The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, joined other distinguished leaders at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Leadership Dialogue, convened by the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA), to address the theme “Building Resilient Leadership for the 21st Century.” The event, held under the broader banner of “Reimagining Leadership in a Changing World,” brought together thought leaders, policymakers, corporate executives, and advocates to explore innovative approaches to leadership in an era defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
Insights from Dr. Olowo: Leadership in Action
During the session, Dr. Olowo shared valuable insights drawn from his tenure as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the FRC. Reflecting on his experiences and the challenges faced since taking office, he emphasized the importance of resilient leadership in navigating complexity and driving transformation.
He underscored the need for empowering leadership at every level, stating, “Every desk must have a leader.” By fostering leadership across all roles within an organization, Dr. Olowo argued that teams can achieve greater alignment, accountability, and innovation.
Highlighting the sacrifices leaders often make for the well-being of their teams, Dr. Olowo explained how prioritizing the needs of followers ultimately earns leaders not just admiration but also the respect and support of their teams. According to him, a leader’s ability to build trust, demonstrate empathy, and inspire action is critical to sustaining institutional relevance and growth.
A Timely Dialogue for a Changing World
The Nigeria Leadership Dialogue was convened at a time when the country, like the rest of the world, is grappling with rapid technological disruption, shifting workforce demographics, heightened demands for accountability, and persistent governance challenges. Themed “Reimagining Leadership in a Changing World,” the event sought to define the traits and strategies required for 21st-century leadership.
The dialogue featured two high-level panel discussions, interactive sessions, and cross-sector networking opportunities. Dr. Olowo was a key panelist in the session on “Building Resilient Leadership for the 21st Century.” Alongside prominent leaders such as Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman (Special Advisor to the President on Policy Coordination), Dr. Demola Sogunle (former CEO of Stanbic IBTC Holdings), Ms. Yemi Adamolekun (Executive Director, Enough is Enough Nigeria), and Mr. Abubakar Suleiman (CEO, Sterling Bank), Dr. Olowo explored critical aspects of modern leadership.
Core Themes of the Panel Discussion
The panel adopted a reflective yet practical approach, focusing on how leaders can navigate complexity and sustain performance while staying true to their values. Key themes included:
- Inclusive Leadership: Recognizing the strategic importance of gender and intergenerational diversity in fostering innovation and opportunity creation.
- Building Workplace Resilience: Ensuring steady growth and institutional relevance by creating structures that withstand disruption.
- Public Sector Leadership: Managing reforms, achieving results, and overcoming resistance in government systems.
- Leadership Values: Highlighting the importance of organizational values in navigating uncharted paths while maintaining a triple bottom-line focus (people, planet, and profit).
- Activism and Advocacy: Leveraging influence beyond formal authority to drive sustainable change.
Dr. Olowo’s contributions emphasized the values-driven foundation of leadership in the public sector and how aligning leadership with purpose can enhance institutional trust and impact.
A Call to Action for Leaders
As the session concluded, participants were challenged to reflect on the following critical questions:
- How can leaders remain grounded in their values while navigating constant change?
- What strategies can organizations adopt to build resilience and sustain growth?
- How can leadership create meaningful impact for people, governance, culture, and economic development?
Dr. Olowo’s message to leaders was clear: “Reimagining leadership requires not just incremental improvements but a fundamental shift in mindset, capability, values, and systems.” By fostering collaboration, empowering teams, and embracing change, leaders can navigate the complexities of today’s world while positioning their organizations for long-term success.
Looking Ahead: A New Leadership Paradigm
The Nigeria Leadership Dialogue emphasized the urgent need for leaders to embrace innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in their approach to governance and decision-making. With Nigeria’s fast-growing youth population, increasing demands for transparency, and rising global interconnectedness, adopting resilient, values-driven leadership is no longer optional—it is imperative.
Dr. Olowo’s insights served as a profound reminder that leadership is not about authority alone but about service, sacrifice, and shared purpose. By building resilient leadership structures, Nigeria can navigate its challenges and emerge as a model for value-based governance and development in the 21st century.
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