The Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN), Chartered, has inducted 199 new professionals into its various membership categories, using the occasion to challenge leaders, educators, policymakers and professionals across the continent to embrace strategic leadership, innovation and enterprise as essential tools for accelerating Africa’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
The induction ceremony formed part of the institute’s 2026 Annual Conference held in Lagos under the theme, “Igniting Africa’s Renaissance: Strategic Leadership, Innovation and Enterprise for Sustainable Growth.” The gathering attracted academics, government officials, business executives, industry experts and strategic management professionals who deliberated on practical approaches to strengthening institutions and preparing the next generation of African leaders.
A total of 199 individuals were formally admitted into the institute, comprising 34 Associates, 131 Full Members and 34 Fellows. The newly inducted professionals were encouraged to uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and strategic thinking while contributing meaningfully to organisational excellence and national development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, represented by the company’s Vice-President for Production, Mesh Maichibi, emphasised that Africa’s greatest asset is not merely its abundant natural resources but the quality of leadership capable of transforming opportunities into measurable development outcomes.
He observed that while Africa possesses a youthful population, entrepreneurial energy and vast economic potential, these advantages can only translate into prosperity through visionary leadership, disciplined execution and strong institutions. According to him, genuine transformation depends on leaders who can convert ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and stimulate sustainable economic progress.
Attah further stressed that countries which have experienced remarkable economic advancement did so because they deliberately invested in institutions that prioritise long-term planning, accountability and innovation. He maintained that Africa’s future would be determined by its ability to nurture enterprises that create value, encourage technological advancement and strengthen local industries capable of competing globally.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he urged governments, educational institutions, private organisations and professional bodies to work collectively in developing an environment where creativity, research, entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish. Such partnerships, he noted, are indispensable for preparing competent professionals equipped to solve emerging economic and social challenges across the continent.
Also addressing participants, the Managing Director of Ardova Plc, Abiola Babatunde-Ojo, represented by the company’s General Manager for Strategy and Transformation, Aderonke Akilo, described Africa’s people as its greatest resource. She encouraged stakeholders to prioritise investments in education, leadership development, healthcare and skills acquisition, arguing that human capital remains the foundation for sustainable development.
She explained that innovation should not be viewed merely as technological advancement but as the practical ability to solve societal problems and generate lasting value. According to her, entrepreneurship across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, fashion and the creative industry will be instrumental in expanding employment opportunities and strengthening Africa’s economic resilience.
Babatunde-Ojo also challenged emerging professionals to lead with integrity, create opportunities for others and build institutions founded on trust and accountability. She noted that authentic leadership is measured not by titles or positions but by the positive influence leaders exert on individuals, organisations and society at large.
Earlier, the President and Chairman-in-Council of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria, Alex Enebeli, described the institute’s annual conference as a strategic platform for promoting professional excellence and strengthening leadership capacity across both the public and private sectors. He stated that the induction of new members reflects the institute’s commitment to producing strategic management professionals capable of supporting Nigeria’s development aspirations and contributing to Africa’s broader economic transformation.
For Nigeria’s education sector, the conference reinforced the growing importance of leadership education, professional certification and continuous capacity building in preparing graduates for the evolving demands of today’s workplace. Experts at the event maintained that universities, polytechnics and professional institutions must continue to integrate strategic thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills into their academic programmes to produce graduates who can effectively compete in the global knowledge economy.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to champion ethical leadership, institutional excellence and sustainable development, while positioning strategic management as a critical driver of Africa’s renaissance in an increasingly competitive global environment.
