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SixthSense Leadership Conference: Kwairanga Urges Adaptable, Accountable Leaders
By Prince Benson Davies
The Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, has said that Nigeria’s ability to translate its vast potential into sustainable progress will depend largely on the quality of leadership across institutions.
Kwairanga stated this in his remarks as Chairman of the Leadership Event convened by Mr. Bright UK Ukwenga and SixthSense Leadership at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Commending the convener for assembling accomplished professionals, business leaders and policymakers, Kwairanga noted that the diversity of experience in the room showed that leadership is not confined to any profession or position, but remains a shared responsibility across society.
He observed that while national conversations often centre on natural resources, opportunities and policies needed to unlock growth, the decisive factor remains the quality of leadership that manages those resources and implements those policies.
According to him, Nigeria is blessed with an enterprising population, abundant resources and a growing pool of talented professionals, but converting these advantages into economic growth depends on decisions, institutions and the values guiding those in positions of responsibility.
Kwairanga described leadership as stewardship, stressing that every position of responsibility carries an obligation to build something that endures beyond the tenure of the office holder. He said true leadership should be measured not only by what is achieved while in office, but by the strength of the institution left behind and the opportunities created for successors.
He noted that the call for credible leadership has become more urgent as Nigeria navigates economic and structural changes, responds to new technologies, shifting expectations, demographic pressures and a highly interconnected global economy. These realities, he said, require leaders who are adaptable, disciplined and open to new approaches without compromising integrity, accountability and good governance.
Drawing lessons from the capital market, the NGX Group Chairman said financial markets thrive on confidence, transparency and consistency. Investors, he explained, commit capital not merely because opportunities exist, but because they trust the institutions, systems and governance structures that support those opportunities. He added that the same principle applies to businesses and public institutions, which earn trust and investment when they demonstrate sound governance.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Exchange Group to supporting enterprise, facilitating capital formation and broadening economic participation through continuous institutional development and investor confidence.
Kwairanga also stressed the need to deliberately develop the next generation of leaders. He said Nigeria’s young and ambitious population represents enormous talent, but talent requires opportunities to learn, take responsibility, benefit from mentorship and build judgement through experience.
He urged current leaders to see succession planning and talent development as essential duties, and to create environments where younger professionals can contribute ideas, challenge assumptions constructively and prepare for bigger roles. Leadership, he said, should never block the emergence of new leaders; its greatest achievement should be raising capable successors who can take institutions further.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector and professional bodies, noting that Nigeria’s economic challenges cannot be solved by any sector acting alone. He described leadership gatherings as valuable platforms for exchanging ideas and identifying practical solutions.
Concluding, Kwairanga said Nigeria’s future will not be determined by the scale of its potential alone, but by the collective ability to build credible institutions, make responsible decisions, invest in people and sustain progress across generations. He urged leaders to approach their roles with purpose, humility and a commitment to service.
He congratulated the convener and wished participants productive deliberations capable of strengthening leadership across institutions.
