By Peter Adelowo
Former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has identified power, pressure and integrity as critical elements in effective governance and sustainable leadership.
Mr. Nwosu stated this while delivering a speech at the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference, with the theme “Navigating Power, Pressure, and Integrity in Governance.”
He described leadership in public service as a major responsibility, noting that true leadership is defined not by titles but by character, consistency and courage, as well as a healthy relationship with the people, especially the youth.
Speaking on power, Mr. Nwosu said it should be seen as a tool for development rather than personal privilege, stressing that power is a public trust that must be exercised with humility and accountability.
According to him, great leaders are not measured by how much power they wield, but by how responsibly they use it in service to the people.
On pressure, he explained that political, social and economic pressures are inevitable in leadership, adding that the ability to remain calm, principled and focused during challenging moments distinguishes true leaders from mere managers.
Mr. Nwosu said leaders must be guided by facts and values, and must have the courage to take difficult decisions even when such decisions are unpopular.
He emphasised that integrity remains the foundation of sustainable leadership, noting that leadership collapses when integrity is compromised.
Mr. Nwosu stressed that Africa’s development depends on leaders who see integrity as a moral obligation rather than an option.
He highlighted the establishment of the Ugwumba Leadership Centre, which he founded to address leadership gaps across Africa, particularly among youths and women.
According to him, the Centre focuses on raising ethical, courageous and economically independent leaders through programmes such as the Ugwumba Leadership Development Programme, the Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge and the SkillUp Programme.
He noted that the initiatives have empowered many young people across Nigeria, producing entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.
Mr. Nwosu urged emerging leaders to embrace purpose, discipline and integrity as core values needed to transform Africa.
He thanked the organisers of the Emerging Leaders Conference for their commitment to leadership development, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts would help shape a better future for the continent.
