The Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Engr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has underscored the indispensable role of strategic management in achieving growth and success across various sectors—including business, governance, security, and even everyday life.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered) (ISMNC) to the NBTI headquarters in Abuja, Engr. Raji emphasized that strategy has become the foundation of effective leadership in the modern world.
“Strategy is no longer optional,” he noted. “It is essential not just in boardrooms, but in universities, homes, and politics. I earned a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies, and I can say confidently—without strategy, it’s difficult to succeed in any area of life. Whether you’re launching a business, managing a home, or contesting an election, you need a solid strategy.”
Strategic Thinking: A Universal Requirement
The ISMNC delegation, led by its National President, Mr. Alex Ndudi Enebeli, came to deepen collaboration with NBTI. Enebeli highlighted that the Institute, now operating as a chartered body, is focused on promoting strategic leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and governance across disciplines.
He explained that while traditional management skills are still valuable, it is strategic leadership that truly drives progress in today’s dynamic and technologically-driven world.
“Strategic management acts as the bridge that connects vision to execution,” Enebeli said. “Professionals who remain rigid or tied solely to their technical background risk falling behind. Whether you’re an engineer, accountant, or artist, technology doesn’t care about your discipline—it values how well you adapt and apply knowledge.”
Building Flexible, Strategic Minds
Enebeli went on to describe the Institute’s mission as one of nurturing adaptable, forward-thinking professionals who can respond to challenges with innovation and insight.
“Strategists are trained to find order in chaos and design solutions where others see obstacles,” he added. “We believe strategy is the secret ingredient in every field—it’s the flavor that transforms ordinary into extraordinary.”
According to him, the future belongs to those who embrace cross-disciplinary learning and develop the mindset to innovate, pivot, and solve complex problems, no matter their professional background.
The ISMNC delegation also included key officials such as Mr. Obitunde Obiyemi (Registrar), Mrs. Oluwayomi Oyediran (Director of Corporate Services), Dr. Ade Aliyu Lawal (Fellow of the Institute), Blessing Okoro (Head of Membership Services), and Taiwo Adeniran (Head of Logistics and Business Development).
Their visit marks a step toward fostering stronger institutional cooperation in developing strategic capacities across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
