Former Imo State Chief of Staff, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has outlined power, pressure, and integrity as the three core pillars of effective governance and enduring leadership, advising emerging leaders to prioritise character over positional titles in public service.
Nwosu delivered this message in a keynote address at the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference, themed “Navigating Power, Pressure, and Integrity in Governance.
He portrayed leadership as a profound responsibility, asserting that its true measure lies in character, consistency, courage, and a strong connection with the people, especially the youth.
On power, Nwosu urged viewing it as a tool for development rather than personal gain, emphasising its role as a public trust to be wielded with humility and accountability. Great leaders, he said, are judged not by the extent of their authority but by their responsible application in serving the populace.
Regarding pressure, he acknowledged that political, social, and economic challenges are inherent, but true leaders distinguish themselves by staying calm, principled, and focused amid adversity—relying on facts, values, and the courage to make unpopular decisions.
Nwosu stressed that integrity forms the bedrock of sustainable leadership, cautioning that its compromise leads to collapse. He argued that Africa’s progress hinges on leaders who treat integrity as a non-negotiable moral duty.
Highlighting his Ugwumba Leadership Centre—established to bridge leadership deficits across Africa, particularly among youth and women—Nwosu detailed its programmes, including the Ugwumba Leadership Development Programme, Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge, and SkillUp Programme, which have fostered entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders among young Nigerians.
He encouraged emerging leaders to adopt purpose, discipline, and integrity to drive Africa’s transformation, commending the conference organisers for their dedication to leadership growth and expressing hope that such initiatives will forge a brighter continental future.
