WYBF MARKS 5TH YEAR ANNUAL MEMORIAL LECTURE WITH FOCUS ON NEXT-GENERATION LEADERSHIP …to award scholarships and support to indigent students
The Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF) will host the 19th Annual Lecture and the 5th edition of its Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.
This year’s theme, “Raising Responsible Next-Gen Leaders: Character, Leadership and the Future of Nigeria,” marks five years of impactful discussions and reflections on leadership and character development in Nigeria.
It aims to inspire and equip the youth with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of leadership in an ever-evolving society, which comes at a critical time when the nation demands nation-building, ethical governance, and youth development.
The lecture plans to explore how to cultivate responsible leaders for a brighter future and inspire thought-provoking discussions on values, visionary leadership, and accountability in Nigeria’s next generation, featuring scholarship awards, celebration of leadership excellence, and networking.
The Keynote Speaker for the 2026 lecture is Mrs. Debola Deji-Kurunmi, a renowned leadership development expert, author, conference speaker, and founder of the Debola Deji-Kurunmi Foundation, known for her work in transforming young Africans into ethical leaders. The Guest of Honour will be Mr. Tunde Lemo, OFR, a distinguished banker, financial expert, institutional leader with insight on governance, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and currently the Chairman of Titan Trust Bank. The Mother of the Day will be Rev. Dr. Mrs. Shade Aboyeji, a respected mother, minister, mentor, and model largely acknowledged for her exemplary leadership and family values.
Visioner/Founders, WYBF
The lecture will also honour a distinguished Nigerian personality with an Excellence Service Award for his outstanding service and exemplary leadership in national development and spiritual formation.
The WYBF’s Annual Memorial Lecture, now in its 5th year, has become a flagship platform for thought leadership, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, clergy, educators, young professionals, and career youths to foster responsible leadership and nurture young leaders for a significant impact on society.
The 2026 edition will examine how character formation, values-based leadership, and mentorship can shape more responsible leaders of tomorrow in Nigeria.
The lecture will inspire participants to engage actively in nation-building and is open to the public, welcoming youth, organizations, and civil society groups to participate in raising the next generation of responsible leaders dedicated to society.
As part of the activities during the 2026 annual lecture, and in continuation of building on the legacies of the founders, who are forced to reckon with and tireless in the service of the kingdom, WYBF will provide opportunities for the educational advancement of brilliant, disadvantaged students through the award of scholarships and support arrangements.
After a thorough screening exercise, WYBF has successfully selected some indigent students from various public higher institutions across the country who will be given the scholarship.
The 2025 lecture Keynote Speaker was Mr. Fela Durotoye, a renowned values champion, leadership expert, executive coach, and President of Gemstone Nation Builders Foundation, with Dr. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru, the Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, as the Special Guest of Honour, and the wife of a former President of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, as the Mother of the Day.
WYBF, established in 2007 in memory of the late General Overseer Emeritus of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. (Dr.) Wilson Adebogun Badejo, and his beloved wife, Rev. (Mrs.) Yinka Anike Badejo, who passed away on August 7, 2021, and November 13, 2021, respectively, aims to put smiles on people’s faces, especially the oppressed masses, the less privileged, and those who, for reasons other than their faults, have been displaced from the country’s economic equilibrium
