LJLA unveils top speakers for 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy has unveiled an exceptional lineup of speakers for the forthcoming Lagos Leadership Summit 2025, scheduled for April 16th and 17th at the Konga Place, Lekki, Lagos.

 Anchored on the theme ‘Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive, and Inclusive Models’, this year’s summit promises to deliver a unique blend of ideas, insights, and solutions from leaders across government, business, culture, and social impact.

At the forefront of the summit’s impressive roster are Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State and Chief Host; Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State; and Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary of LJLA and convener of the summit. Together, they will set the tone for conversations aimed at challenging conventional leadership norms and inspiring forward-thinking models for progress.

From public governance to institutional reform, the summit will bring together prominent figures such as Bode Agoro, Head of Service, Lagos State; Hon. Rukayat Shittu, Member, Kwara State House of Assembly; His Worship Fabrice Brad Rulinda, Lord Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, Republic of Uganda; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, LAWMA; and Charles Odii, CEO of SMEDAN. These leaders will explore how inclusive governance and reformative leadership can respond to the evolving demands of society.

The summit will also celebrate leadership through the lens of tradition and cultural preservation. Esteemed royal dignitaries, including Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, The Olu of Warri; Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, The Emir of Zazzau; HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, The Oniru of Iruland; and Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, will offer a rich perspective on how traditional leadership can influence youth engagement and nation-building.

Further exploration of innovation and entrepreneurship will feature insights from business and tech visionaries such as Kennedy Ekezie, Founder of Limitless; Ashish Thakkar, Group CEO of Y9; Abayomi Awobokun, Managing Partner of Ce-IV Magazines; and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder and CEO of Rise Networks.

Adding depth to the conversation are notable names from the media and creative industry who shape narratives and shift mindsets. Attendees will hear from Chude Jideonwo, Co-Founder of RED Media and CEO of Joy Inc.; Omoni Oboli, Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker; Moses Babatope, Founder and Group CEO of The NILE Media Entertainment; Shaffy Bello, Actor and Humanitarian; Bisola Aiyeola, Award-Winning Actor and TV Host; Peace Hyde, TV Producer and Education Activist; and Genoveva Umeh, Award-Winning Actor. Their contributions will empower attendees to take ownership of their narrative and lead with purpose.

The summit will also feature influential voices driving social change, education, and leadership development. Renowned experts, including Folashade Adefisayo, Principal Consultant at Leading Learning Ltd; Fela Durotoye, CEO of The GEMSTONE Group; Dupe Olusola, Transformation Leader; Debola Deji-Kurunmi, Founder of IMMERSE Coaching Company; and Funke Adeoye, Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars, will share their insights on values-based leadership in the social sector, providing a clear roadmap for impactful change.

Speaking on the summit’s speaker selection, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary of LJLA and convener of the event, stated, “This lineup is just a glimpse into the depth and diversity of voices we are bringing together for the 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit. The conversations we are curating are intentionally inclusive, bold, and forward-facing. We want every attendee to leave inspired and equipped to lead wherever they are.”

The two-day event will also feature roundtable discussions that tackle key themes, including The Royal Pact: Uniting Tradition and Youth for Nation Building; Breaking the Ceiling – Women in Leadership; Redefining Public Service for a New Generation; The Power of Aspiration and Action; and Young Leaders Changing Narratives. Complementing these conversations, masterclasses like The Creative Industry Playbook and a workshop on strategic thinking and emotional intelligence will provide practical tools for personal and professional growth.

The Lagos Leadership Summit is not just a gathering of thought leaders. It is a platform for challenging ideas, shaping progressive leadership, and inspiring meaningful action across sectors and borders. As the world continues to evolve, this summit creates space for the conversations and connections that will define the future of leadership.

With physical slots already fully booked, interested participants are encouraged to register for virtual access to avoid missing out on this powerful experience.