Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerian managers and professionals to embrace innovation, ethical leadership and continuous learning to build stronger institutions capable of navigating the country’s rapidly changing economic and technological environment.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the 65th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), themed, “Leading Through Transformation: The Human Element in Modern Leadership,” held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said organisations across the public and private sectors were being confronted by rapid technological disruption, changing global markets and increasing demands for accountability and efficiency.

He warned that managers and professionals who failed to adapt to these changes risked being left behind in an increasingly competitive environment.

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 said effective leadership in the modern workplace could no longer be defined solely by technical competence, stressing that integrity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning were increasingly critical to organisational success.

He also emphasised the importance of strong institutions, describing them as the foundation for stability, public trust and sustainable development.

The governor said NIM’s 65-year contribution to management development and professionalism demonstrated the importance of building a strong pool of competent managers capable of responding to emerging challenges.

He commended the institute for fostering professionalism, nurturing talent and inspiring individuals to pursue excellence in their careers, adding that the recognition of outstanding professionals through its awards reflected years of commitment to organisational and national development.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s development agenda was anchored on creating an environment where enterprise could thrive while strengthening institutions to deliver 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 said.

Earlier, the President and Chairman of the Council of NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd.), reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting management excellence and professional development in Nigeria.

Ayuba said the establishment of the institute placed a responsibility on its leadership to develop standards and effective systems for evaluating and developing management professionals.

He explained that NIM was founded by professionals, industry leaders, technocrats and public servants who came together to establish a platform dedicated to management development.

According to him, the institute’s mandate was further strengthened in 2003 when the National Assembly granted it a charter to control and regulate the practice of management in Nigeria.

He said the development imposed greater responsibility on the institute and its founding fathers to establish standards and systems for developing competent management professionals.

Ayuba also paid tribute to past presidents and leaders who contributed to the growth of the institute, saying the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate its achievements while reflecting on the legacy of those who had advanced management excellence in Nigeria.

The highlight of the event was the investiture of Hamzat as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, in recognition of his contributions to leadership and public administration.[4:49 PM]L-R: President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Commodore Abimbola Ayuba rtd; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hamzat Obafemi, and Registrar/Chief Executive, NIM, Dr. Taiwo Olusesi at the Institute’s 65th Anniversary Dinner and Awards.