Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Awards, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta as the special guest and keynote speaker at a ceremony held during Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s New Year’s Eve Service in Ogun State.
The event takes place at the LoveWorld Crusade Ground along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Asese, and is scheduled to begin at 20:00. The awards ceremony brings together leading statesmen and youth leaders from across the continent to recognise achievement in governance, entrepreneurship, education and humanitarian work.
President Kenyatta arrived in Lagos on Monday and received a formal welcome at Murtala Muhammed International Airport from a delegation representing LoveWorld Incorporated. The reception team was led by Rev. Tom Amenkhienan and included senior church figures and the Executive Director of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Dr Deola Phillips.
Future Africa Leaders Awards spotlight youth leadership
Dr Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, Senior Executive Officer of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, said the 2025 edition reflects the foundation’s commitment to recognising transformative leadership across Africa. She explained that the selection process this year drew more than 200 applications, from which a panel shortlisted 31 nominees for final honours.
“Our focus was on measurable impact, ethical leadership and innovation,” Dr Ola-Akisanya said. The finalists represent a wide range of sectors, including governance and social development, entrepreneurship and technology, as well as education and humanitarian service.
Now in its 13th year, the Future Africa Leaders Awards has established itself as a premier platform for celebrating youth leadership. By staging the ceremony during a high-profile New Year’s Eve Service, the foundation aims to offer winners and nominees a broad platform to amplify their work and inspire peers across the continent.
The presence of respected figures such as President Obasanjo, President Kenyatta and former Kenyan Vice-President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka underlines the awards’ continental relevance and credibility. Organisers say their involvement helps to raise the profile of youth-led initiatives and fosters connections between emerging leaders and seasoned statesmen.
Dr Deola Phillips, who also serves as CEO of LoveWorld Incorporated, played a central role in coordinating the visit and the reception for President Kenyatta. The event is expected to attract both an in-person audience and millions of online participants, given the global reach of the New Year’s Eve Service.
Beyond the ceremony, the Future Africa Leaders Foundation plans to continue supporting finalists through mentorship and networking opportunities. The foundation’s stated aim is to translate recognition into sustained impact by connecting honourees with resources and partners that can scale their work.
Organisers said the awards are not only a celebration but also a call to action for young Africans to pursue leadership rooted in integrity and purpose. As the continent faces significant economic and social challenges, initiatives that highlight practical solutions and ethical leadership are likely to remain central to efforts to drive inclusive growth and social progress.
Key Takeaways:
- Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.
- 31 finalists were shortlisted across governance, entrepreneurship, education and humanitarian service following more than 200 applications.
- The event forms part of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s New Year’s Eve Service, giving the Future Africa Leaders Awards continental visibility.
- Future Africa Leaders Awards focuses on measurable impact, ethical leadership and innovation to inspire a new generation.
