Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has urged Nigerian leaders to prepare for unexpected developments ahead of the 2027 general elections rather than depend on predictions.
He warned that leaders who fail to anticipate sudden political, economic and technological changes could struggle to manage events beyond their control.
Adeyemi stressed that those who would succeed in 2027 might not be the people who accurately predict future events but those who develop the ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations.
“Are you thinking about 2027 already? You should be. The leaders that will thrive in 2027 will not necessarily be those who can perfectly predict what will happen. It will be those who prepare wisely for what could happen,” he said.
The cleric spoke during the closing session of the 2026 Excellence in Leadership Conference (ELC), a two-day event held at Daystar Christian Centre in Oregun, Lagos.
The conference carried the theme, “Leading in Uncertainty,” and attracted business executives, religious leaders, professionals and entertainers.
Sam Adeyemi Identifies Challenges Ahead of 2027
Adeyemi identified the coming elections, unexpected government policies and advances in artificial intelligence as possible sources of disruption.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond personal ambitions and survival struggles, arguing that individuals should use their resources, influence and leadership abilities to address the country’s development challenges.
He observed that many people focus mainly on securing personal comfort, including owning houses, buying cars and raising families.
However, he argued that personal achievements should not become the ultimate purpose of anyone’s life.
“I know you’re fighting for survival. I know you are living just to sustain yourself… a house of your own, a nice car, a small family of your own. And God is saying, your life is too small to be the purpose of your life,” he said.
The pastor also stressed the importance of resilience and forward planning when facing difficult circumstances.
Recalling the COVID-19 lockdown, he said some Nigerian households exhausted their available resources within three days. He cited the experience as evidence of the need for stronger financial and emergency preparedness.
Adeyemi also criticised the country’s inadequate emergency medical response, insisting that prompt ambulance services should be a basic public service.
He said Nigerians should not have to treat access to emergency medical assistance as a luxury.
Bolaji Idowu, Unilever Boss Share Leadership Experiences
Global Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, also addressed the conference, recounting the difficult beginnings of his ministry.
He said the church started with just six people meeting in a hotel for six months. At the time, the ministry struggled to raise N3,000 for its midweek services.
Idowu warned that poor communication during uncertain periods could create unnecessary fear and weaken confidence in leaders.
“When leadership goes silent in uncertainty, fear becomes contagious,” he said.
He urged leaders to remain open and communicate consistently with those depending on them, particularly during difficult situations.
Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, Tobi Adeniyi, shared a different experience, recalling how an organisation where he completed his National Youth Service Corps programme once turned him away at its gate.
He later rejected a better-paying banking opportunity to join Unilever as a management trainee, despite the position offering the lowest salary among his available options.
Adeniyi also recalled how his team kept a factory running during severe congestion at Apapa Port. They borrowed raw materials from a competitor to prevent operations from stopping.
He said the experience demonstrated the value of flexibility, cooperation and commitment to long-term goals.
“When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind,” he said.
Timi Dakolo Urges Young Nigerians to Stay Disciplined
Singer Timi Dakolo, who participated as a speaker rather than a performer, shared his experience of losing the grandmother who raised him while competing in the Idols West Africa competition.
He encouraged young Nigerians not to allow anger and frustration to control their decisions during difficult periods.
According to him, achieving meaningful progress requires discipline, consistency and a clear plan.
“Anger is not a strategy,” Dakolo said. “We are not the first generation to be angry… you must have a plan and a routine.”
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Toyin Ayinde, also shared personal experiences that shaped his approach to leadership.
Ayinde recalled being separated from his parents at the age of six. He also described a difficult period in 1999 when he had only N3.
He said those experiences strengthened his commitment to integrity and responsible public service.
Ayinde disclosed that he never recommended his consultancy firm for government contracts throughout his time as a commissioner.
“You’re not a big man. You’re a servant of the people,” he said, reminding public officials that their positions should serve the interests of citizens.
Nike Adeyemi Turns Setback Into New Opportunity
Co-host of the conference, Nike Adeyemi, recounted how a fire destroyed a facility belonging to the Real Woman Foundation, an organisation she founded, in 2024.
She explained that the setback eventually led the foundation to acquire a new facility twice the size of the previous one.
The experience also contributed to the establishment of the Real Diva Institute, which recently graduated its first set of students.
Nike described the development as an example of how leaders could turn difficult experiences into opportunities for growth.
“Leaders are never complainers,” she said. “You belong to the company of those who bring light in the midst of chaos.”
Daystar Leadership Academy Targets 500,000 Alumni
In his closing remarks, Adeyemi encouraged participants not to allow uncertainty to stop them from pursuing meaningful goals.
He maintained that disruptions could create opportunities for innovation, institutional reforms and personal development.
“Inside the disruptions are opportunities,” he declared.
He also thanked the speakers, volunteers and participants who contributed to the conference, including those who followed the sessions through international watch parties.
The pastor further announced plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Daystar Leadership Academy from March 2027.
According to him, the academy began operations in March 2002 and has trained nearly 60,000 people.
It now hopes to increase its alumni population to 500,000 over the next 25 years as part of its commitment to leadership development and social impact.
Adeyemi’s message comes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, with his warning highlighting the importance of preparing for uncertainty rather than relying entirely on expectations about future events.