… As Timi Dakolo, others headline Daystar’s 2026 Leadership Confab

Sam Adeyemi, senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, has said that Nigeria cannot afford leaders who learn on the job, stressing the urgent need for leadership training and competence amid the country’s economic and social challenges.

Adeyemi made the remarks ahead of the 2026 edition of the church’s annual Excellence in Leadership Conference (ELC), scheduled for Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6, at its auditorium in Oregun, Lagos.

He expressed concern that many Nigerians occupying leadership positions lacked formal leadership training, despite the far-reaching consequences of their decisions on the country’s development.

“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,” he said.

The cleric urged Nigerians to embrace opportunities for leadership development, describing the conference as “a great investment in their lives” and encouraging participants to invite others.
The 2026 conference, themed “Leading in Uncertainty,” will examine how leaders can navigate economic volatility, rising living costs, shifting policies and a rapidly changing world of work.

The discussions are expected to resonate with leaders across government, business, ministry and the creative industries, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
In a joint message, Adeyemi and his wife, Nike Adeyemi, who co-host the conference, said the theme addresses the realities of leading when economic, social and personal circumstances remain unpredictable.

They said the conference would equip participants to “stand firm, think clearly, and lead boldly,” while helping them turn uncertainty into a leadership advantage.

The two-day event will bring together speakers from business, public service, ministry and entertainment to share insights on leadership, decision-making and navigating complex challenges.

Among the speakers is Bolaji Idowu, Global Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, who oversees more than 30 campuses across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe and the United States. He also convenes Next Level Prayers, a daily online prayer community with hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide.

The business sector will be represented by Oluwatobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc. Under his leadership, the consumer goods company’s market capitalisation has tripled in two years.

He also serves as Vice President (Multinationals) on the Executive Committee of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and is an advocate of integrity-driven business leadership.

Toyin Ayinde, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, will bring his experience in urban planning and public administration to the discussions. A former National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and current First Deputy President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Ayinde has consistently advocated planning-led development as a foundation for orderly growth.

Award-winning singer Timi Dakolo, popularly known as Nigeria’s “King of Soul” and renowned for the patriotic anthem “Great Nation,” will offer perspectives from the creative industry.

Nike Adeyemi, a speaker, author and humanitarian, will also address participants. Through her Real Woman Foundation, she focuses on empowering women and supporting vulnerable people.

Sam Adeyemi, who has spent more than three decades building leadership capacity, will draw on his experience with initiatives including the Daystar Leadership Academy, the Daystar Skills Acquisition Program and the Shifts Initiative.

Previous participants have described the conference as a transformative experience, crediting it with providing practical strategies they subsequently applied in their careers and businesses.

According to the organisers, the conference is free and open to the public, with no registration required. Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days at Daystar Christian Centre, Plot A3C, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos.