Nigeria’s first-ever Annual Followership Conference is scheduled for March 26-27, 2025, as part of an innovative effort to redefine leadership and followership dynamics in the country.
General Ishola Williams, Laolu Akande, Babafemi Ojudu, Dr. Samuel Oloruntoba, and other prominent thought leaders will be among the impressive lineup of speakers who will share their perspectives on the crucial role of followership in nation-building and sustainable development.
The conference is to be hosted by Empowered Newswire, in collaboration with the Panafricana Strategic and Policy Research Group,
The two-day event, themed “Followership or Followersheep?”, will bring together thought leaders, academics, policymakers, and stakeholders to critically examine the dynamics of followership in leadership, governance, and societal development.
The conference, which will take place from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm daily, aims to spark meaningful conversations about the role of followers in shaping leadership outcomes, particularly in Africa and beyond.
It will explore whether followership is driven by critical engagement, informed decision-making, and active participation—or if it has devolved into blind allegiance, often referred to as “followersheep.”
Mr. Laolu Akande, Editor-in-Chief of Empowered Newswire, emphasized the importance of the conference.
The event will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, including:
• Dr. Festus Ogunmola, Founder of Gateway Foundation, UK, who will address the role of followership in democratic governance.
• Professor Benson Igboin of Adekunle Ajasin University, who will explore the philosophical and ethical dimensions of followership.
• Dr. Ann James of Taraba State University, who will discuss gender dynamics in followership and leadership.
• Dr. Rose Lordaah of Benue State University, who will examine the intersection of culture and followership in Africa.
• Senator Babafemi Ojudu, former Political Advisor to the President, who will share insights on the political implications of followership in Nigeria.
• Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), a renowned security and governance expert, who will analyze the role of followership in national security and development.
The conference will also feature panel discussions, interactive sessions, and workshops designed to equip participants with practical tools for fostering responsible followership. Topics will include the psychology of followership, the impact of technology on followership, and strategies for building a culture of accountability in leadership.
The Panafricana Strategic and Policy Research Group, co-organizers of the event, noted that the conference is timely, given the growing need for citizens to play a more active role in governance and nation-building.
The conference is open to the public, including students, professionals, civil society organizations, and policymakers.
Registration details and further information can be found on the Empowered Newswire website.
