The 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit, organized by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), is poised to be a transformative event, bringing together a diverse and influential cohort of leaders from various sectors. The summit, themed “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive, and Inclusive Models,” will take place on April 16th and 17th at the Konga Place, Lekki, Lagos. The carefully curated speaker lineup reflects the summit’s commitment to exploring leadership through multifaceted lenses, encompassing government, business, culture, social impact, and more. This convergence of perspectives aims to challenge conventional leadership paradigms and foster innovative models for progress in a rapidly changing world.
Leading the charge at the summit are prominent figures in Lagos State governance, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and LJLA Executive Secretary and summit convener, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade. Their presence underscores the summit’s focus on responsive and adaptive leadership within the public sector. Joining them are key government officials such as Bode Agoro, Head of Service, Lagos State, and Hon. Rukayat Shittu, Member, Kwara State House of Assembly, along with international representation from His Worship Fabrice Brad Rulinda, Lord Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, Uganda. These leaders will delve into the crucial role of inclusive governance and institutional reform in addressing the evolving needs of society.
The summit will also delve into the intersection of tradition and leadership, featuring esteemed royal dignitaries like Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, The Olu of Warri; and Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, The Emir of Zazzau. Their contributions will explore how traditional leadership can play a vital role in youth engagement and nation-building, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges. This unique perspective adds a cultural dimension to the summit’s exploration of leadership models, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and its role in fostering societal progress.
Innovation and entrepreneurship will take center stage with insights from visionary leaders in business and technology. Speakers such as Kennedy Ekezie, Founder of Limitless; Ashish Thakkar, Group CEO of Y9; and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder and CEO of Rise Networks, will share their experiences and perspectives on driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurial spirit. This focus on entrepreneurship highlights the importance of dynamic leadership in creating economic opportunities and driving societal transformation. The summit aims to inspire attendees to embrace innovative thinking and contribute to a more vibrant and prosperous future.
The summit further recognizes the power of narrative and its impact on shaping perceptions and driving change. Prominent voices from the media and creative industry, including Chude Jideonwo, Co-Founder of RED Media and CEO of Joy Inc.; Omoni Oboli, Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker; and Shaffy Bello, Actor and Humanitarian, will share their insights on leveraging storytelling for positive impact. Their contributions will empower attendees to effectively communicate their vision and lead with purpose, acknowledging the crucial role of media and creative expression in shaping public discourse and inspiring action.
The 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit will also feature influential figures driving social change, education, and leadership development. Experts like Folashade Adefisayo, Principal Consultant at Leading Learning Ltd; Fela Durotoye, CEO of The GEMSTONE Group; and Funke Adeoye, Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars, will share their expertise on values-based leadership in the social sector. Their insights will provide a roadmap for impactful change, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership in addressing critical social issues. This focus on social impact underscores the summit’s commitment to fostering responsible leadership that contributes to a more just and equitable society.
Beyond the keynote addresses, the summit will offer interactive sessions designed to facilitate deeper engagement and practical application of leadership principles. Roundtable discussions will delve into key themes such as “The Royal Pact: Uniting Tradition and Youth for Nation Building,” “Breaking the Ceiling – Women in Leadership,” and “Redefining Public Service for a New Generation.” Masterclasses on topics like “The Creative Industry Playbook” and workshops on strategic thinking and emotional intelligence will provide attendees with tangible tools for personal and professional growth. This combination of insightful discussions and practical workshops ensures that attendees leave the summit equipped to implement the leadership principles discussed and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. The summit’s emphasis on interactive learning fosters a collaborative environment where participants can exchange ideas, build networks, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about transformative leadership. With physical attendance fully booked, the organizers encourage interested individuals to register for virtual access to ensure they don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a diverse and influential community of leaders. The 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit promises to be more than just a gathering of thought leaders; it is a platform for challenging conventional wisdom, shaping progressive leadership models, and inspiring meaningful action across sectors and borders. As the world continues to evolve, this summit provides a vital space for the conversations and connections that will shape the future of leadership.
