Failure Is Elixir Of Success, Says Odegbami

As part of its commitment to the development of quality leadership both in the private and public spheres of the Nigerian economy, Sterling Financial Holdings Company (Sterling Holdco) recently organised its fifth Leadership Series (SLS) with the theme, “Climbing Beyond.”

The SLS is a quarterly interactive session that connects Sterling leaders and customers with thought leaders and captains of industries.

This edition was a hybrid event—physical and virtual—moderated by Ms. Sheila Ojei, Country Manager, Nigeria, for the African Management Institute and headlined by Dr. Segun Odegbami as the keynote speaker.

Odegbami is a multifaceted personality who has made his mark in various fields. He is a former professional footballer who captained the Nigerian national team and represented the country as a two-time Olympian. After his football career, he transitioned into writing, emerging as a published author, journalist, and publisher.

Since its maiden edition in 2018, the SLS has sought to empower participants and provoke transformative dialogues. Past editions have featured distinguished speakers such as Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr. Omobola Johnson, Howard French, and Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh.

Addressing the audience on the theme and how to stand out in society, Dr. Odegbami stated, “You need good players working as a team, trying to think as a team, having a clear vision, and a strategy, who go out to practice and rehearse in combination with modern technological tools to make their dream a reality.”

He shared the advice that the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the defunct Bendel State, gave him about harnessing the power of teamwork to win.

Rejecting societal stereotypes, he embraced a life of resilience and continuous reinvention, inspiring all to defy limitations and relentlessly pursue their aspirations. He heartily expressed, “At 71, I think my age is a floating number. I identify as a 40-year-old and live and think like one, enjoying my regular tennis matches when possible.”

In addressing the issue of mass emigration from Nigeria, he said, “I had the opportunity to leave many years ago when Coca-Cola offered me a job in the United Kingdom, but I have always seen Nigeria as a country of opportunities, and I won’t leave them behind.”

Experts said Odegbami’s insights serve as a clarion call for integrity-driven leadership and unwavering pursuit of excellence as the Sterling Leadership Series continues to ignite conversations and foster leadership excellence.