Aig-Imoukhuede Seeks to Inspire 3,000 Public Leaders in Bid to Strengthen Governance in Africa
Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede, yesterday disclosed that the organisation was targeting to inspire about 3,000 public servants in its bid to strengthen governance in Nigeria and the African continent.
Speaking at the closing of the AIG Public Leaders Programme Class of 2023 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Aig-Imoukhuede, argued that Africa can extricate itself from the depths of underdevelopment with capable and empowered public servants.
“As we gather here today for the closing ceremony of the AIG Public Leaders Programme Class of 2023, I am deeply honoured to welcome each of you to this momentous occasion.
“Our journey together underscores a fundamental belief – that at the root of Nigeria's myriad challenges lies a public sector in dire need of men and women who can lead the required reform and transformation.
“Indeed, we must recognise that Africa can extricate itself from the depths of underdevelopment with capable and empowered public servants. This understanding drives the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation's unwavering commitment to partnering with the public service to effect lasting change,” he stated.
The recently-appointed chairman of Access Bank stressed that the partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford also holds personal significance.
According to him, it represents a conviction that Nigeria can catalyse a positive economic turnaround across the African continent by empowering its public sector leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.
Through initiatives like the AIG Public Leaders Programme, Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the foundation aims to challenge the status quo and cultivate a new generation of African public servants who are proficient and principled leaders.
He stressed that these leaders, equipped with the skills honed through the best education delivered by a faculty of world class professors are poised to drive transformative change within their organisations and communities.
The banker added that last year, graduates of the foundation included Zukiswa Mqolomba from South Africa, its first international participant, expressing delight to announce that this year's graduating class also includes a candidate from Kenya, further exemplifying the programme's reach and impact across the continent.
“Furthermore, our commitment extends beyond capacity building to actively support the civil service reform agenda. Through collaborative initiatives with the federal government, we are driving digitalisation, performance management, and cultural change projects to foster a more efficient and accountable public sector.
“The journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, but as each AIG PLP cohort graduates we edge closer to our vision of building a community of 3,000 AIG public sector leaders, occupying the most senior public sector positions in Nigeria and beyond. This is how the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation inspires, connects and transforms Africa,” he said.
As the celebration of the graduating class of 2023 continues, Aig-Imoukhuede emphasised that the foundation was one step closer to realising the vision.
He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the “Courageous Cohort 3” as they named themselves, noting that he was blown away by feedback he had been receiving of the impact they are already making as a result of what they learnt from the programme.
“Your commitment to excellence and dedication to service inspire us all. Please carry forth the knowledge and insights gained from this programme as you embark on your respective journeys to transform Nigeria and Africa,” he exhorted.
Earlier, Aig-Imoukhuede took a moment to pay tribute to the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, a very close friend and business associate of his.
“Herbert was a member of the AigImoukhuede Foundation leadership council, my business partner, and a lifelong friend. His unwavering dedication to transforming our nation and continent will forever be remembered, and his absence today weighs heavily on our hearts.
“Herbert was a stalwart supporter of our Foundation who actively participated in the work we do. Last year he was present on this very stage at the graduation ceremony for our AIG PLP cohort 2 graduates.
“On that day, Herbert served on the panel judges who selected the best five capstone projects out of the XYZ projects embarked upon by Cohort 2 members, demonstrating just how deeply invested he was in our mission to empower Africa's public sector leaders.
“Today, I am reminded of the profound impact that individuals like Dr Wigwe have had on shaping our shared vision for a better Africa. May his legacy inspire us as we forge ahead with our Foundation’s mission to transform the African continent,” he stressed.