Chairman, Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF), Dr Osaren Emokpae, has charged the newly installed Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Rev. Adedimeji Adegbesan, to bring a renewed vigour to the Foundation’s mission of uplifting the poor and changing lives through thoughtful, compassionate, and strategic leadership, as well as observing the conventions of the mandate and constitution of WYBF.

Emokpae, who gave the charge during the Foundation’s 18th yearly lecture and installation ceremony at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday, stressed the importance of leadership that listens, responds, and acts with empathy, particularly for the most vulnerable.

The event featured inspiring words from the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Mother of the Day, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo, and the Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Dr (Mrs) Cecilia Ibru.

Both women painted a vision of the Nigeria of our dreams: a nation free from corruption and tribalism, where love for the country outweighs the love of money.

Also, General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria and Father of the Day, Rev. (Dr) Sam Aboyeji, prayed that God would grant the new BoT chairman the wisdom and guidance to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.

He said: “Adegbesan brings to the role over three decades of pastoral ministry and professional experience in finance, combining spiritual depth with strategic clarity.

“Known for his integrity and people-centred approach, he is widely respected for his ability to lead with wisdom and humility.

“His appointment signals a new era for WYBF, one expected to build on past achievements while expanding the Foundation’s reach into even more underserved communities.

In the same vein, the Vice Chairman of WYBF and son of the Foundation’s founders, shared plans to refocus WYBF programmes towards greater youth inclusion and nation-building so that the Nigeria we all dream of could become the country we all live in.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address, a globally respected leadership consultant and nation-building advocate, Fela Durotoye, stressed the urgent need for us to rethink traditional leadership models and empower emerging leaders with courage, competence, and character.