Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Delta State chapter, has been urged to build strong institutions for sustainable development.

Given the charge on the occasion of the investiture ceremony of Mr. Timi Afolabi as the Chairman of Delta's APBN and other executive committee, Commissioner, Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, pointed out that nations were not built merely by charismatic individuals, but by strong institutions guided by enduring values.

As professionals, he urged that they have to become custodians of institutional excellence.

Whether in engineering, medicine, law, education, accounting, architecture, surveying or public administration, the commissioner said professionals' responsibility extends beyond personal achievement to strengthening the systems within which they serve.

He noted that strong institutions are characterised by transparency in decision-making, accountability in public service, and respect for the rule of law, merit-based appointments, professional competence, ethical leadership and continuous innovation.

"Whenever these principles are weakened, institutions lose credibility and development slows.

"Institutions provide stability beyond political tenures. They ensure continuity of policy, protect public resources, enforce standards and inspire confidence among citizens and investors," he said.

Speaking on the theme: "Professional Leadership and National Development: Strengthening Institutions for a Sustainable Nigeria," the commissioner said it could not have come at a more appropriate time as Nigeria stands at an important crossroads.

"We are blessed with abundant natural resources, an energetic youth population, rich cultural diversity, resilient entrepreneurs and exceptional professionals whose expertise competes favourably with the very best across the world. Yet, despite these enormous advantages, our developmental journey has been slower than our collective aspirations. This reality naturally raises an important question: What truly differentiates developed nations from developing nations?

"Many would argue that the answer lies in natural resources. Others may point to technology, capital or political leadership. While these factors are undeniably important, history has consistently demonstrated that the greatest determinant of national prosperity is the strength of institutions and the quality of leadership that guides them, " he said.

He noted that countries become great not because they possess abundant mineral deposits but because they deliberately build institutions that uphold justice, reward excellence, encourage innovation and protect the public interest.

In his speech, Delta 's APBN Chairman,Timi Afolabi, explained that the theme of the forum was selected with deliberate intent,adding that sustainable national development cannot be predicated upon charisma or transient policies alone.

According to him, Nigeria requires professional leadership committed to building and preserving institutions that endure beyond individual administrations.

He said his administration is committed to the implementation of

mentorship policies for students, thereby shielding them from deleterious influences.

He also expressed that the state is in need of a Comprehensive Master Plan to address 21st Century developmental challenges, calling for the revival of critical economic sectors in the state.

According to him, Delta State is endowed with five ports, yet their operational capacity has remained suboptimal.

He called the Federal Government to accord the revival of Delta State's ports the urgency it deserves

"This appeal extends to the Delta Steel Company, Aladja, and other federal infrastructure projects requiring completion for the benefit of our citizens," he said

He threw his weight behind the State Police Bill, describing it as a strategic instrument for grassroots security management.

"APBN Delta State Chapter welcomes the State Police Bill. We lend our unequivocal support to this initiative and express optimism that, upon enactment, it will facilitate effective security administration from the community to the federal level," he said

The commissioner pointed out that at the heart of every strong institution were competent professionals. "Professionals who understand that leadership is a sacred trust, professionals whose integrity inspires confidence, professionals who choose service above self-interest, professionals who recognize that every decision they make has consequences for generations yet unborn," he said.

The commissioner also spoke on the strategic importance of professional leadership, ethics, accountability and good governance, preparation of youth for global competitiveness, mentorship, and continuous professional development.

Through continuous professional development, disciplinary mechanisms and mentorship, he said that APBN and its member organisations can strengthen public confidence in the professions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's development.

"As professionals, our legacy should not simply be the positions we occupy but the institutions we strengthen and the values we uphold," he said.

On the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation the future of Professional practice, the commissioner said that though the innovations are not replacing professionals; they are redefining professional practice.

According to the commissioner, professionals who would thrive in the future are those who embrace technology as a tool for greater efficiency, creativity and service.

"This reality places a significant responsibility on our professional bodies. Continuous professional development can no longer be optional. It must become an enduring culture. Learning must continue throughout one's career because knowledge evolves, technology advances and society's expectations continue to change, "he said.

The professionals body urged to partner with schools to provide mentorship, career talks, exposure to emerging professions.

He proposed a "Seven-Point Agenda" that can further strengthen the impact of APBN in Delta State and beyond.

He urged the newly inaugurated executive committee to promote ethical leadership;strengthen collaboration among member bodies;

establish a robust mentorship programme that connects experienced professionals with students and young practitioners; deepen engagement with government through constructive policy advocacy and evidence-based recommendations that advance public interest; embrace innovation by encouraging research, digital transformation and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence; and promote community service by supporting initiatives that improve education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and youth empowerment.

"If these priorities are pursued with commitment and consistency, APBN will continue to grow as a respected voice in national development and a model for professional excellence," the commissioner said.