Dr. Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Permanent Board member of LASUBEB, and the Special Adviser on Constituency Matters gave a keynote speech at the Lagos State Supervisors and Special Advisers Ikorodu Division Forum (LSSIKDF) Award Night on February 15, 2024.

The speech focused on the critical intersection of leadership and positioning in politics. Dr. Ibikunle emphasized the importance of effective leadership and strategic positioning in shaping the direction of nations, addressing societal challenges, and fostering progress for the greater good.

During the speech, Dr. Ibikunle highlighted that leadership goes beyond titles or positions. True leadership involves inspiring others to achieve common goals through effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making. It’s about guiding and influencing followers or members of an organization, society, or team.

The speech also delved into the significance of positioning in politics. Dr. Ibikunle explained that positioning refers to how individuals or groups position themselves within the political landscape to achieve their goals effectively. It requires understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of competitors, while leveraging opportunities for success.

Dr. Saheed emphasized that leadership is not just reserved for those in high positions but is a skill that can be developed by anyone. Leaders play a vital role in various aspects of society, including business, politics, religion, and community-based organizations.

He said Leaders are known for their ability to make sound decisions and tackle difficult challenges. In the realm of politics, effective leadership is crucial for the success of a nation and its people. Political leaders are responsible for making critical decisions, shaping public policies, and inspiring citizens towards a common vision.

He noted that Effective political leadership involves navigating complex challenges, building consensus, and advocating for the interests of the populace. Integrity, empathy, vision, and the ability to inspire and unite diverse communities are the hallmarks of successful political leaders.

He emphasized that Political leaders must possess the courage to make tough decisions while seeking counsel and prioritizing the public interest above personal gain. They are also adept communicators, capable of rallying citizens around shared values that reflect the aspirations of the nation.

In the world of marketing, strategic positioning is key. It refers to how a brand is perceived by customers in relation to its competitors. Similarly, in politics, strategic positioning is crucial. It involves creating a unique political identity and developing policies that align with the values of the electorate while differentiating oneself from other candidates.

Dr. Saheed Ibikunle emphasized the importance of strategic positioning in both marketing and politics. According to Dr. Ibikunle, positioning refers to how a brand or political entity is perceived by customers or voters in relation to its competitors. It defines the unique spot a product or political party holds in the marketplace.

In the realm of marketing, strategic positioning is crucial for brands to stand out amidst fierce competition. It involves crafting a narrative that captures the hopes and concerns of customers, while offering a vision for the future that resonates with their values. By defining their position in the market, brands can shape perception, guide their policies, and build trust among consumers.

Similarly, in the world of politics, strategic positioning plays a vital role in creating a distinct political identity and developing policies that align with the values of the electorate. It enables political parties and candidates to differentiate themselves from their competitors and shape the perception of voters. A well-defined strategy helps leaders articulate a clear vision, build trust, and mobilize support for their initiatives.

Dr. Ibikunle further emphasized the importance of leadership in both marketing and politics. He highlighted the distinction between positional and influential leadership. While a leader who solely relies on their position may struggle to bring about real change, a true leader knows how to influence others without relying on their title. Effective leaders understand the significance of both positional and influential leadership to inspire, unite, and mobilize citizens around shared values.

Dr. Saheed Ibikunle’s insights shed light on the critical role of strategic positioning in marketing and politics. Whether it’s shaping perception in the marketplace or inspiring change in the political landscape, positioning is key to standing out, defining policy priorities, and mobilizing support.

He highlighted the crucial strategies required for effective leadership and positioning in politics. He emphasized that these strategies play a pivotal role in driving meaningful change and development within nations.

According to Dr. Ibikunle, the first key strategy is the definition of a compelling political vision. This vision should address the aspirations and concerns of the nation, resonating with the people and inspiring their support.

The second strategy focuses on fostering a culture of inclusive governance, transparency, and accountability. By involving diverse communities and actively listening to their needs and perspectives, leaders can ensure that their policies and decisions are representative and beneficial to all.

Active listening and dialogue with diverse communities form the third essential strategy. Understanding the needs and perspectives of the people is crucial for effective leadership and positioning in politics. By engaging in open and meaningful conversations, leaders can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions.

Articulating a clear and differentiated political positioning is the fourth strategy highlighted by Dr. Ibikunle. This involves defining one’s stance on important issues and effectively communicating it to the electorate. By doing so, leaders can build trust and gain the support of the people.

Finally, the fifth strategy emphasizes the importance of building coalitions and partnerships. By collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations, leaders can advance common goals and address societal challenges more effectively. This collaborative approach amplifies their impact and fosters meaningful change.

Dr. Ibikunle also provided an inspiring example of strong leadership and strategic positioning in politics. He highlighted the transformative impact of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, and the People’s Action Party (PAP). Under their leadership, Singapore evolved from a small, underdeveloped port city into a modern and prosperous nation. Their effective utilization of strong leadership and strategic positioning paved the way for Singapore’s remarkable development.