Expert calls for purpose‑driven leadership and consistent governance to boost Nigeria’s growth

Funmi Ogundare 

Brand strategist and leadership architect Jide Adeyemi called for purposeful, intentional leadership in Nigeria, emphasizing that the nation’s chief obstacle is not a shortage of capable leaders but a lack of continuity, genuine concern for citizens, and sustainable governance.

Speaking at the Life Guide Colloquium in Lagos over the weekend, where he launched his book ‘Life Guide: Stories, Lessons and Insights to Empower Your Journey’, Adeyemi said Nigeria is richly endowed with human capital but is hampered by inconsistent leadership approaches that impede national development.

He observed that many political figures assume office without a clear purpose, often discarding the programmes of their predecessors to pursue personal agendas rather than building on existing achievements.

“We have amazing leaders in Nigeria, but what is lacking is intentionality and purposeful leadership,” he said. “One government comes with fantastic programmes, and immediately they leave office, the next person starts something new. That is why we don’t have continuity.”

Adeyemi added that sustainable leadership requires leaders who are genuinely concerned about people, committed to impact, and determined to leave lasting legacies.

He described Nigeria as a country full of enormous opportunities despite its challenges, noting that gaps in critical sectors create space for innovation and enterprise.

“This is one country where you can go to bed with nothing and wake up the next morning a millionaire because someone gives you an opportunity,” he said. “In places where everything already works, there may be fewer opportunities, but in Nigeria, there are many gaps to fill.”

Explaining the purpose of the colloquium, Adeyemi said the event was designed to provide guidance and clarity for individuals navigating life, business, leadership, faith and nation‑building in an increasingly distracting world.

“We are trying to provide a compass through which people can navigate life,” he said. “There is so much noise and distraction around people today, and there is a need for clarity, purpose and direction.”

He stressed the interconnectedness of leadership, faith, branding and nation‑building, arguing that no society can thrive without stable leadership, strong values and effective communication.

“You cannot build a nation without quality leadership, you cannot have personal clarity without faith in God, and you cannot do anything without marketing,” he stated.

Speaking about his book, Adeyemi said *Life Guide* was written to help readers gain personal clarity, build purposeful lives, and develop wisdom for growth across different areas of life.

According to him, the book challenges readers to rethink their approach to life, embrace integrity and live more intentionally.

In remarks to journalists, veteran comedian and entrepreneur Atoyota Alleluya Akpobome urged Nigerians to deliberately develop their talents and create opportunities that will benefit others, stressing that true success should inspire and empower more people.

He explained that influence is built when individuals intentionally nurture their potential until it becomes valuable and indispensable to society.

Addressing the theme of ‘Influence Engineering’, the comedian noted that talent alone is insufficient; individuals must continuously develop their abilities until they become recognised assets.

“We are talking about mining your potential properly until it becomes an asset,” he said. “Potential is where to start from, but you have to develop it enough to the point where people begin to seek it for commercial or societal value.”

He emphasized the need for Nigerians to appreciate and acknowledge people who create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society, saying recognition encourages others to do the same.

Ali Baba maintained that recognising and rewarding positive contributions is essential for building a compassionate and progressive society where individuals are motivated to continue creating opportunities for others.