‘Nigerian leaders need coaching’
The president of International Coaching Federation (ICF) Nigeria, Akanimo Ekong, says Nigerian leaders, both political and corporate, require professional coaching services in order to lead differently and impact on the citizens to thrive. He spoke in Lagos at Impact Conference organised, on Tuesday, in commemoration of the 2025 International Coaching Week. The conference which attracted […]
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The president of International Coaching Federation (ICF) Nigeria, Akanimo Ekong, says Nigerian leaders, both political and corporate, require professional coaching services in order to lead differently and impact on the citizens to thrive.
He spoke in Lagos at Impact Conference organised, on Tuesday, in commemoration of the 2025 International Coaching Week.
The conference which attracted professional coaches across the country was also held in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the ICF global and 10 years of its existence in Nigeria.
In his welcome remarks, Ekong noted that Nigeria and indeed Africa has ‘leadership disaster’ and not a natural problem, echoing the power of coaching to transform leaders at all levels.
“I believe strongly that leaders who benefit from coaching and who also adopt a more coaching approach to how they lead, not only will they drive results, they will ignite potentials, nurture innovation and build cultures where people can thrive,” he told the gathering.
Responding to questions from newsmen on the sidelines, he said one of visions of the ICF is to make coaching an integral part of transforming society.
“About three or four years ago, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu asked us to coach his entire executive cabinet and that’s pioneering as a state. No state has done it.
“If the governor felt that coaching will help my cabinet, then the other states, federal entities very likely will say we need to do that as well.
“We cannot continue to lead the way we have leading before when we have a different generation that thinks differently and expects differently.”
Ekong said for the past ten years in Nigeria, ICF has been educating, empowering and inspiring people about the power of coaching.
In his keynote speech titled “Innovative Leadership: Coaching as a catalyst for transformation,” Dr ‘Tunde Reis noted that Nigeria and other developed nations need to explore coaching in order to impact on the society.
Reis who is founder and Chairman, First World Communities Ltd, said vision and empowerment, unlocking potential and curiosity culture are the qualities that set innovative leaders apart.
He emphasised that the ‘command and control’ old leadership no longer sufficient, saying coaching remains a powerful force for innovation.