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By Vivian Onyebukwa
A conference highlighting the importance of leadership in Africa has ended in Lagos with the theme: Towards A prosperous Africa: Leveraging Leadership, Technology And Innovation.” Amb. Mark Idiahi convened the conference, which was attended by delegates from across Africa.
In his welcome address, Idiahi reflected on the journey that began with a vision to spotlight Africa’s potential and retell its story through the lens of leadership and innovation. “What began 10 years ago as a bold idea has now become a continental movement. The Africa Future Leadership Conference and Awards marked a milestone not just in years, but also in impact. Today, Africa stands at a critical crossroads. Our population is expanding, our economies are evolving, and our citizens are demanding a new era of accountability, innovation, and growth.”
Speaking on the theme of the conference and the awards, Idiahi stated his believe that there is a nexus between leadership and innovation. “Leadership plays a very significant role, whether you are leading a business or leading a family. Whatever business you are into, without the inter play of leadership, it amounts to nothing.”
He noted leadership as the problem facing the African continent, and stressed the need for individuals with good character to venture into strategic leadership position in the continent.
He opposed the popular saying, which described politics as a dirty game, stating that some people run away from politics because they see politics as dirty game. “When the very worst of us go into politics, they would bring their dirtiness into leadership positions, but when those who are not dirty go into politics, they can influence policy that would bring transformation in Nigeria and in Africa,” Idiahi said.
He, however, urged the governments of the African continent to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He said this they can achieve by tackling insecurity situation in African continent, ensuring that the right policies that can support business growth are inaugurated. “When this is achieved, the rate of Africans migrating to Europe and America would be reduced.”
He advised the youths not to give up, saying: “I know it may seem bleak and you may be on the fence right now. You feel that there’s no way out. But I want to tell you that you need to look within. Survival is a big thing. I understand that when you’re on the edge of survival, you want to throw caution to the wind because you want to survive. But, don’t break the rules. Don’t compromise on values because when it’s all said and done, your association will predict your future. In other words, it has to be who you are that will determine what you have.”
In his keynote address titled, “Towards a Prosperous Africa- Leveraging Leadership, Technology, and Innovation,” Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere of Shepherdhill Baptist Church, challenged attendees to redefine prosperity as human flourishing, not just economic metrics. He emphasized that leadership must be servant-driven, ethical, and youth-focused. Technology, he said, must be inclusive and values-based, not just disruptive. “Innovation must be homegrown, collaborative, and purpose-driven. Leadership without character is corruption; technology without ethics is chaos; innovation without purpose is emptiness,” he warned.
In a compelling presentation, Akin Akinpelu, Ph.D unveiled a people-centric model for sustainable development titled “Financing Africa’s Future.” He called for a shift from aid dependency to internal wealth creation, emphasizing that Africa’s greatest asset is its people.
Akinpelu highlighted the continent’s annual loss of $88 billion to illicit financial flows and the alarming youth unemployment rate exceeding 30%, despite a booming young population. According to him, the continent must retain domestic capital, finance productivity, and build infrastructure that enables production.
Akinpelu’s framework was focused on five key areas: Financing productivity through SME support and informal sector credit systems; building productive infrastructure centered on power, logistics, and broadband; investing in human capital aligned with market needs; redefining leadership as system architects rather than gatekeepers; and achieving regional scale through full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. “The responsibility is ours. The capital is here. The people are ready. Let’s build,” he concluded.
The awards ceremony recognized individuals whose contributions have shaped Africa’s development narrative. Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya received the Philanthropic Clergyman of the Year Award 2025 for his impact in faith, science, youth empowerment, and philanthropy.
Dr. Patrick Usiahon Ejedawe, president and founder of Patjeda Group of Companies, was honoured with the Most Outstanding Leader & Philosophy Award for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial excellence, while Mrs. Joy Ehiagwina Patricks received the Distinguished Africa Leadership Impact Award for her unwavering commitment to Africa’s leadership transformation.
Additional honorees were celebrated across sectors including education, health, real estate, media and social impact.
