Mutual Benefits Assurance CEO advocates visionary leadership to drive Nigeria’s development
L to R: Prof. J.O. Adewoye (Dept of Bus Admin) Bells University of Technology Ota; Prof. Jeremiah Oludele Ojediran, VC, Bells University of Technology, Ota; Femi Asenuga, MD/CEO, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Guest lecturer; Ellen Offo, Head Corporate Communication, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and Prof. Adebambo O. Somuyiwa, Dean, College of Management Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota at the 15th Annual Lecture Series of the University where Femi Asenuga was a Guest Lecturer
Nike Popoola
The Managing Director/CEO of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Femi Asenuga, has called for a renewed focus on purposeful leadership as the bedrock for innovation and infrastructural development in Nigeria and other developing nations.
Speaking during the 2025 College Lecture at the College of Management Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, on the theme, ‘Leadership as catalyst for innovation and infrastructural development in developing economies’, Asenuga emphasized that true leadership must prioritize building strong institutions, ensuring policy continuity, and fostering inclusive collaboration across sectors.
He said, “True leadership is about building resilient institutions, empowering people through education and opportunity, setting clear and ambitious national goals, rigorously tracking progress, and, above all, maintaining unwavering consistency over time. It is this kind of purposeful, disciplined leadership that drives lasting national transformation.”
According to him, despite Nigeria’s abundant resources and youthful talent, national development has been hindered by leadership challenges, chief among them, lack of vision continuity, corruption, weak institutions, and poor stakeholder coordination.
He warned that development frameworks will only succeed if future leaders commit to long-term execution beyond partisan and electoral interests.
Asenuga highlighted promising initiatives such as the “3 Million Technical Talent” programme and the Broadband Alliance, showcasing what is possible when leadership aligns vision with action.
These efforts, he said, reflect the potential of innovative public-private partnerships in expanding digital infrastructure and preparing Nigerian youth for the future economy.
He identified five essential leadership attributes critical for transformation which are transformational, strategic, collaborative, ethical, and resilient leadership. Such leaders must unite people, think long-term, work across sectors, act with integrity, and persevere through challenges.
Asenuga asserted, “Leadership may not be the only factor in national development, but it is the catalytic factor. Without committed, consistent, and ethical leadership, even the best policies will remain unfulfilled promises.”
He urged current and future leaders to rise above self-interest and drive a collective vision that truly transforms Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
