Amid growing public frustration over governance shortcomings and the deepening trust deficit between leaders and citizens, some of Nigeria’s most prominent political, business, and intellectual figures will converge in Abuja next week to explore ways to address the country’s persistent leadership challenges.

Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu are among the key figures expected at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, which will be held on Tuesday, 28 October, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The conference, themed “Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria,” will interrogate the quality of leadership that has shaped Nigeria’s 65-year trajectory and explore new models for governance, accountability, and national renewal.

Also expected are Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, economist and banker Atedo Peterside, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Fidelity Bank CEO Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Sterling Bank’s Abubakar Suleiman, Zinox Chairman Leo Stan Ekeh, and Flutterwave founder Gbenga Agboola.

Founded by former World Bank Vice President Arunma Oteh, the Oxford Global Think Tank said the event aims to “catalyse strategic dialogue across public, private, and civic sectors” on how ethical and inclusive leadership can rebuild the nation’s broken institutions and restore public confidence.

For decades, poor leadership has been cited as the primary reason behind Nigeria’s stunted growth, despite its vast human and natural resources.

The nation’s corruption index remains among the highest globally, according to Transparency International, while the World Bank ranks Nigeria as one of the countries with the widest inequality gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A statement by the organisers on Thursday said the forum will feature four thematic sessions focusing on Public Policy and Inclusive Governance, Economic Transformation through Business Leadership, Technology and Entrepreneurship, and Intergenerational Transition, reflecting the urgent need to bridge the widening gap between Nigeria’s leaders and its youthful population.

During the event, the Oxford Global Think Tank will also unveil its maiden report on African minerals titled, RAMP Africa: Reforming African Minerals to Prosper Africa. At the same time, its Founder, Ms. Oteh will present her book published earlier this year in the United Kingdom, All Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity through World Class Capital Markets.

A curated art exhibition on leadership will also run in conjunction with the conference, providing visual and audio reflections on the event’s core themes.