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SENIOR Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has expressed concern over the lack of formal leadership training among many Nigerians occupying political and other positions of authority, warning that the country cannot afford leaders learning on the job amid mounting economic and social challenges.
Adeyemi said the uncertainty surrounding the emergence of political leaders, coupled with inadequate preparation for public office, underscored the need for deliberate investment in leadership development, particularly as Nigeria approaches another general election.
“Sometimes only God knows who’s going to be governor. Who knows who’s going to be senator tomorrow? And most people occupying leadership positions in our country have not learned leadership anywhere.”
Adeyemi urged Nigerians, particularly those aspiring to leadership positions in government, business, religious organisations and other sectors, to embrace opportunities for leadership development, describing participation in the conference as “a great investment in their lives.”
The two-day conference, themed “Leading in Uncertainty,” will examine the challenges confronting leaders in an increasingly unpredictable environment characterised by volatile markets, rising living costs, policy changes and rapid transformations in the world of work.
The conference will also address the demands of leadership in government, business, ministry and the creative industries as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle.
In a joint message, Adeyemi and his wife, Nike, who co-host the conference, said the theme was designed to explore “what it truly means to lead when the ground keeps shifting economically, socially, and personally.”
They explained that participants would be equipped to “stand firm, think clearly, and lead boldly,” while developing the capacity to turn uncertainty into an advantage rather than allowing changing circumstances to undermine effective leadership.
The organisers said the conference would bring together experienced leaders and professionals from the religious, business, public service and entertainment sectors to share practical insights on navigating uncertainty, managing organisations and making decisions in challenging circumstances.
Among the speakers is the Global Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, who oversees more than 30 campuses across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe and the United States.
Idowu also convenes Next Level Prayers, a daily online prayer community with hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide.
Also scheduled to speak is the Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Oluwatobi Adeniyi, under whose leadership the consumer goods company’s market capitalisation was reported to have tripled within two years.
Adeniyi, who also serves as Vice President, Multinationals, on the Executive Committee of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), is known for advocating integrity-driven business leadership.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Toyin Ayinde, is another speaker expected at the conference.
Ayinde, a former National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and current First Deputy President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, has consistently advocated orderly urban development and the importance of planning in governance.
He has argued that “planning should precede development as thinking should precede speaking; to do otherwise is to expect chaos.”
Award-winning singer Timi Dakolo, popularly known as Nigeria’s “King of Soul” and the voice behind the patriotic anthem Great Nation, will also participate, bringing perspectives from the creative industry to discussions on leadership and resilience.
Nike Adeyemi, a speaker, author and humanitarian, will address participants alongside her husband, drawing from her experience in empowering women and supporting vulnerable people through the Real Woman Foundation.
Sam Adeyemi has spent more than three decades developing leaders through initiatives such as the Daystar Leadership Academy, Daystar Skills Acquisition Programme and the Shifts Initiative, which focus on leadership capacity, entrepreneurship and personal development.
According to the organisers, previous participants have described the Excellence in Leadership Conference as “a game-changer,” with many crediting the programme with providing practical strategies subsequently applied in their careers, businesses and organisations.
They said the 2026 edition would build on that experience by addressing the leadership skills required to manage uncertainty, sustain organisational growth and respond effectively to emerging economic and social challenges.
The conference is free and open to the public, with no registration required.
Sessions will hold from 9am to 2pm on both days at the Daystar Christian Centre auditorium, Plot A3C, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos.
