By Joan Odafe
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Nigeria Charter Chapter has urged organisations and public institutions to prioritise a stronger coaching culture.
The call came during the Leadership Torch Passing Ceremony of the ICF Nigeria Charter Chapter on Sunday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the event marked the swearing-in of a new board.
New board members include Charles Okeibunor, President; Ekhorose Ame-Ogie, Vice-President; Anant Rao, Director of Partnerships; and Nkiru Adekoya, Secretary.
Others are Gloria Gbemudu, Director of Memberships; Femi Odelusi, Director of Education; Taiwo Dayo-Abatan, Director of Programmes; Patrenia Werts Onuoha, Director of Communications; Dr Tina Udoji, Director of Finance.
ICF Nigeria President Charles Okeibunor said poor understanding of the sector continued to slow coaching growth in Nigeria.
He emphasised that coaching should not be confused with training or sports.
“Coaching is built on human potential and self-awareness.
“When they hear coaching, they should think critical thinking, analytic thinking, strategic thinking, problem solving, creative thinking. The answers are inside you,” Okeibunor said.
He noted organisations benefit more when coaching is embedded in leadership and staff development rather than treated as a one-off intervention.
Okeibunor pledged the federation’s commitment to raising awareness, strengthening collaboration, and entrenching a sustainable coaching culture in Nigeria.
Former Partnerships and Social Impact Director Tosin Ibikunle said coaching in Nigeria was still relatively new despite over a decade of ICF’s presence.
“When you ask them, they say, ‘Which football team?’” he said, highlighting common misconceptions in the sector.
Ibikunle added that coaching helps individuals and organisations tackle people-related challenges such as conflict, poor communication, and underperformance.
“The goal is as good as the people. The future of the organisation is as good as the people,” he said.
Vice-President Ekhorose Ame-Ogie said the chapter had made progress in visibility and stakeholder engagement over the years.
“One success in the last ten years was visibility, but we aim to convert attendees at our events into real coaches,” she said.
Ame-Ogie, outgoing Programme Director, noted coaching is vital to nation-building, organisational performance, and business success.
Immediate past President Akanimo Ekong highlighted outgoing board achievements, including membership growth, increased engagement, and strategic institutional partnerships.
He said the chapter recorded about 30 per cent membership growth and deepened collaborations exposing more organisations to the value of coaching. (NAN) (www.nannanews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
