Lagos: The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, alongside management professionals, has emphasized the necessity of a human-centered approach in organizational transformation. They highlighted that the success of technological and strategic changes hinges on the individuals driving and implementing these transformations within organizations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abbas and other experts shared their insights on Thursday in Lagos during the Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered (NIM) 2026 Awards, Fellows and Spouses’ Day Luncheon. The theme of the event was ‘Leading Through Transformation: The Human Element in Modern Leadership.’ Abbas underscored that transformation could only thrive when leaders foster conditions that empower people to take responsibility and serve effectively, especially amid rapid economic and technological shifts.
Abbas noted the significant attention technology has received in modern transformation but stressed the critical role of people in determining the success or failure of these endeavors. He remarked, “Particularly in the armed forces, weapons remain only instruments until placed in the hands of personnel.” Abbas, who was conferred with the fellowship of the institute, viewed the recognition as a renewed call to responsibility, accountability, integrity, and excellent service, pledging to uphold the institute’s ethical values and contribute to national development.
Mr. Dotun Adako, Group Head of Human Resources at BUA Group International, also spoke on the occasion, stating that successful transformation transcends merely adopting new technologies. He emphasized the need for changes in organizational culture, operating models, and the development of human potential. Adako highlighted the importance of balancing strategic vision with empathy, especially when managing uncertainty, resistance, and disruption within organizations. He pointed out that effective leadership during change requires psychological safety, strategic trust, and emotional intelligence to enable employees to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully.
Adako further explained that systems and technology alone do not drive transformation; human adoption is crucial for achieving return on investment. He noted that change triggers threat responses in employees, necessitating empathetic leadership to mitigate operational fatigue. He identified strategic goals, key performance indicators, stakeholders and teams, and project scope as essential elements of effective change plans, while cultural alignment, continuous upskilling, and transparent dialogue are key drivers of successful transformation.
The President of NIM, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, also addressed the gathering, explaining that the elevation of members to the grade of fellow is a rigorous process designed to honor only deserving individuals. He congratulated the new fellows, urging them to see the fellowship not as a destination or merely an addition to their names but as a call to serve the institute, management profession, and nation with their expertise and resources.
Ayuba announced the formation of faculties within the institute to identify challenges across various disciplines and develop policy recommendations for the government through advocacy programs. He encouraged the new fellows, especially those leading these faculties, to expedite their efforts, emphasizing the institute’s objective of contributing to the management and development of the country. Ayuba also congratulated three elder statesmen who received the institute’s life membership award, recognizing their active involvement in the institute’s activities over the years. He called on all fellows to uphold the values of responsible leadership and leverage their professional competencies for national development.