this framework in their leadership decision making processes.
“True leadership rests not on authority but on legitimacy, the kind earned through positive impact, empowerment of others, and the creation of enduring legacies of innovation, excellence, and progress. The world does not need perfect leaders; it needs present, principled, purpose-driven leaders who offer clarity, act with courage, and build meaningful connections,” he added.
In a remark, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, Mr. Ounba Adetunji Oyebanji, encouraged his associates in the corporate world to keep making responsible choices, safeguard institutional integrity, and ensure that their organisations contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic and social advancement.
For the recipients of CIoD awards, the President affirmed that their accomplishments remind them that progress is possible even in difficult seasons and that leadership grounded in principle does not bend with pressure.
“As we look toward 2026, the Institute remains firmly committed to deepening the quality of directorship in Nigeria. We will broaden our capacity-building efforts, strengthen our advocacy, and pursue more purposeful alliances that support ethical leadership and effective board practice. We will continue to build a community of directors whose conduct and contributions elevate governance standards across all sectors,” Oyebanji assured.
