New NIM President pledges to uphold institute’s values

The newly-elected 25th President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered and Chairman of the Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), has pledged to uphold the institute’s core values and drive excellence in management practice.

Ayuba made the pledge at his investiture ceremony held in Lagos.He emphasized the importance of unity of purpose, urging members to transcend ethnic and religious differences to work towards the institute’s collective goals.

“The institute is a microcosm of our great nation, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds. We must put aside these diversities and work towards promoting excellence, fostering professionalism, and contributing to national development,” he stated.

Acknowledging the strength in diversity, Ayuba stressed the need for a unity of purpose amongst members as a precondition for repositioning the institute as a leading brand in management excellence both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.

He underscored the necessity of adhering to the institute’s regulations, pledging to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance.
Furthermore, the new NIM boss highlighted the critical role of mutual respect and loyalty among members, advocating for an inclusive culture that respects diverse perspectives. He reassured members that the institute would resist divisive forces in society, instead promoting tolerance and national cohesion.

Ayuba pledged to strengthen the institute’s engagement with key stakeholders, including the government, industry leaders, academia, the judiciary and the military, to enhance NIM’s influence at both national and international levels.

Recognising the Federal Government’s efforts in professional capacity building, Ayuba commended President Bola Tinubu for promoting the inclusion of professional bodies in governance. He advocated a policy that will mandate government appointees in strategic management positions to undergo formal management orientation, a programme NIM is ready to spearhead in collaboration with the government.

He acknowledged the institute’s consistent engagement in public policy advocacy and other developmental programmes, emphasizing that these efforts have significantly contributed to governance and national progress.

As a Fellow of the institute, Akume underscored the importance of NIM’s role in policy formulation and implementation, urging the new leadership to strengthen the institute’s collaboration with the government.

He called for capacity-building initiatives tailored to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the nation’s workforce, particularly within ministries, departments, and agencies.

“The Federal Government is more than willing to partner with the institute in this direction,” he assured. The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that leadership is not about titles but its impact.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, charged Ayuba to uphold the noble task of ensuring that the NIM remains a beacon of professional excellence.

“Under his leadership, we anticipate initiatives that will strengthen the Institute’s influence, expand its reach, and equip managers with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the modern business and public sector environments.

“Beyond his professional credentials, Commodore Ayuba is a man of integrity, a visionary, and a leader who embodies the core values of discipline, dedication, and service. His story will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas, and enrich this Institute and the essential workforce of our nation.

To the members and stakeholders of the Nigerian Institute of Management, I urge you all to give him your unwavering support so that he can keep up the culture of innovation and excellence that will continue to shape the future of management practice in Nigeria and beyond,” Sanwo-Olu stated.