The Group Head, Human Resources, BUA Group International, Dotun Adako, has warned that organisations risk losing returns on their investments in technology and systems when employees fail to embrace transformation.

Adako, who spoke at the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) 2026 Awards, Fellows and Spouses’ Day Luncheon in Lagos, said organisations must prioritise human adoption alongside strategy, technology and systems if their transformation efforts are to deliver the desired results.

He said organisations often focus on transformation strategies and expected outcomes without paying adequate attention to the employees who must implement and sustain the changes.

According to him, introducing new technologies can create anxiety among workers, particularly when employees fear that automation could make their roles redundant.

He therefore urged organisational leaders to communicate transparently with employees and involve them in the transformation process, stressing that leadership should be built around engagement rather than directives.

Adako said transformation should be treated as an ongoing strategic imperative rather than a one-off project, adding that leaders must combine strategic vision with emotional intelligence to manage organisational change successfully.

He advised organisations embarking on transformation to clearly identify their strategic objectives, key performance indicators, relevant stakeholders and the scope of the proposed changes before implementation.

He also called for stronger collaboration across organisational functions, active mentorship and deliberate efforts to develop younger employees into future leaders.

Earlier, President and Chairman of Council of NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd.), said newly elevated Fellows should regard the recognition as a call to greater responsibility and service to the Institute, the management profession and the nation.

Ayuba said NIM had constituted its Fellows into sectoral faculties to identify issues and challenges within their areas of expertise and develop studies and policy recommendations for government.

Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was conferred with fellowship, said people remained central to organisational transformation despite the growing importance of technology and systems.

He identified accountability, professionalism and personnel welfare as critical tools for building a motivated and mission-ready workforce.

The Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rose Oriaran-Anthony, said effective management was central to national development, urging leaders to demonstrate competence, innovation, ethical conduct and emotional intelligence.

Chairman, Board of Fellows, Stella Olaniyan, represented by Christie Adejoh, said 224 full members who applied for elevation to Fellow attained the minimum 70 per cent cut-off and were recommended and approved by Council. At the same time, 20 applicants were dropped on account of membership age and low scores.

The event, which marked NIM’s 65th anniversary, featured the conferment of merit awards, life membership and fellowship on members and other distinguished individuals.