Jean Anishere (SAN), President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), has called for transformative leadership anchored on innovation, integrity and the rule of law.

Me Anishere made the call on Saturday at the 8th Global Leadership Summit and Award organised by Searchlight Magazine in Lagos.

The summit was held under the theme, ‘Transformative Leadership for Sustainable Growth: Driving Innovation, Institutional Excellence and National Development.’

She said contemporary leadership should prioritise vision, integrity and measurable impact rather than authority or position.

“Transformative leaders must challenge outdated practices and create environments where people and institutions can thrive,” Ms Anishere said.

The former president of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria said innovation should underpin modern leadership across the maritime, governance and justice sectors.

She noted that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital tools, offered significant opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Ms Anishere, a former continental president of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), however, cautioned that innovation alone could not guarantee sustainable growth.

She stressed that accountability, professionalism and adherence to the rule of law were essential foundations for credible institutions, strong economies and investor confidence.

“As a legal practitioner, I know that respect for the law strengthens institutions,” she said.

According to her, stronger institutions build confidence, while confidence drives sustainable development, particularly in Nigeria’s maritime sector and economic diversification agenda.

Ms Anishere said Nigeria possessed abundant human capital and opportunities but required leaders who regarded public and corporate positions as responsibilities.

She urged leaders to measure success by the number of lives improved rather than the privileges associated with their positions.

“Leadership is about service, not privilege, and success must ultimately be measured by impact on people and society,” she said.

The MAAN president said transformative leadership required collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to prioritise competence over mediocrity and service over self-interest.

She said such an approach would help build institutions capable of functioning effectively and delivering sustainable national prosperity.

Ms Anishere commended Searchlight Magazine for sustaining its leadership platform and recognising individuals contributing to national development.

She congratulated the award recipients and urged them to maintain high standards while using their influence to create greater societal impact.

She also recognised Obiageli Benjamin, WIMAfrica secretary and an award recipient, who celebrated her 60th birthday.

Ms Anishere described Ms Benjamin’s award and birthday as “a beautiful coincidence of life milestone and achievement” deserving celebration and continued service.

She urged leaders across sectors to embrace innovation while upholding integrity, accountability and the rule of law as Nigeria pursues sustainable development.

 (NAN)