Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, will chair the upcoming African Biblical Leadership Initiative Conference (ABLI), hosted by the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) in October.
Mr. Samuel Sanusi, Pastor and General Secretary/CEO of BSN, announced this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday.
He noted that ABLI was established during a special session of the African Union prayer breakfast in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2010.
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Sanusi explained that ABLI’s goal is to promote qualitative transformation through value-based leadership inspired by biblical principles. The initiative seeks to cultivate a new generation of principled leaders characterized by honor, integrity, and competence.
The conference, which has been held in ten different African countries previously, will be hosted in Nigeria for the 11th edition.
The theme for this year’s event is “Value-Based Leadership: Model for Africa.” It will take place at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Abuja from October 21 to 24, starting daily at 9:00 a.m.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the conference, with Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, serving as the Special Guest of Honour. Other notable guests include Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), Patron of BSN; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; and Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT.
Delegates from various regions, including Africa, Europe, America, and Asia, are expected to attend, alongside General Secretaries and CEOs of African Bible Societies. Keynote speakers will include Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, former Chief Justice of South Africa, and Dr. Zienzi Dillon, Founder/CEO of Carmel Global Capital, New York.
The conference will feature plenary sessions on the Value of Social Harmony, Justice, Integrity, and Wisdom, with speakers such as Mrs. Juliet Binitie, Director of Programmes at the Institute for National Transformation Lagos; Prof. Mike Ozekhome, Constitutional Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, Social Reformer and Christian Philosopher; and Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda.
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A Youth Assembly session themed “Arise and Shine: Raising a New Generation of Transformational Leaders” will be addressed by Pastor Poju Oyemade, Founder and Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation, and Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi.
Sanusi highlighted the continent’s challenges with poor leadership, corruption, and mismanagement. He referenced the United Nations’ report that shows over 31 of the 45 least developed countries are in Africa and emphasized the need for leaders to embrace integrity and ethical principles.
Sanusi also criticized the ongoing issues with Nigeria’s refineries, urging the government to address these long-standing problems to reduce the high cost of living and economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize making the refineries operational and to reduce fuel importation, which affects the Naira’s value and contributes to inflation.
Sanusi expressed confidence that the conference will inspire a shift towards leadership characterized by integrity and respect for biblical values.
The BSN’s mission is to make the Word of God accessible and affordable, transforming lives through Bible translation, publishing, distribution, and organizing life-transforming programs. It is a member of the United Bible Societies, a global network dedicated to spreading God’s Word across 240 countries and territories.
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