Mr. Uche Obiofuma, divisional head, PAPSS and Operations at SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL), delivered a compelling message on transformational leadership and innovation at the 11th African Bible Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Conference, held in Abuja.
Representing Dr. John Obaro, Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings, Mr. Obiofuma highlighted the need for values-based leadership that addresses Africa’s unique challenges.
Speaking on the theme “Value-based Leadership: Model for Africa,” the conference convened distinguished leaders, including Dr. Zienzi Dillon, CEO of Carmel Global Capital; Hon. Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, former Chief Justice of South Africa; Pastor Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor of Covenant Nation Global; Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN; and Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, a social reformer and philosopher, to discuss how values-driven leadership can address Africa’s unique challenges.
Mr. Obiofuma also emphasised the importance of generational understanding, resilience, and localised innovation for sustainable impact. The conference ran from October 21 to 24 under the sub-theme “Arise and Shine: Raising a New Generation of Transformational Leaders,” underscoring the need for ethical leadership rooted in Christian values.
Reflecting on his 25 years with SystemSpecs, Obiofuma addressed the evolving nature of leadership, particularly regarding generational dynamics.
“To lead effectively, we must understand the young generation and adapt our strategies to meet their evolving needs. Leaders today must embrace change, foster empathy, and empower others, creating an environment where innovation and values coalesce,” Obiofuma said.
With a vision of Africa’s potential as a hub of tailored solutions, Obiofuma stressed the importance of an African-driven approach to innovation.
“Nobody in the world is planning specifically for Africa; it is our responsibility to shape solutions that work for us. Innovation must be rooted in local realities, empowering us to address our own challenges and then export our successes globally. Africa’s future depends on our ability to craft solutions with a uniquely African perspective,” he said.
He encouraged leaders to think locally first, with a view to exporting successful innovations worldwide, adding, “If we are to thrive, we must adapt solutions to our environment with a Nigerian mindset.”
He further highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration, stating that no leader can achieve success in isolation.
“No single person has everything it takes to create great value—strong networks are the foundation of success,” he asserted, reminding leaders that strategic alliances are critical for achieving impactful change. He also underscored resilience as a hallmark of great leadership, emphasizing that setbacks are integral to growth. “Each failure teaches a lesson; it’s a step forward, not the end,” he noted.
Encouraging the attendees to embrace resilience in the face of challenges, Mr. Obiofuma noted “In 30 years of building solutions, we have faced both success and failure, each offering valuable lessons. Setbacks are part of growth and should inspire us to persevere.” Further to this, he called on young leaders to harness innovation as a tool for practical problem-solving. “If we aim to address Nigeria’s challenges, we must start small, innovate locally, and scale our solutions,” he added.
The ABLI Conference provided an essential forum for young leaders to exchange ideas, inspired by speakers who underscored the role of integrity and ethical principles in fostering transformational leadership across Africa.
Closing his address, Mr. Obiofuma attributed SystemSpecs’ longstanding success to its commitment to innovation and integrity, principles that have guided the organisation for over 25 years.
“For over three decades, our dedication to integrity, innovation, and service has kept us at the forefront of fintech in Nigeria. Our core values have anchored us, and we invite the next generation to adopt these principles to build impactful leadership.”
