The Nigeria chapter of the International Coaching Federation has called on public institutions to leverage professional coaching to enhance the effectiveness of public office holders.
The association’s president, Charles Okebuno, made the remark during ICF Nigeria’s leadership handover ceremony on Sunday, which marked the transition from the outgoing board to a newly elected executive council.
According to him, the government needs to understand the essence of collaboration in order to unlock its potential.
He said, “What we ask for is a handshake between government institutions and ICF Nigeria. Let there be collaboration and mutual benefit. Government agencies need to first understand what coaching truly entails. It is not teaching, counselling, advising or sports coaching, but a collaborative process that stimulates creative thinking and unlocks human potential.
“ICF Nigeria has over 100 professionally trained coaches, including engagements with the Lagos State Government, where commissioners benefited from executive coaching. Such experience demonstrates the value of coaching in helping public office holders manage pressure, think strategically and make informed decisions.”
Unveiling his agenda, Okebuno said his administration would prioritise collaboration, strategic alliances, awareness and visibility, with a focus on adding value to public and private institutions.
He stressed that coaching was critical to national development, as it enables leaders and citizens to make informed decisions, think critically and avoid costly mistakes.
Earlier, the outgoing President of ICF Nigeria, Akanimu Ekong, explained that the body, established in 2015, operates a two-year board tenure and has produced five boards since its inception.
Ekong said the handover followed the federation’s December 2025 elections, noting that he assumed office in 2024 and completed his tenure in 2026.
Highlighting achievements under his leadership, Ekong said ICF Nigeria successfully launched a book titled Coaching in Africa: The African Experience, which documents coaching practices and experiences across the continent.
Although initiated by a previous board, he noted that the book was completed and launched during his tenure and is now available on Amazon and in bookshops.
He also disclosed that the federation recorded a 30 per cent growth in membership, attributing the increase to rising awareness of the relevance of coaching to organisations and entrepreneurs.
According to him, the federation also helped address misconceptions about coaching, which many people previously confused with counselling, mentoring or sports coaching.
