SystemSpecs Stresses Innovative Leadership at Conference

Omolabake  Fasogbon

Financial technology company, SystemSpecs has highlighted the gains of transformational leadership and innovation at the 11th African Bible Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Conference, in Abuja, recently

Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings, Dr. John Obaro noted in particular need to embrace value-based leadership to address Africa’s unique challenges.

Represented by Divisional Head, PAPSS and Operations at SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL), he emphasised generational understanding, resilience, and localised innovation to achieve sustainable impact. 

With the theme, “Value-based Leadership: Model for Africa,” the conference was a platform for young leaders to exchange ideas, inspired by speakers who underscored the role of integrity and ethical principles in fostering transformational leadership across Africa.

Speaking on the sub-theme “Arise and Shine: Raising a New Generation of Transformational Leaders,” Obaro underscored the need for ethical leadership rooted in Christian values.

He said, “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,” he said.

Justifying purpose of African-driven approach to innovation, he added, “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,stressing local solution in tune with the environment to thrive. 

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. Strategic alliances are critical for achieving impactful change”, he said. 

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.

Preaching resilience, Obaro added, “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.

He further highlighted SystemSpecs’ longstanding success to its commitment to innovation and integrity and principles that have guided the organisation for over 25 years. 

“For 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,” he said.