The Leadership Institute (Nigeria), in collaboration with the African Leadership Institute USA, successfully convened the 2025 Leadership Public Lecture, Leadership Excellence Awards, and Appeal Fund for Educational Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Children in Benue State on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
The high-level gathering brought together senior government officials, policymakers, diplomats, corporate leaders, civil society actors, and members of the media to reflect on the future of leadership in Africa while celebrating excellence in public service and national development.
The centrepiece of the programme was the 2025 Leadership Public Lecture delivered by Justice Cheryl Grant, a distinguished United States jurist and global leadership advocate. Speaking on the theme “Africa at the Crossroads: Redefining Leadership for Global Relevance,” Justice Grant challenged African leaders to embrace ethical governance, institutional accountability, innovation, and people-centred leadership as essential pillars for global competitiveness in the 21st century.
The event also featured a robust panel discussion by eminent national thinkers and policy influencers, who examined leadership deficits and opportunities across governance, security, economic development, and institutional reform. The discussions underscored the urgency of values-driven leadership in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Leadership Excellence Awards, which recognised distinguished Nigerian leaders whose service and reforms have made measurable impacts across critical sectors of national life. The awards celebrated integrity, vision, and sustained commitment to public good.
Beyond recognition and dialogue, the event carried a strong humanitarian focus through the launch of an Appeal Fund for the Educational Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Children in Benue State. The initiative aims to mobilise resources to restore access to education and rebuild learning facilities for children affected by banditry and displacement, reaffirming education as a cornerstone of peace, recovery, and long-term development.
The programme concluded with a networking lunch and media engagements, providing a platform for high-level interactions among policymakers, development partners, and civic leaders. Participants commended the Leadership Institute (Nigeria) for sustaining a forum that blends thought leadership, national recognition, and social responsibility.
The 2025 Leadership Public Lecture and Awards once again reinforced the Institute’s commitment to promoting ethical leadership, strengthening institutions, and advancing inclusive development across Nigeria and Africa.
