Nigerian investment funds lawyer, Femi Gbede, has been recognised on the international stage, clinching the prestigious Emerging Global Leader Award. The honour was bestowed upon him for his significant contributions to corporate and legal leadership.
A Prestigious Recognition in Accra
The award ceremony took place on 1 January 2026 in Accra, Ghana, as a highlight of the Global Entrepreneurship Awards. Gbede, who is the co-founding partner of the international law firm GAB Sterling, was celebrated among other exceptional entrepreneurs and leaders from across the globe.
The Global Entrepreneurs Award is designed to honour individuals for their outstanding work in entrepreneurship, leadership, economic development, and creating a global impact. According to the organisers, winning this award provides recipients with access to global endorsement, collaboration, and strategic opportunities.
Vision of a Global Leader
In his reaction to the award, Femi Gbede stated that the recognition reflects years of dedicated, though often behind-the-scenes, work in law, business, and cross-border advisory services. He shared his philosophy on what defines an emerging global leader.
"An emerging global leader is someone who comprehends global systems while remaining firmly anchored in local realities," Gbede explained. He emphasised that true leadership flourishes when local progress mirrors global standards, carefully adapted with respect for context.
He further elaborated on the unique position of lawyers in the global landscape. "Lawyers occupy a distinct global leadership position because our work shapes the very systems that others depend on," he said. Gbede added that legal professionals often act as crucial connectors between different legal regimes, cultures, and business expectations across borders.
Future Focus: Building Institutions
Looking ahead, the award-winning lawyer revealed his strategic focus for the next five years. He plans to shift from handling individual matters to building enduring institutions and platforms. For Gbede, sustainable growth is rooted in three core principles:
- Accessibility: Making legal and advisory services reachable.
- Discipline: Maintaining rigorous professional standards.
- Results-Driven Leadership: Focusing on tangible outcomes and impact.
The International Relations Officer for the Global Entrepreneurs Award, Emmanuella Daniel, congratulated Gbede on both his nomination and his invitation to the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF). She described the festival as a premier event that celebrates world-class entrepreneurial talent and leadership.
This award places Femi Gbede among a new cadre of Nigerian professionals gaining international acclaim for their expertise and visionary approach to solving complex, cross-border challenges.
