Caroline Lucas, an ardent advocate of Nigeria’s greatness and a Director of the UK firm, TEXEM UK says the world has never encountered a more disruptive year than 2020 when COVID-19 negatively affected global organisations.

A statement by Caroline Lucas of TEXEM UK released in Abuja on Sunday announced that on March 10 and March 11, the firm would hold live virtual sessions with Nigerian and other global business leaders to proffer strategies for success in the present uncertain times.

The statement expressed the urgent need for such a programme on “risk management and effective leadership for superlative performance during turbulent times” for public and private sector leaders in Nigeria and Africa.

It said such programme would enable organisations to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

The company also announced a new website, www.texem.co.uk, for public and private sector executives in Nigeria interested in participating in TEXEM’s programme for optimal and impactful performance during and after COVID-19.

The statement noted that since the emergence of COVID-19, individuals and all organisations have struggled to survive and flourish.

“However, while focusing on reducing the pandemic’s impact, many have forgotten that there have always been other risks that need attention too, for organisations to excel during these crises and beyond.

“Hence, to succeed in these dynamic, digital and turbulent times, there is an urgent need for strategic leaders who can align culture, risk and strategy for sustainable success.

“Truth be told, every organisation faces risks, including internal ones that often arise from its daily operations/activities.

“For instance, some risks may arise from inappropriate, unethical, or illegal actions of the employees and even the management.

“These are common, but thankfully, they are preventable.

“Some other risks also come from external sources, and there is little that the management can do to prevent them. They include political and natural disasters.

“But that is not all. Don’t forget there are social and economic landmines too to navigate, one of which triggered EndSARs.

“Cyber threats are still very much around, and the risk from it is growing as we adopt technology more to scale in a period of physical distancing. They did not vanish when COVID – 19 struck.

“Being a leader at such a time requires additional knowledge and skills on how to provide effective leadership,” the statement explained.

It said the two-day virtual executive development programme would address how to integrate culture, risk management, strategy and leadership to thrive.

Faculties that would deliver the programme include Prof. Andrew Chambers, the World’s first Professor of Internal Audit, Dr Graham Wilson of the University of Oxford, and Mike Wilkins, Managing Director, Senior Research Fellow, Sustainable Finance, S&P Global Ratings.

Others are Ambassador Dr Peter Collecott, Chair of Ambassador Partnerships, Sir Ambassador Richard Gozney, The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man and William Brown, Director Control Risks.

“Every leader is welcome to attend the programme whether you are a CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Human Resource Manager, General Manager, and Chief Marketing Officer.

“Also welcome are Chief Accounting Officers, Chief Procurement Officers, Chief Publicity Officer, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Technical Officer and everyone else who occupies a leadership position,” the statement declared.