The event was Africa Future Leadership Conference and Awards with the theme, “Towards a Prosperous Africa: Leveraging Leadership, Technology and Innovation’’ and the venue was PISTIS Elevation Hub, Ikeja Lagos.
The annual event which is powered by the Africa Future Leadership Magazine brought together delegates from across Africa.
The event also facilitated discussions on issues that would catalyze Africa’s transformation.
Speaking at the event, the convener of the Africa Future Leadership Conference and Awards Mark Idiahi, said that the event began a decade ago and that it aimed to spotlight Africa’s potential and retell its story through the lens of leadership and innovation.
According to Idiahi who is also the publisher of the Africa Future Leadership Magazine, Africa stands today at a critical crossroads adding, “Our population is expanding, our economies are evolving, and our citizens are demanding a new era of accountability, innovation, and growth.”
On the theme of the Conference and the Awards, he said: “l believe there is a nexus between leadership, 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 amount to nothing’’.
While describing leadership as the major problem facing the continent of Africa, he stressed the need for individuals with good character to venture in to strategic leadership position in the continent.
He disagreed with the popular saying which states that politics is a dirty game, adding “some people run away from politics because they see politics as a dirty game, but l don’t believe that politics is a dirty game.
“When the very worst of us goes in to politics, they will bring their dirtiness in to leadership positions, but when those who are not dirty goes in to politics, they can influence policy, that will bring transformation in Nigeria and in Africa’’.
However, he urged governments of African continent to create an enabling environment for business idea to thrive.
READ MORE: Blackouts: Federal Government Pushes States to Establish Independent Power Firms
“In fact one responsibility of the government is to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow, they can achieve that by tackling insecurity situation in the continent of Africa, ensuring that the right policies that can support business growth are inaugurated , when this is achieved, the rate of African’s migrating to Europe and America will be reduced’’.
On the other hand, he advised Nigerian youth to look within, adding “youth should not compromise on values, your association will predict your future, who you are will determine what you have’’.
Speaking on “Towards a Prosperous Africa Leveraging Leadership, Technology, and Innovation,” the keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere of Shepherdhill Baptist Church
challenged attendees to redefine prosperity as human flourishing, not just economic metrics.
Describing African story as a story of unrealised greatness, he said: “the continent is blessed with immense natural wealth, youthful energy, and divine potential, yet still wrestling with the ghosts of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. Africa’s best days are not behind us they are before us’’.
Looking at the meaning of a prosperous Africa, the clergy said: “Prosperity is not merely the abundance of resources or economic statistics. Prosperity, in its truest sense, is human flourishing, where people live with dignity, where every child can dream, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Prosperous Africa is one where leadership inspires, technology empowers, and innovation transforms lives. It is an Africa that no longer looks outward for solutions, but looks inward to its own people, cultures, and values for inspiration.
“True prosperity must also be inclusive, reaching the forgotten rural farmer, the unemployed graduate, the young girl in a remote village who dreams of coding or leading her community’’.
Considering leadership as the greatest challenge in the continent he said, “Over the decades, we have seen that natural resources without good leadership breed corruption and inequality. But visionary leadership anchored on moral values and service can turn even scarcity into abundance’’.
Stating that leadership is not just for presidents or governors, he affirmed that it is for every person who takes responsibility for their community, their organisation, and their future.
“The kind of leadership that will birth a prosperous Africa is more than influence. It is influence rooted in integrity, without integrity, leadership becomes manipulation.
“But when guided by moral conviction, leadership becomes transformative. In our faith tradition, we are taught that “to whom much is given, much is required.” That is a universal truth. The African leader, whether in government, business, or faith, must see themselves as a steward, not an owner; as a servant, not a ruler.
“The future of Africa will not be built merely by technocrats or politicians, but by leaders of character who model humility, accountability, and a relentless commitment to the common good’’.
On his part, Dr. Akin Akinpelu unveiled a people-centric model for sustainable development titled “Financing Africa’s Future.”
Akinpelu called for a shift from aid dependency to internal wealth creation, emphasising that Africa’s greatest asset is its people.
He highlighted the continent’s annual loss of $88 billion to illicit financial flows and the alarming youth unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent, despite a booming young population.
According to him, the continent must retain domestic capital, finance productivity, and build infrastructure that enables production.
Dr. Akinpelu’s framework focused on five key areas which include; 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;
Others were; redefining leadership as system architects rather than gatekeepers; and achieving regional scale through full implementation of the African.
The awards ceremony recognised individuals whose contributions have shaped Africa’s development narrative.
The awardees include; 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 honored with the Most Outstanding Leader & Philosophy Award for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial excellence. Mrs. Joy Ehiagwina Patricks received the Distinguished Africa Leadership Impact Award for her unwavering commitment to Africa’s leadership transformation and a host of others.
Additional honorees were celebrated across sectors including education, health, real estate, media, and social impact.
