By Adeyemi Adeleye
A former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, says leadership built on influence, credibility and trust is the most effective response to today’s increasingly unstable world.
Abati spoke at the 3rd induction ceremony for new members of the Institute of Leadership, Coaching and Strategy(ILSC)on Friday in Lagos.
The former presidential spokesman delivered the keynote address titled: “Leading with Influence in an Unstable World”at the programme.
He described instability as the defining feature of the 21st century, adding that rapid global changes had increased the demand for leaders capable of providing clarity, direction and hope.
Abati distinguished authority from influence, stressing that positions of power did not automatically command public trust or commitment.
“Authority can be conferred by appointment. Influence must be earned; authority comes from position. Influence comes from credibility. Authority may force compliance. Influence wins trust,” he said.
According to him, people naturally gravitate toward trusted individuals, rather than official titles during periods of uncertainty.
“People do not follow titles when they are afraid. They follow those they trust.
”The greatest leaders understand that leadership is not primarily about power; it is about responsibility,” he added.
Abati asserted that leadership must never be viewed as an ornament, but as a calling, requiring courage, humility, sound judgment and purpose.
He warned that while the digital revolution had made visibility easier, credibility had become increasingly difficult to establish and sustain.
“We live in an era of instant opinions and shortened attention spans. Many people confuse visibility with influence. They are not the same thing.
“History teaches us that lasting influence is built not on popularity, but on credibility,” he said.
He urged emerging leaders to pursue lasting credibility, rather than temporary popularity, noting that trust had become one of the world’s rarest commodities.
“The future will belong not necessarily to the loudest voices, but to the most trusted voices. The true test of leadership is how one responds, when the world becomes unstable,” he said.
He said there was the need for leaders to inspire confidence and renewal,saying Africa’s many challenges were attributable to leadership failures
Also speaking, Dr Onikepo Akande, a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, urged leaders across sectors to embrace influence-based leadership to navigate growing global uncertainties.
She said the theme of the programme reflected current realities, marked by economic disruptions, political shifts, security challenges, technological changes, as well as global crises.
“Leadership is no longer about title or position. It is about influence; the ability to inspire, guide and create stability, where instability reigns. Influence is the currency of leadership,” she said.
According to her, influence is earned through integrity, sustained by credibility and multiplied through service.
She urged leaders to shape positive narratives rather than merely react to challenges.
“Your responsibility is not merely to react to instability, but to shape the narrative, provide clarity amidst confusion and empower others to rise above challenges,” she said.
She tasked the newly inducted members on professionalism, ethical conduct, transparency and selfless service in their respective fields.
“You are not simply joining an institute; you are becoming part of a movement that believes leadership is about impact, not titles, about service, not self-interest, about vision, not vanity,” she said.
Earlier, the President and Chairman of the ILCS Governing Council, Dr Olasunkade Azeez, said the institute was established to promote responsible and disciplined leadership through research, advocacy and capacity building.
Azeez said the institute’s vision had become more relevant with the leadership challenges in Africa , despite abundant human and material resources.
“We have no business with poverty, if we get our leadership right. We must work for a better and prosperous Nigeria, with equity and fairness,” he said.
Also speaking, Head of the ILCS Media Team, Mr Jide Ologun, said Nigeria was in dire need of transformational leaders that would improve the fortunes of citizens and future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Mrs Mojisola Ademola-Phillips, applauded the ILCS, pledging the commitment of the new members to upholding the vision, mission and core values of the institute.(NAN)