The Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM (Chartered), has given an outstanding leadership award to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

Speaking at the End-of-Year Lecture and Award Night of the NDDC Chapter of the Institute, the President and Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr (Mrs) Christiana Atako, lauded the NDDC Chief Executive Officer for his efforts in fostering professional excellence and contributing to the development of Nigeria. She commended him for leading with purpose and distinction.

Atako remarked: ?Leadership is not just about authority but about vision, influence, and responsibility to the people, our nation, and the global community. It is the process of influencing, motivating, and inspiring individuals or teams to achieve a shared vision, goal, or objective, and it is central to the Management profession.?

The NIM President observed that the theme of the Lecture, ?Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development in a Digital Age," was not only contemporary and germane but also timely and compelling.

She noted: ?It challenges us to explore the intersections of leadership, sustainable development and the transformative impact of digital technology on governance and organizational practices. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, it is clear that the quality of leadership will determine our capacity to achieve the sustainable development goals we aspire to.

Atako stated that effective leadership was key to witnessing sustainable development in a digital age. She explained: ?Effective leadership involves vision, which entails clearly articulating a compelling direction; inspiring and motivating others to work towards a shared vision; building trust, credibility, and influence to guide and direct others; and making informed, timely, and decisive decisions that support the vision and goals.

?It is effectively communicating the vision, goals, and expectations to stakeholders; demonstrating self-awareness, empathy, and social skills to build strong relationships; developing and empowering others to achieve their full potential; and taking ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.?

Atako noted that sustainable development demanded forward-thinking, inclusive and resilient leaders, adding: ?It requires integrating economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection into the policies and practices of our organizations and institutions.?

In her welcome address, the NDDC Chapter Chairman of NIM, Dr Patience Ezugu, acknowledged the visionary leadership of the NDDC Managing Director and described him as a ?Transformational Leader.?

She said the lecture's focus, ?Leadership: A Panacea for Sustainable Development,? highlights the importance of effective leadership in achieving sustainable development worldwide.

Ezugu stressed the importance of good leadership and professional management and how they were vital for success in any organization. ?They provide vision, direction, and guidance, inspire employees, drive growth and innovation, and build a positive work culture,? she said.

The keynote speaker, Prof Joy Eke-Ejiofor, a Food Science and Technology professor at Rivers State University, affirmed that the future of sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond rested on leaders prepared to rise to the challenges of the digital age.

She highlighted the differences between leadership and management, stressing that effective leadership commands good performance.

Eke-Ejiofor stated that leadership was not defined by titles or positions but by positively impacting society.

She remarked: ?The digital age presents unparalleled opportunities for leaders to innovate and drive sustainable development. Digital technology has revolutionized how we live, work, and interact, offering tools to enhance efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity.?

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