Abuja, Nigeria – Friday, November 29, 2025 – The eighth edition of the West African Leadership Summit and Awards convened in Abuja, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from across the region to celebrate excellence and reaffirm their commitment to a stronger, more innovative West Africa.
Olawale Owoyomi, the convener of the event, welcomed attendees and specially acknowledged Dr. Hasan Shabihul, founder of Dr. Hasan Hospital and the event’s Guest of Honour, for his outstanding contributions to society. In his opening remarks, Owoyomi highlighted the summit’s vision: “Leadership is not a position; it is a responsibility—a responsibility to inspire, to serve, to transform, and to elevate others.”
Owoyomi encouraged participants to embrace their role in shaping a future where Africa’s youth inherit a society built on integrity and innovation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking, urging attendees to forge meaningful connections and engage with fresh ideas to drive transformative leadership in West Africa.
Dr. Hasan Shabihul, who has resided in Nigeria for over 50 years, reflected on the country’s journey since the 1970s. He spoke about the critical role of youth self-esteem in national development, stressing that young people must recognize the value of Nigeria’s rich culture, resources, and achievements. He remarked, “The most important thing for the development of a nation is the self-esteem of its youth. If they believe they are capable and great, the nation will be great.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s historical contributions in education, agriculture, and resource production, Dr. Hasan encouraged the youth to focus on positive narratives, rather than dwelling on challenges. He also stressed the importance of projecting Nigeria’s achievements to the world, citing the lack of global awareness of the country’s thriving cities and cultural landmarks.
The summit featured a series of panels and discussions aimed at tackling regional challenges while promoting innovation and leadership excellence. Participants were urged to leverage the platform to share ideas, build collaborations, and collectively shape a prosperous future for West Africa.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the summit’s mission: to inspire transformative leadership and foster unity, growth, and innovation across the region.
