By Olayinka Latona

LAGOS — Renowned business leader and former Chairman of First Bank, Ibukun Awosika, has stressed that focused and visionary leadership remains critical to organisational resilience and national transformation.

Awosika spoke at the Transformational Leadership Conference (TLC-26) in Lagos, organised to mark the 25th anniversary of Vision International Christian Ministries.

She said the survival of any organisation depends on a clearly defined vision, warning that a lack of clarity often leads to failure in both corporate institutions and governance.

According to her, while diverse talents may generate multiple ideas, only a well-articulated and tested vision can provide the discipline and endurance required to navigate uncertainty.

“If there is no clarity, it is easy to give up and move from one thing to the other,” she said, advocating for written visions that enable leaders to stay committed to long-term goals.

Also speaking, founder of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, identified execution as the major factor distinguishing successful organisations from failed ones.

He argued that poor execution, rather than flawed strategies, is largely responsible for stagnation in both public and private sectors, stressing that leadership credibility is rooted in integrity and accountability.

“If people don’t trust you, they won’t follow you,” Adeyemi said.

In his remarks, VICM President, Francis Olubambi, called for a shift from title-driven leadership to purpose-driven service, urging leaders to prioritise discipline, clarity and character.

Olubambi, who also authored Raising The Bar of Excellence in Leadership, said effective leadership should be measured by consistent actions and sound decision-making rather than positions held.

“Focused leadership is built on clarity of vision, strength of character, disciplined priorities, and commitment to what truly matters,” he stated.

Reviewing the book, VICM board member, Benson Osieme, emphasised that excellence must be rooted in values, noting that leadership devoid of integrity cannot deliver sustainable results.

He added that Nigeria’s development depends on a leadership culture anchored on responsibility, service and humility, rather than authority.

Similarly, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Lagos, Yemi Davids, cautioned leaders against complacency, pride and reliance on poor counsel.

He urged leaders to remain humble, discerning and open to learning, noting that effective leadership must be insulated from flattery.

International guest speaker, Dave Champness, likened leadership to flying in low visibility, stressing the need for leaders to rely on core principles rather than emotions.

He highlighted self-leadership, servant character and succession planning as essential for long-term impact.

In a recorded session, Craig Groeschel reinforced the importance of consistency, noting that sustainable success is built on disciplined habits rather than momentary brilliance.

The conference drew participants from across sectors, with speakers collectively emphasising that focused, value-driven leadership is essential for Nigeria’s growth and national transformation.