Intelligentsia Leadership Conference 2026 Empower Students for Global Impact

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            Adedeji Fawas 

The  Intelligentsia Foundation, an initiative of David Ogunlade, held the maiden edition of her Leadership Conference, themed “Redefining the Standard for Leadership,” at PIZA Events Centre, Ile-Ife.

The conference brought together prominent leaders in different industries, as well as leadership enthusiasts from different universities, including Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) amongst others, aimed at orientating and building students in raising global standards and impacts. 

The main speakers present at the event includes a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi, the Lagos State Youth Ambassador, Bolaji Williams, the Founder of 4Herfrika, Ademide Ademola, and the Founder of Nexus Africa, Ebenezer Ogunbode.

The convener, David Ogunlade,  started with an official welcome address, appreciating the presence of every attendee and other distinguished guests present, assuring participants of a quality and defining moment, which he said would shape their initial understanding of leadership, urging them to utilize these new insights in real life situations.

The first speaker, Ebenezer Ogunbode, described leadership as the capacity to rally round men and women to achieve a common goal. “Leadership is a vital aspect of human endeavour that cannot be overemphasized; leadership starts with you personally. Every human has motivation for leadership,” he said.

He further explained that leadership is not about the system but the people, raising a new tribe that is people-centred should be the core of leadership.

Similarly, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi, who spoke on “Leadership and Public Trust in Democracy “  emphasized the atmospheric situation of the political landscape of Nigeria, which he says was as a result of bad leadership, weak democratic institutions, and carefree attitude of Nigerian political leaders towards the citizens. 

He mentioned that the root cause of the problem in Nigeria is “bad leadership,”  explaining how trust is the pillar that gives legitimacy to leadership. “Leadership and public trust strengthen democracy, without trust, democracy becomes fragile.” 

The Honourable further encouraged the Nigerian youths to do away with fear, step up, and prepare to be a capacity leader.

Ademide Ademola, in her lecture spoke about “the  role of women and biological determinism in global leadership” explaining the fact that women's representation in political leadership has a crucial impact in obtaining good and balanced leadership.

“For a functional society to exist, women must compose themselves as a leader, ready to take responsibilities and effective decisions.”

In her speech, she emphasized the fact that there are things women can do better than men and vice versa, which makes the participation of both parties be a powerful tool in the implementation of good leadership in the society.

The event was rounded off with music,  item 7, and photography session, following  a vote of thanks by David Ogunlade, who further encouraged the participants to make good use of the knowledge impacted on them through the one day leadership training.

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