Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Onikepo Akande, on Friday urged leaders across sectors to prioritise trust, integrity and service, saying titles and positions alone can no longer guarantee public confidence.
They spoke at the third induction ceremony of the Institute of Leadership, Coaching and Strategy in Lagos, where new members were admitted into the institute’s Fellow, Full Member and Associate categories.
Delivering a keynote address titled, Leading with Influence in an Unstable World, Abati said global economic uncertainty, technological disruption, political tensions and social challenges had increased the demand for leaders capable of inspiring confidence and providing direction.
According to him, genuine leadership is earned through credibility rather than conferred by position.
“Authority can be conferred by appointment. Influence must be earned. Authority comes from position. Influence comes from credibility. Authority can compel obedience. Influence inspires commitment. Authority may force compliance. Influence wins trust,” Abati said.
