‏The President, International Coaching Federation Nigeria Chapter, Charles Okeibunor, alongside industry leaders and government officials, has advocated influence-based leadership as against authority-driven leadership, describing coaching as a critical tool for national growth, corporate transformation and effective governance.

Speaking at the opening of the International Coaching Week (ICW) held at the Civic Centre in Lagos with the theme, “From Authority to Influence: Coaching as a New Leadership Currency,” Okeibunor said coaching remains central to decision-making, strategic thinking and leadership development in organisations and government institutions.

The event attracted chairmen of companies, chief executive officers, senior executives, government officials and aspiring professional coaches from different sectors of the economy.

According to Okeibunor, the conference, which is simultaneously taking place across 140 countries and 99 chapters worldwide, was designed to deepen awareness on the importance of coaching and professional standards in leadership development.

He noted that coaching promotes influence rather than authority as the ideal model for effective leadership in modern organisations.

“Today, we are here for a conference that ushers us into coaching week to set standards for both training and accreditation of professional coaches across the world. Coaching is germane to decision-making, problem-solving and strategic thinking,” he said.

He added that leaders in both public and private sectors require coaching support to function effectively, especially when occupying positions of authority and influence.

“In corporate organisations and government, once a person is appointed into leadership, such individual needs a coach. If decisions are to be taken effectively, coaching becomes necessary. When coaching is deployed as a critical part of development, transition and discovery, it moves from theory into practical reality,” he added.

Okeibunor urged organisations to deliberately allocate time for coaching as part of staff capability development, stressing that professional coaching should enjoy the same level of attention given to training programmes.

He described the conference as the largest coaching gathering in Africa and disclosed that the event was free for participants. He also announced that free coaching hours would be donated during the International Coaching Week through the website: www.sefnigeria.org where interested individuals can subscribe for pro-bono coaching sessions.

Former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Chairman of African Capital Alliance, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, who delivered the keynote address, described influence as one of the strongest elements of leadership.

He explained that coaching focuses on listening to people, drawing out their strengths and helping them attain their full potential.

Enelamah recalled that during his time in government, efforts to improve the economy through ease of doing business policies were anchored on listening to stakeholders and addressing their concerns.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy, Sanyade Okoli, said coaching helps individuals maximise their abilities by encouraging critical thinking rather than the imposition of authority.

Chief Executive Officer of Amplitude Telecoms Africa Ltd., Michael Ikpoki, stressed that influence-based leadership is essential for building innovative organisations capable of driving economic growth.