Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has identified the shortage of principled and selfless leaders as one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria and the global community, urging women to prepare themselves for leadership through knowledge, sacrifice and godly character.

Addressing participants at the 2026 All Women Summit held at Victory City, Abeokuta, Apostle Achudume declared that “if there is anything the world is looking for today, it is true leaders to improve the lot of humanity,” stressing that leadership is not about titles or privileges but about service, responsibility and sacrifice.

The cleric noted that many of Nigeria’s leadership challenges stem from entrusting public responsibilities to people who are neither prepared nor equipped for the demands of leadership, warning that ambition without character often produces poor governance and weak institutions.

He said: “Leadership is beyond position,” explaining that while many desire positions of authority, only a few are willing to bear the burden and responsibility that come with leadership.

Quoting Isaiah 48:10-13, Achudume said God refines those He calls to lead through seasons of trials, patience and sacrifice, adding that “leadership often looks like a curse because no matter what you do, people will still criticise you.”

He further declared that God raises leaders who have paid the price through humility, commitment, patriotism, endurance and the fear of the Lord, asking participants, “Leadership is beyond desire; can you pay the price?”

The cleric urged women not to be discouraged by the pressures of raising children, supporting their spouses and contributing to society, assuring them that God remained present in every season of life.

“As a woman, you may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood, marriage and service, but God will never abandon you. Just as the three Hebrew men were thrown into the fiery furnace and a fourth man appeared with them, God’s presence will always be with those who remain faithful to Him,” he said.

Achudume added that God sometimes allows people to pass through difficult experiences because of the assignments He has prepared for them, urging participants to recognise His presence even when others fail to understand their journey.

Corroborating the message on purposeful leadership and service, guest minister, Apostle Ngozi Okwok, paid glowing tribute to the late Rev Fola Achudume, whose vision birthed the annual All Women Summit, describing her as a woman of unwavering faith, uncommon sacrifice and an unrelenting passion for raising women of purpose.

Apostle Okwok urged participants to preserve and build on Reverend Achudume’s enduring legacy by embracing knowledge and personal development, stressing that ignorance is never an excuse.

She maintained that, irrespective of their social, economic, educational or religious backgrounds, women must continually strive for excellence, pursue lifelong learning and shine as lights in their homes, careers, communities and every sphere of influence.

The annual summit, themed “Shine,” continues the vision of the late Reverend Fola Achudume through Royal Ladies International as a platform for raising spiritually sound, purpose-driven and transformational women.

One of the major highlights of the event was the “Shop for Free” outreach, during which many women, particularly the less privileged, received,foods, household items, clothing materials, and other essential commodities free of charge, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to compassion, empowerment and practical support for vulnerable members of society.