The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, Yetunde B. Oni, has urged young Nigerian leaders to embrace personal growth, build meaningful relationships, and develop resilience as they prepare for leadership roles.

Oni delivered the message during an interactive session with 30 fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), a Lagos State Government initiative established to nurture ethical and capable future leaders.

The fellows, selected from more than 25,000 applicants, engaged in a candid conversation with the Union Bank chief executive on leadership, career development, personal values, and overcoming challenges.

Speaking during the session, Oni introduced a leadership framework she described as “THRIVE,” a six-point guide that has shaped her personal and professional journey.

The framework encourages leaders to take ownership of their relationships, honour God, recharge and maintain their wellbeing, invest continuously in personal development, value their work and identity, and embrace setbacks as part of growth.

According to her, leadership extends beyond professional competence and requires deliberate efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships.

She noted that family members, mentors, coaches, friends, and sponsors played significant roles throughout her career and stressed the importance of cultivating strong support networks.

Oni also highlighted the distinction between mentors and coaches, while emphasizing traditional values such as hard work, honesty, integrity, courtesy, and respect as essential ingredients for long-term success.

Reflecting on her career, she shared how self-belief and a willingness to take risks opened unexpected opportunities, including her appointment as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone, a position she initially doubted she could attain.

She encouraged the fellows to pursue opportunities even when they feel uncertain about their chances, noting that many career breakthroughs often emerge through relationships and recommendations.

The Union Bank CEO also recounted how her appointment to lead the bank came through professional networks and the confidence others had in her capabilities.

She urged the young leaders to remain open to opportunities, invest in continuous learning, and develop the confidence needed to take on new challenges.

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, facilitated by the Africa Leadership Initiative, West Africa (ALI WA), is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, values, and experience required for public service and national development.

The programme brings together outstanding young professionals from diverse sectors and backgrounds, providing mentorship and leadership training aimed at building a new generation of transformational leaders.

Oni's engagement with the fellows reflects Union Bank’s commitment to leadership development and investment in human capital, reinforcing the role of mentorship and knowledge-sharing in shaping the next generation of Nigerian leaders.