Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 2025 edition of the Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC), where 18 distinguished individuals including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Moyosore Kotoye (SAN), and two prominent traditional rulers will be honoured with doctorate degrees.
The two-day conference, holding in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from Friday 15th to Saturday 16th August 2025, will take place at Continental Suites, IBB Boulevard. It is jointly organised by South Africa-based Immanuel Theology Institute International and Nigeria’s Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc (PLDI).
Among those to be conferred with the honorary doctorate awards are the Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo, the Olu of Siun, Oba Lawrence Adisa Odeyinka, the Ogun State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Remilekun Ekundayo, United States-based businessman, Mr. Musa Sani Anwalu, Surveyor Mrs. Rántà Lemboye, Hon. Oladipo Akingbade, and a Police Area Commander serving in Ogun State.
Other awardees include Apostle Wale Fatolu, Chief Oluwakemi Odubote, Apostle Matthew Omooninkan, Mrs. Felicia Okanlawon, Mr. Adekunle Shoneye, Mrs. Mary Adenekan, Mrs. Ruth Oladipupo, Rev. Tunji Akintayo, Pastor Balogun Timothy, and Apostle John Ayilara.
According to the organisers, the honourees will receive honorary Doctor of Leadership (D.L) and Doctor of Theology (D.Th) degrees in recognition of their selfless service and far-reaching contributions to their communities and fields of influence.
Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta on Friday, the International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc., Prof. Olusesi Obateye, explained that the theme of this year’s conference is Leadership and Followership: The Bonding Factor and the Consequences of Insincerity.
Prof. Obateye expressed concern over the state of governance across African nations, noting that “insincerity of leaders remains one of the biggest hindrances to development on the continent, despite the abundance of natural resources.”
He added that the conference would serve as a platform to not only celebrate exemplary individuals but also encourage a shift toward more sincere and effective leadership across board.
