By Rukayat Moisemhe
Experts have urged business leaders and directors to cultivate leadership that transcends generations through mentorship, institutional governance and value-driven decision-making to build enduring legacies.
They gave the advice at the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Fellows evening in Lagos with the theme: “From Vision to Legacy: Cultivating Leadership that Transcends Generations”.
The Chairman, Sunu Assurance Nigeria Plc, Mr Kyari Bukar, noted that as industries evolved and with societies demanding greater accountability, the measure of true leadership had extended beyond quarterly profits.
He said that true leadership had transcended into the ability to build systems and cultures that endured over time to several generations.
Bukar noted that organisations often crumbled after leadership transitions due to weak succession planning, stressing that “a leader who fails to raise successors is writing a business obituary.”
He asserted that great leaders do not just occupy position but create pathways as architects of possibilities, adding values, systems and cultures that survived overtime.
He stated that effective leaders translated dreams into reality through sound governance structures, transparent processes, strong boards, succession planning, and institutional memory.
Bukar listed practical steps for new fellows to follow on generational leadership to include creating legacy statement, institutionalising governance, mentoring at least five successors.
He added that they could champion sustainability, engage nationally by volunteering, write journals, books and balance profit with purpose.
“Directors must build leadership that transcends generations through mentorship and institutionalisation.
“If legacy is to endure, it must be anchored on timeless values of integrity, resilience and service, hence, directors must think beyond profit and go on to sustainability.
“We must learn from international best practices while adapting them to local realities as the true measure of leadership is not in title held, wealth amassed but lives touched, institutions strengthened and values preserved,” he said.
The President of CIoD, Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, said true leadership went beyond personal achievements to building values, systems and people who would sustain positive change for future generations.
Oyebanji noted that while a vision was the spark of an idea, the true test of a leader lied in transforming that vision into a legacy.
He urged the newly conferred fellows, honorary fellows and distinguished fellows to uphold integrity, professionalism and sound corporate governance.
Oyebanji reaffirmed CIoD’s commitment to promoting excellence and ethical leadership in the boardroom and across sectors.
“As leaders in your respective fields, you have the power to shape the future of our nation.
“I am confident that your contributions will be invaluable in driving positive change and ensuring the success of the public and private sectors in Nigeria,” he said.
Also, the Chairman, Fellows and Awards Committee, CIoD, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, described the theme as timely and inspiring, stressing that while vision gave direction, legacy gave meaning.
Borodo said the conferment of new fellows signified both recognition of past accomplishments and renewed trust in their capacity to inspire responsible leadership and nation-building.
He urged the honourees to continue to mentor others, strengthen institutions and set standards that promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
“To our fellows, we welcome you into our fold with respect and admiration, confident that your association will further enrich the ideals we promote.
“Together, may we continue to advance the frontiers of good governance and responsible leadership in our nation and beyond.
“Let us remember that true leadership is not measured by titles or wealth, but by the lives we touch and the standards we set,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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