Top professionals billed for 8th Global Leadership Summit in Lagos, to celebrate innovators, leaders.
Top professionals billed for 8th Global Leadership Summit in Lagos, to celebrate innovators, leaders.
The 8th edition of the Global Leadership Summit & Award 2026 will bring together distinguished leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, maritime stakeholders, policymakers and development advocates for a high-level conversation on the future of leadership and national development.
The Summit, organised by Searchlight News Online, Global Searchlight Magazine and SLTV Online, Productions of Sygnific La Enterprise, is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Presken Hotel & Resort, 144 Awolowo Way, Opposite Lagos Airport Hotel, by Balogun Bus Stop, Ikeja, Lagos.
This year’s Summit is themed:
“Transformative Leadership for Sustainable Growth: Driving Innovation, Institutional Excellence and National Development.”
The theme reflects the growing need for leadership that goes beyond titles and positions to focus on practical solutions, stronger institutions, innovation, accountability and sustainable development.
The Convener, Olori Lola Adesokan, said the Summit was designed to create a platform where leadership is examined not only through achievements, but also through the impact individuals and institutions make in society.
“Leadership must be about what we build, who we empower and the difference we make. The Summit is our modest contribution to promoting a culture where excellence, integrity, innovation and service are recognised and celebrated,” she said.
A major highlight of the event will be a keynote address and expert presentations focusing on issues affecting leadership, maritime development, business, innovation and national growth.
Among the featured paper presenters is Dr. Odunayo Boyepe Ani, Director, Financial Services Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and President, WISTA Nigeria.
Other featured presenters include Mr. Liav Zilberman, General Manager, L.T.T Coastal & Marine Services Limited; Mrs. Funmilayo Omowumi Loremikan, maritime, logistics and human capital development professional; and Hajia Bola Mustapha, President, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
The organisers said the presentations will provide practical perspectives on how professionals and institutions can respond to changing economic, technological and social realities.
The Summit will also feature the presentation of the Global Leadership Awards, recognising individuals and institutions whose work has made significant contributions to their respective sectors.
Among the distinguished award recipients are Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, President, WIMA Nigeria; Dr. Odunayo Boyepe Ani, President, WISTA Nigeria;
Apapa Customs Command, Customs Area Controller, Idiroko Command, Comrade Olufemi Oluyinka Abass, President, Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Agencies Branch of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Chief Chukwumalu Emeka, Chairman, ANLCA Apapa Chapter; Mr. Chidera Oganuzor, MD/CEO, Odest Bonded Terminal; Mr. Kevin Chinedu Okechukwu, President, Kirikiri Truckers Association; Revend Nicodemus Odolo President, Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS), Mr. Sani Musa Innocent, MD/CEO
PSM Freight Forwarding Logistics &Solutions, Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin, Secretary-General WIMANigeria; and other distinguished professionals and industry stakeholders.
The organisers said the award recipients were selected based on their demonstrated leadership, professional contributions, service, innovation, enterprise and positive impact.
A special moment at the event will also be the celebration of the 60th birthday of Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin, Secretary-General, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) Nigeria and Managing Director, Zadok Global Investment Limited.
The organisers described the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate not only her personal journey but also her contributions to women empowerment, maritime development, entrepreneurship and community service.
The Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Ovien Michael imonitie, MD/CEO, Mimov Global Ventures Limited is expected to lead distinguished guests and participants in setting the tone for the day’s conversation on responsible and transformative leadership.
The Summit will also provide opportunities for networking and interaction among professionals, business leaders, policymakers, media practitioners, maritime stakeholders and members of the wider business community.
According to the organisers, the 8th Global Leadership Summit & Award is ultimately about one message: leadership must produce results, create opportunities and leave society better than it was found.
The event is expected to attract participants from different sectors of the Nigerian economy as the organisers continue their effort to make the Summit a credible platform for recognising excellence and encouraging responsible leadership
