Lagos: The immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd), has called for the integration of emerging technologies into management practices to enhance organisational success. He made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at the investiture ceremony of the 25th President of the Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM), Commodore Abimbola Ayuba.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gambo noted that technological advancement had defined human civilisation from the industrial revolution to the rise of the digital economy in the 21st century. He stated that the responsibility of formulating effective strategies to navigate the shifting landscape rested on the NIM. Gambo highlighted challenges such as cultural inertia of embracing new technologies, job loss concerns, and cyber security issues impacting technology integration. He emphasized the need for thoughtful deliberation by the institute to develop strategic solutions that will shape national defense policy and called for management professionals to embrace a forward-thinking approach that champions adaptive leadership.
The outgoing President, NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, presented an account of her two-year stewardship as the 24th president and Chairman, Council of NIM. Atako explained that upon assuming office as president, her team adopted a three-pronged strategy and an eight-point agenda to tackle challenges and guide the institute’s activities for the period. She undertook restructuring and re-engineering efforts to revitalize the institute, prioritizing workforce training towards increased productivity and better service delivery. Atako noted the unprecedented growth in influence and membership size during her tenure, and emphasized initiatives promoting ethical management practices and higher standards in the Nigerian business community.
The outgoing president expressed hope that the institute’s leadership would build and consolidate on the achievements of the past two years. In his acceptance speech, the 25th president, NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, lauded the institute’s body of past presidents for their role in keeping NIM illuminated. Ayuba expressed an urgent sense of purpose and responsibility as he took up the mantle of leadership, reiterating his commitment to upholding the values and principles guiding the institute since its inception in 1961.
The newly-elected president emphasized the importance of unity of purpose, recognizing the institute as a microcosm of Nigeria with individuals from diverse backgrounds. He urged members to put aside diversities and work towards common goals, including promoting excellence in management practice, fostering professionalism, and contributing to national development. Ayuba stressed the strength in diversity and the potential for greater results through collective efforts, aiming to create a synergistic homeostasis to keep the institute as a leading brand and change agent in Nigeria and beyond.