At a time when trust in leadership is being tested, the African Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) gathered national leaders together for an honest conversation about what leadership should truly stand for, and why values must come first.
In its quest to enthrone values-driven and ethical leadership in Nigeria, and sub-Saharan African countries, ALIWA hosted its inaugural National Leadership Dialogue (NLD) in Lagos, bringing together leaders from public service, business, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, civil society, and media to reflect on the future of leadership in Nigeria.
The inaugural dialogue which was held under the theme: “Reimagining Leadership in a Changing World,” provided a space for leaders to explore the personal values, institutional frameworks, and collaborative approaches needed to navigate today’s complex social, economic, and governance challenges.
Soji Apampa, president of ALIWA Nigeria, in his address emphasised the importance of values-based leadership.
“In times of uncertainty, leadership must be anchored in integrity, clarity, and a shared commitment to practical action, not symbolism. Platforms like the ALIWA National Leadership Dialogue are critical to shaping leaders who can define reality honestly and work collectively to deliver meaningful change for our country,” he said.
Okechukwu Enelamah, ALIWA Fellow, chairman of African Capital Alliance, and former minister of industry, trade and investment in his the keynote address, emphasised that integrity is the cornerstone of leadership.
“Integrity in leadership cannot survive on good intentions alone. It must be reinforced by strong systems, transparency, and accountability, because leadership, when exercised as stewardship, has the power to transform nations,” he said.
The dialogue featured two panels: one on building resilient leadership for the 21st century, focusing on ethical decision-making, inclusion, and leading under pressure; the other on building resilient systems through governance, technology, partnerships, and institutional reforms.
Together, these sessions highlighted the need for principled individuals and strong, accountable institutions to drive sustainable national progress.
The event also had sessions such as the 2026 economic outlook by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and an ALIWA Fellow impact presentation by Amina Oyagbola, founder of WISCAR, and Fabian Ajogwu, founder of the Society for Corporate Governance, showcasing the practical impact of ALIWA’s work on institutions and communities.
The national dialogue leadership represents a landmark step in ALIWA’s mission to nurture values-driven leaders who move from individual success to societal significance.
Through its Fellowship and Youth Leadership programmes, ALIWA equips leaders with the clarity, courage, and networks to translate personal influence into sustainable national impact.
Ayo Maji, the executive director at ALIWA, earlier highlighted the importance of the initiative, when she said; “ALIWA is about moving leaders from success to significance. We are challenging a generation of leaders to look beyond personal achievement and ask a deeper question, what responsibility do I carry to my society?
“Our fellowship is designed to shape leaders who are grounded in values, committed to ethical decision-making, and prepared to use their influence to strengthen institutions and improve lives.”
Besides, she disclosed that a key feature of ALIWA’s approach is the emphasis on ventures and initiatives led by Fellows. These ventures, whether social enterprises, policy interventions, or civic initiatives, are designed to translate leadership learning into tangible societal impact.
“By creating programmes, institutions, and initiatives that address community needs, fellows extend the reach of ALIWA’s principles beyond individual development, fostering innovation, accountability, and sustainable solutions that strengthen institutions and improve the lives of communities across West Africa,” she noted.
ALIWA is part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, a global community of over 4,000 values-based leaders committed to addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
Through its Fellowship and Youth Leadership Programs, ALIWA equips leaders across sectors with the clarity and conviction to move from success to significance.
