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Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has warned Nigerian leaders that those who rely on predictions rather than prepare for unexpected political and economic developments ahead of the 2027 general election risk being overwhelmed by events beyond their control.
He cautioned that the ability to predict election outcomes would not necessarily determine who succeeds in 2027, stressing that leaders must prepare for sudden government policies, technological disruptions and other unforeseen developments capable of altering their plans.
“Are you thinking about 2027 already? You should be. The leaders that will thrive in 2027 will not necessarily be those who can perfectly predict what will happen. It will be those who prepare wisely for what could happen,” he declared.
Adeyemi spoke at the weekend during the closing session of the 2026 Excellence in Leadership Conference (ELC), a two-day gathering held at Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos, with the theme, “Leading in Uncertainty.”
The cleric, who identified the coming elections, unexpected government decisions and advances in artificial intelligence as possible sources of disruption, urged Nigerians to move beyond the struggle for personal survival and channel their influence, resources and leadership abilities towards addressing the country’s development challenges.
“I know you’re fighting for survival. I know you are living just to sustain yourself… a house of your own, a nice car, a small family of your own. And God is saying, your life is too small to be the purpose of your life.”
Adeyemi maintained that leadership required a willingness to confront problems beyond personal interests, stressing that individuals and institutions must develop the resilience and foresight needed to function effectively in difficult circumstances.
Recalling the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians during the COVID-19 lockdown, he noted that some households exhausted their financial resources within three days, a development he cited as evidence of the need for better preparation against unforeseen emergencies.
He also lamented the inadequacy of emergency medical services in Nigeria, saying access to prompt medical intervention should be a basic public service rather than a privilege.
“It was supposed to be just one phone call, and within two, three minutes, an ambulance should be there… It’s not luxury. I’m talking about what is supposed to be normal,” he stated.
The conference, which attracted physical participants and online audiences through watch parties hosted in offices, shops and churches across the world, also featured business executives, religious leaders, professionals and entertainers who shared experiences of overcoming personal and institutional challenges.
Global Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, recalled the difficult beginnings of his ministry, which started with six people meeting in a hotel for six months at a time when the church could not afford N3,000 for midweek services.
Idowu, an alumnus of Daystar Leadership Academy, warned that poor communication during crises could deepen uncertainty and undermine confidence in leadership.
“When leadership goes silent in uncertainty, fear becomes contagious,” he said, urging leaders to maintain communication with those under their care, particularly during difficult periods.
Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Tobi Adeniyi, also recounted how he was turned back at the gate of an organisation where he had served as a member of the National Youth Service Corps after completing his service year.
He explained that he subsequently rejected a better-paying banking job to join Unilever as a management trainee, despite the position offering the lowest remuneration among the opportunities available to him at the time.
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Adeniyi also recalled how his team kept a factory operating during the Apapa port congestion by borrowing raw materials from a competitor, illustrating the importance of flexibility, collaboration and commitment to long-term objectives.
“When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind,” he said.
Singer Timi Dakolo, who attended the conference as a speaker rather than a performer, shared his experience of losing the grandmother who raised him while he was participating in the Idols West Africa competition.
He urged young Nigerians to resist allowing frustration and anger to determine their responses to difficult circumstances, insisting that meaningful progress required discipline, planning and consistency.
“Anger is not a strategy,” Dakolo said. “We are not the first generation to be angry… you must have a plan and a routine.”
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Toyin Ayinde, recounted his separation from his parents at the age of six and a difficult period in 1999 when he was left with only N3.
Ayinde said his experiences reinforced his commitment to integrity and public service, disclosing that throughout his tenure as commissioner, he never recommended his consultancy firm for any government contract.
“You’re not a big man. You’re a servant of the people,” he said, stressing that public office should be regarded as an opportunity to serve rather than pursue personal enrichment.
Co-host of the conference, Nike Adeyemi, also shared how a fire that destroyed a facility belonging to the Real Woman Foundation, which she founded, in 2024 eventually led the organisation to acquire a new home twice the size of the previous facility.
She said the experience also contributed to the establishment of the Real Diva Institute, which recently graduated its first cohort, describing the development as an example of how leaders could transform adversity into opportunities for growth.
“Leaders are never complainers,” she said. “You belong to the company of those who bring light in the midst of chaos.”
Closing the conference, Sam Adeyemi reiterated that uncertainty should not discourage individuals from pursuing meaningful goals, noting that periods of disruption often presented opportunities for innovation, institutional reform and personal development.
“Inside the disruptions are opportunities,” he declared.
He thanked the speakers, volunteers and participants who contributed to the success of the conference before leading those physically present and others participating through international watch parties in prayer.
Adeyemi also announced plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Daystar Leadership Academy beginning in March 2027.
According to him, the academy, which opened to the public in March 2002, has trained nearly 60,000 people and is targeting 500,000 alumni over the next 25 years as part of efforts to expand leadership development and strengthen its impact on society.
