Introduction

In Tanzania last week, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, a Nigerian industrialist and business leader was totally inspiring. As co-mentors of the MELT (Mentoring for Values-Based Leadership Transformation in Africa) initiative, he had affectionately called me ‘prof.’ after my stellar presentation the day before but man, his no-nonsense, no holds barred, surgical treatment of the issue of being corruption-free in a context and culture of values-deficit hit the spot; no doubt.

As current CEO of the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp Nigeria) since 2021, and past President/Chief Executive Officer of General Electric (GE) in Nigeria, he definitely knew what he was talking about, having grown GE’s revenue in the country from barely $100 million when he took the reins to over $1 billion. He also led the company’s regional operations in West, East & Central Africa between 2008 and 2012 as President/CEO of General Electric Grid Solutions Africa.

Digging for Gold

Here are some of his solid nuggets:

• Corruption thrives on impunity and loss of scruples; that there is ‘normalization’ at all levels with few consequences for corruption is the bane of the issue
• Values determine how far you go—and how long you last
• People abandon values not because they themselves are evil per se, but often because they’re exhausted
• Following due process and refusing to bribe your way means you will lose a lot of deals but you will also make enough. Yes, it’s costly to be a person of integrity but there also is a lot of freedom
• The real test of leadership is how respond to pressure
• Are we going to be patient or cave in?
• Rule: If I cannot defend it publicly, I will not do it privately
• Always preserve tomorrow’s viable option
• Compromise catches up; enforcement is patient
• Reputation is fragile
• Normalization of wrong-doing is not protection; success does not shield you; pedigree will not protect you
• Integrity may cost you pain now; corruption will cost you pain later
• Leadership begins where the excuses end
• Character compounds faster than capital
• Attitude shapes possibility
• Stick around—experience and sustainable success takes time
• Leadership is not what you get away with; it is what you leave behind
• Be faithful—results belong to God. Trust the unseen hand of God.

Leaders and Institutions

Dr. Lazarus Angbazo brought up the issue of institutions versus leadership. It reminded me of President Barack Obama’s 2009 visit to Ghana where he famously declared that “Africa doesn’t need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.” Of course, Obama was emphasizing that lasting development and democracy depend on robust systems, not charismatic leaders. While that is true, it is leaders who built systems, no? Then those systems go ahead to shape the conscience and conduct of people. Angbazo’s own point of view is that institutions that should ensure a corruption-free Africa may be generally weak but leadership examples cannot afford to be. 

At PELÉ

This encounter with Angbazo has strengthened our resolve at PELE “to see a flourishing global ecosystem of authentic leaders characterized by healthy growth, holistic success, and lasting significance.” By ‘authenticity’ we mean no fake folks or fake news, no fake products or services. That is our own way of stating being corruption-free.

Our quest to provide customized coaching, thought leadership, and training support to executives for personal growth, professional success, and societal impact with integrity as our‘operating system for leadership at all levels—personal and corporate, family and national, non-profit and business, local and global—has been strengthened. So aluta continua, with our mission to “offer authentic and customized relationships and resources to C-level executives to grow personally, succeed professionally, and become significant societally.”

Conclusion

That Dr. Lazarus Angbazo could beat his chest that he and his company did not pay out a single bribe astounded me. Profoundly. And gave me such a sense of pride. In an almost non-chalant manner, he really warmed my heart when he was frank enough to indicate that by their corruption-free stance they lost a lot of business but they also made enough money with those who wanted to play ball with integrity.

There is always a righteous remnant in every generation. I elect to be a part of that tribe. So help me God. How about you?

How about you?