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Rev. Adedimeji Adegbesan has been installed as the new chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF).
Dr. Osaren Emokpae, chairman Emeritus WYBF and Presiding Apostle of Macedonia Call Global Assembly, conducted the installation at a ceremony held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos,
The event, which marked the 18th edition of the Foundation’s Annual Memorial Lecture, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, partners and change-makers, who have supported the Foundation’s mission of social impact for nearly two decades.
Rev. Adegbesan’s appointment signalled a new phase of leadership for the Foundation; one rooted in experience, compassion and a clear vision for the future. A seasoned pastor, financial professional and community leader, Rev. Adegbesan brings over 30 years of combined experience in ministry and financial services. His capacity for both spiritual and strategic leadership positions him as the right person to guide the Foundation into its next chapter.
Dr. Emokpae advised the new chairman to read his autobiography, ‘The Pilgrim’s Testament,’ to help him in the task ahead
He urged the new chairman to uphold the values and conventions documented in the constitution of the Foundation, and to remain focused on initiatives that improve the lives of the less privileged.
Wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Mother of the Day, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, and Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, shared their vision for a Nigeria free of corruption and tribal divisions, where love for country rises above the love for money.
The spiritual tone of the day was heightened when Rev Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria and ‘Father of the Day,’ prayed earnestly for Rev. Adedimeji Adegbesan, asking God to grant him wisdom and divine guidance as he leads the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Femi Badejo, Vice-Chairman of WYBF and son of the Foundation’s founders, spoke passionately about a renewed direction, deepening youth involvement, promoting inclusivity and building the kind of Nigeria every citizen can be proud of through WYBF’s transformative programmes.
The 18th Memorial Lecture was not just a leadership transition; it was also a celebration of WYBF’s growing legacy. Since its founding in 2007, it has rehabilitated over 2,000 area boys and girls through structured empowerment programmes, awarded more than 600 scholarships to indigent students across Nigeria and executed multiple community development projects in underserved areas
This year’s lecture theme, “Leadership Reimagined: Framework for Empowering the Next Generation of Nation Builders,” couldn’t have come at a more relevant time. As the country faces significant social and generational challenges, conversations around ethical, inclusive leadership are more important than ever.
The keynote address was delivered by renowned leadership expert and nation-building advocate, Fela Durotoye. His thought-provoking presentation offered practical insights on how to equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to lead in today’s world.
