As Nigeria’s Future Hangs in the Balance, Top Leaders Converge for Crucial Lecture to Chart New Course

Mary Nnah

A constellation of visionary leaders and change-makers is set to converge for the 2024 Wilson & Yinka Badejo Memorial Lecture on August 7th at the prestigious Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos to review the troubled trajectory of the Nigerian state.

Themed “Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue: Nurturing Understanding in a Culturally and Socially Diverse Nation”, this year’s lecture promises to be a watershed moment in the country’s quest for unity, progress, and a brighter future.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Church and Convener of Save Nigeria Group, will deliver a thought-provoking address anticipated to challenge the status quo and inspire a new generation of leaders.

Mrs. Debola Deji-Kurunmi, celebrated author, public policy advisor, and motivational speaker, will set the tone as opening speaker, while Rev. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, will bring his wisdom and insights as Father of the Day.

The Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation, established in 2007 by the late visionary founders, Rev. Dr. Wilson Adebogun and Rev. (Mrs.) Yinka Anike Badejo, has been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, less privileged, and displaced.

With a remarkable legacy of empowering over 2000 at-risk youths, providing 500 scholarship awards, and completing numerous community projects, this year’s lecture is poised to be a milestone event that will build on the foundation’s impressive achievements.

As Nigeria grapples with the daunting challenges of poverty, insecurity, social unrest, and cultural divisions, the 2024 lecture offers a glimmer of hope and a chance for collective reflection.