Dr Christopher Kolade, the first indigenous CEO, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, has charged the company’s management and staff to live up to expectations in the discharge of their duties.

Dr Kolade gave the encouragement during a fireside chat to  commemorate Cadbury Nigeria 60th Anniversary.

The former chairman,  emphasized the importance of adhering to core principles, as  a company does not perform better than its people.

He drew inspiration from Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II, highlighting the need for leaders to adapt to changing contexts.

Dr. Kolade also stressed the significance of prioritizing people and responsibility over status, citing a personal experience at Cadbury Nigeria.

According to him, human capital aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and development.

The former CEO, who left the company 23 years ago, noted that,“people are the most important resource in the management of a business company.

Citing his personal life philosophy, he recalled that he begins with God the creator; proceed with Him; trust, follow and Obey Him daily and totally rely on Him for the outcome.

“Your responsibility leads to your status. Without responsibility no status. If you don’t know your responsibility people will push you to the wrong part,” he said.

The  distinguished diplomat, academic and corporate leader,  noted that change is inevitable but good principles remain constant.

“Times change -and so do many other things; Good principles remain constant. Leaders are tenants of time.”

The former CEO, who left the company 23 years ago, noted that,“people are the most important resource in the management of a business company.

“People look at status rather than responsibility..

He noted that every human activity faces at least four questions: the What, How, Who and Why.

He urged the audience to  consider the following seven simple principles:

“This business company gives something to people.“People are seeking to obtain some value that they consider to be of appropriate quality and worth to themselves.

“People make business resources productive. “Each person can give or demand his/her best.

“People can usually do better because they can (desire to) learn and apply the fruits of learning.

“Success, failure and mistakes are learning opportunities.

“The Company does not perform better than its people.” He emphasised that people go the extra mile for the benefit of the company.