The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Nigeria Charter Chapter recently concluded its landmark 10th-anniversary celebration, coinciding with the annual International Coaching Week (ICW). The week-long series of events, held from the 12th of May to the 16th of May 2025, showcased the profound and accelerating impact of professional coaching across Nigeria, culminating in a celebration of a decade of growth and transformation.
Under the theme, “A Decade of Coaching Impact,” the chapter provided diverse opportunities for the public, businesses, and its members to experience the power of coaching and recognize its role in unlocking potential and driving national development.
Week of Transformation: Key Activities
The week’s meticulously planned activities engaged various sectors and communities, underscoring the Chapter’s commitment to both professional excellence and social contribution:
Monday: Empowering the Individual The week kicked off with a focus on individual empowerment through Pro-bono Coaching for Individuals (10am – 2pm). Certified ICF coaches offered complimentary, one-on-one sessions, giving members of the public a direct experience of coaching’s transformative nature. The day concluded with an engaging online session, “All You Need to Know About Coaching” Instagram Live (7pm – 8pm), designed to demystify the profession and clarify the standards of ethical, professional coaching. This was anchored by Ekhorose Ame-Ogie PCC and featured Adeyanju Olomola PCC & Charles Okeibunor PCC.
Tuesday: ICW Impact! Conference – The Anniversary Flagship Event The highlight of the week was the ICW Impact! Conference (10am – 2pm), held at the prestigious Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos. This flagship event served as the official 10th-anniversary gathering and featured:
- Keynote Speech by Dr. Patrick Reis: An inspiring address by a leading voice on leadership and national development, focusing on the role of coaching in a rapidly changing world.
- Panel Discussions: Dynamic conversations with top ICF credentialed coaches and industry leaders exploring how coaching drives organizational performance, personal mastery, and societal change. Featured Panelists included Samson Umurhuru PCC, Mirian Kene Kachukwu PCC, Femi Odelusi PCC, and Linda Uneze ACC.
- Networking Session: A vibrant opportunity for professional coaches, corporate executives, and aspiring clients to connect and forge new partnerships.
- Masterclasses: Short, insightful sessions offering deep dives into specialized coaching areas. The Facilitators of the various classes included Patricia Akinlotan PCC, Femi Odelusi PCC, Oluwatoyin Ademola CPC, and Stephanie StephREDD Kadiri PCC.
Wednesday: Investing in Nigerian Organisations Shifting focus to the corporate sector, the chapter hosted Pro-bono Coaching for Organisations (10am – 1pm). ICF coaches visited selected corporate organizations to offer complimentary group and executive coaching sessions, sensitizing businesses on integrating a coaching culture to enhance leadership, employee engagement, and overall performance.
Thursday: Giving Back to the Community The ICF Nigeria Chapter demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility with its annual ICW Community Service (10am – 3pm). This year’s activity saw coaches dedicate their time to a local non-profit organization, providing coaching and training to their staff and beneficiaries to help amplify their social impact.
Friday: A Decade of Excellence Gala Night The celebrations culminated in the glamorous ICF Nigeria Gala Night (6pm – 9pm). This black-tie event was a moment of reflection and celebration, honouring founding members, past presidents, and key partners who have supported the chapter over the last ten years. The evening reinforced the strong bonds within the Nigerian coaching community and cast a vision for the next decade of growth.
A Look to the Future
The 10th-anniversary celebration was not just a look back, but a powerful statement about the future of coaching in Nigeria. ICF Nigeria Chapter President, Akanimo Ekong, emphasized the chapter’s renewed commitment to upholding the highest global standards of coaching excellence (ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics) while actively working to make professional coaching accessible to all Nigerians.
“For ten years, we have been a driving force for positive, lasting change,” the President stated. “The International Coaching Week reminds the world, and Nigeria, that coaching is the key to unlocking human potential—in our individuals, our organizations, and our nation. We are excited to embark on our next decade of impact.”
The successful execution of the anniversary and ICW activities reinforces the ICF Nigeria Chapter’s position as the leading body for professional coaching in the country, transforming lives and businesses, one powerful conversation at a time.