Akande
By Cally Ozolua
With the emergence of leadership literature, it was believed that leaders were born and not made, according to the Great Man theory. This aligns with the Trait Theory of Leadership whose origin can be traced directly from the Great Man Theory.
Driven by the continued belief that a person’s leadership ability is directly related to certain characteristics, scholars tried to identify which characteristics were most desired or valuable.
Conversely, some people argue that leaders are made rather than born. In other words, with the proper training and quantum of dedication, anyone can become a leader regardless of their genetic background, as posited in the ‘Behavioural Theory of Leadership.’ Under this theory, it was put forward that leaders can develop a set of skills and practice specific behaviours that make them suited for the role, regardless of their natural traits and tendencies.
This theory also posits that outstanding leadership requires lifelong learning and commitment, as the best leaders will continuously seek out development opportunities that help them grow and progress rather than relying on their natural abilities and inherited characteristics.
From arts, music, technology, and manufacturing to other spheres of endeavours, records have been kept on important personalities that have helped shape the course of societal development and national progress.
Talking about great people with unique leadership styles in the Nigerian marketing and industrial landscape, Mr. Olayinka O. Akande sits fittingly in the vibrant, intellectual leadership class that represents the best of Nigeria.
A man of impeccable character and striking acumen, a certified management consultant, and well-credentialed business executive experienced in the public and private sectors, Olayinka Akande is referred to by industry colleagues as “The Don”.
Akande, who can best be described as a transformational leader, has left indelible footprints that recommend him as a refined product and one of the best in his cohort.
As one who aspires towards excellence, Akande has progressively held positions of authority within the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy. His career started thirty-eight (38) years ago as a graduate-level staff of the then Nigerian Airports Authority (now FAAN). He further held middle- to senior-level marketing management positions in blue-chip corporations (UACN Plc, Unilever Plc, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, and Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited); was a Director at two (2) telcos in succession (Globacom and Etisalat); and was Director General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). At present, he is the Managing Director of one of the most industrialised special economic zones in Nigeria.
Remarkably, as Director of Brands and Communications at Etisalat Nigeria, Akande assembled the team of accomplished professionals that won several ‘’Brand of the year’’ awards within a few months of commencing commercial operations. This enabled the late entrant to find its footing in the highly competitive telecom sector.
A lifelong learner, Akande’s qualifications include first degrees in the Humanities (1985) and Law (2017); a master’s degree in Industrial Relations (1990); and post-graduate diplomas in Marketing Management (1996) and the Lagos Business School (LBS) 18th Senior Management Programme (2003). This varied background empowers Akande to operate insightfully at the confluence of strategic influence that the intersections of the Humanities, Social Sciences, Marketing Management, General Management, and Commercial Law represent.
Akande received the notable award of “Officer of Great Ife” from the National Alumni Association of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the nation as a distinguished old student.
He was earlier honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International in 2003 as a benevolent second-generation awardee.
He has been honored and recognized by some institutional bodies, which include the prestigious Fellow, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria in 2010; Fellow, Institute of Direct Marketing of Nigeria in 2009; Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria in 2019; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management-Chartered 2024; and the Fellow, Chartered Institute of Directors in 2024, amongst many other awards and commendations.
A man of good cultivàtion and a volunteer for good causes, Akande has been a member of the noble Rotary Club of Lagos (D9112) and Ikoyi Club 1938 for over two decades.
Olayinka Olalekan Akande is a purpose-driven and family-oriented person who is interested in travelling; global affairs; conservation matters; alternative dispute resolution; and environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues
