On Saturday, March 21, 2026, leaders, professionals, faith-based voices, and emerging changemakers gathered in Ogba, Lagos, for the impactful second edition of Counsel for Kingship 2, themed “Nigeria, Go Forward”, with scriptural anchor from Exodus 14:15.
Hosted by Esther Banquet International under its Nation Builders Initiative (NBI), the event served as a powerful platform for leadership transformation, national consciousness, and value-based mentorship. Held at 59, Isheri Road, beside Durban Hotel, Oja Bus Stop, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, the programme ran from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and featured the graduation ceremony of the Excel Leadership Academy alongside impactful speaking sessions from distinguished resource persons focused on ethical, resilient, and visionary leadership for national development.
At the heart of Counsel for Kingship 2 was a clear and urgent message: Nigeria’s future depends on raising leaders who are ethical, accountable, resilient, and visionary.
Delivering the keynote charge, Mrs. Adedoyin Anne Fasan, CEO of Esther Banquet International and Convener of the programme, passionately emphasized the need to raise a generation driven by vision, character, responsibility, and integrity. She noted that Nigeria does not lack resources, but rather needs the right people—individuals who are willing to rise above challenges, reject shortcuts, and lead with courage and values. Addressing participants and graduands, she charged them to become people of integrity, purpose, and responsibility who can build bridges for others and help move the nation forward.
One of the major highlights of the event was the maiden graduation ceremony of the Excel Leadership Academy, an initiative established under the Nation Builders Initiative to equip young Nigerians with the values and competencies needed for transformational leadership.
The academy graduated 11 students after a one-year intensive leadership development programme, designed to build capacity in ethical leadership, accountability, transparency, vision-driven influence, and character-based nation building. The graduates received certificates in celebration of their successful completion of the programme and expressed gratitude for the knowledge, mentorship, and transformation they experienced throughout the training. The academy continues to stand as a strategic platform for raising a generation of leaders equipped to challenge the status quo and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The event also featured inspiring individual speaking sessions from seasoned resource persons who shared valuable insights on leadership, integrity, governance, responsibility, and nation building. Featured resource persons included Charles Ajiboye (KSM, FICMC, FCAI, ACIS), CEO of The Penthouse Law Firm; Pastor & Pastor Mrs. Akinlabi of the Directorate of Evangelism; Engr. Gbenga Ekundayo (PhD, RQREN), Lecturer in charge of the Excel Leadership Academy; Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA; and Ahmed Dada Abbas, President of Ahmed Dada Abbas Foundation.
Through their separate sessions, the speakers challenged participants to prioritise credibility, competence, and integrity above the pursuit of wealth; become self-motivated citizens willing to engage in leadership and governance; reject the culture of blame and embrace responsibility and nation ownership; understand that leadership is not limited to politics but extends to every sphere of life; and build the future through innovation, service, resilience, and mentorship.
Speaking during the event, Engr. Gbenga Ekundayo encouraged the graduands to live up to the expectations of leadership and remain innovative contributors to national development. Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo urged Nigerians to become more actively involved in governance and politics, challenging citizens to move beyond apathy and prepare themselves for positions of leadership. Charles Ajiboye encouraged young people to place credibility, integrity, and competence above the pursuit of money. Ahmed Dada Abbas stressed the need for ethical leadership, noting that leaders must be accountable, fair, just, and transparent. Pastor Akinlabi of the Directorate of Evangelism called on Nigerians to stop the blame game, combine faith with hard work, and embrace responsibility as citizens committed to national progress.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to raising leaders who can shape the future of Nigeria. As graduates were honoured and the resource persons shared their insights, one message resonated strongly throughout the gathering: nation building begins with people of character.
The event also attracted the presence of key supporters and coordinators of Esther Banquet International, including Mr. Igbekoyi Kayode and Mr. Adebola Adebamowo, coordinators in Ondo State.
Counsel for Kingship 2 was more than a conference—it was a call to action. At a time when Nigeria urgently needs leaders of courage, competence, and character, Esther Banquet International has shown through the Excel Leadership Academy and the Nation Builders Initiative that meaningful national transformation begins with intentional leadership development.
By investing in young people and creating platforms for mentorship, ethical formation, and practical leadership exposure, the organisation is helping to shape a generation that can truly move Nigeria forward.
Nigeria can go forward—when ethical, visionary, and resilient leaders rise.
