Top professionals, maritime leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants and development advocates are set to converge in Lagos for the 8th Global Leadership Summit & Award 2026, with a focus on transformative leadership, innovation and national development.
The summit, organised by Searchlight News Online, Global Searchlight Magazine and SLTV Online, productions of Sygnific La Enterprise, is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Presken Hotel & Resort, Ikeja, Lagos.
Themed “Transformative Leadership for Sustainable Growth: Driving Innovation, Institutional Excellence and National Development,” the event is expected to provide a platform for discussions on practical approaches to strengthening institutions, promoting innovation and advancing sustainable development.
According to the organisers, the theme reflects the need for leadership that extends beyond titles and positions to embrace practical solutions, accountability, institutional excellence and measurable impact.
The Convener, Olori Lola Adesokan, said the summit was designed to examine leadership not only through individual achievements but also through the impact leaders and institutions make on 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 feature of the event will be keynote and expert presentations addressing issues around leadership, maritime development, business, innovation and national growth.
Among the featured speakers is Dr Odunayo Boyepe Ani, Director, Financial Services Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and President, WISTA Nigeria.
Others include Mr Liav Zilberman, General Manager, L.T.T Coastal & Marine Services Limited; Mrs Funmilayo Omowumi Loremikan, a maritime, logistics and human capital development professional; and Hajia Bola Mustapha, President, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
The organisers said the presentations would provide practical perspectives on how individuals, businesses and institutions can respond to changing economic, technological and social realities.
Another major attraction will be the presentation of the Global Leadership Awards to individuals and institutions recognised for their contributions to their respective sectors.
Among those listed for recognition are Mrs Theodora Nwaeze, President, WIMA Nigeria; Dr Odunayo Boyepe Ani, President, WISTA Nigeria; Apapa Customs Command; the 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; Reverend Nicodemus Odolo, President, Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS); Mr Sani Musa Innocent, MD/CEO, PSM Freight Forwarding Logistics & Solutions; and Mrs Obiageli Benjamin, Secretary-General, WIMA Nigeria, among other professionals and industry stakeholders.
The organisers said the recipients were selected based on their demonstrated leadership, professional contributions, service, innovation, enterprise and positive impact.
The summit will also feature 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 birthday celebration as an opportunity to recognise 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 discussions on responsible and transformative leadership.
Beyond the presentations and awards, the event is expected to provide networking opportunities for professionals, business leaders, policymakers, media practitioners, maritime stakeholders and members of the wider business community.
The organisers said the summit was anchored on the belief that effective leadership should produce results, create opportunities and leave society better than it was found.
The event is expected to attract participants from various sectors of the Nigerian economy as the organisers seek to sustain the summit as a platform for recognising excellence and promoting responsible leadership.
