Seyi Adisa's Book Launch Ignites Critical Dialogue on Nigeria's Leadership Crisis
A significant call for a transformative approach to leadership in Nigeria dominated discussions in Lagos, as policymakers, academics, and governance experts convened for the launch of 'Leading at 27: How Young Leaders Can Change the World' by Seyi Adisa. The event, held on April 2, 2026, transcended a mere book presentation, evolving into a profound reflection on Nigeria's enduring leadership challenges and the pivotal role of youth in reshaping the nation's future.
Distinguished Gathering Highlights Urgent Need for Grounded Leadership
The launch attracted a notable cross-section of public figures, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Ambassador-designate to Austria, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari; Vice Chancellor of First Technical University, Ibadan, Prof. Sola Ajayi; and Former Commissioner for Information, Oyo State, Hon. Toye Arulogun, among others. This assembly underscored the widespread concern over leadership deficiencies in Nigeria.
Chairperson Florence Ajimobi set a critical tone, warning that many young leaders are ascending to influential positions without the necessary foundational grounding. "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality," she asserted. "Too many bright and talented individuals rise to influence lacking the bedrock of character. They pursue power but neglect the accompanying responsibility, resulting in broken trust, superficial impact, and a generation that often mistakes noise for leadership and entitlement for excellence." She praised Adisa's journey as a testament to an alternative path, describing the book as "a timely intervention for a country richly blessed with youthful energy but struggling with consistency in leadership values."
Author Seyi Adisa Shares Personal Inspiration and Practical Solutions
Hon. Seyi Adisa, author of Leadership at 27 and former Principal Private Secretary to the late Abiola Ajimobi, revealed that the book originated from a conversation with a young public servant on the verge of resigning due to burnout and frustration. "As I listened to her, I heard my own story," he recounted. "It struck me that we are losing a generation of young leaders not because of weakness, but due to inadequate preparation." He argued that while young Nigerians possess vision and capability, they are frequently thrust into complex systems without proper guidance. "No one provided them with a roadmap," he added, emphasizing that his book serves as a practical manual with frameworks and reflection tools to navigate real-world leadership challenges.
Adisa also unveiled GLANCE—Governors, Leadership and National Civic Engagement—a network of campus-based clubs aimed at scaling leadership development across Nigerian universities. This initiative targets equipping 10,000 young leaders through a structured model of peer learning and mentorship replication.
Expert Insights on Preparation and Redefining Leadership
Minister Jumoke Oduwole commended Adisa as "a kindred spirit in public service," highlighting his consistency and growth. Dr. Ini Abimbola, in a strategic endorsement, questioned whether Nigeria's leadership gap stems more from preparation failures than a lack of talent. "We have the numbers, but we lack the capacity," she stated. "What is missing are the structures, mentorship, frameworks, and honest conversations about the true cost of leading in a country like Nigeria."
Leadership expert Fela Durotoye challenged conventional notions, arguing that the crisis may lie in how leadership is perceived. "For decades, we told a generation they were the leaders of tomorrow. This postponed their sense of responsibility, making leadership seem distant and external," he explained. He stressed the need to redefine leadership as a personal responsibility rather than a positional privilege, noting that "the quality of our lives is shaped not just by intelligence, but by our leadership quotient."
Ayobami Tunde, Co-Founder of T & A Legal, praised Adisa for his passion, commitment, and transformational leadership, evident in the lives he has impacted in both private and public service.
Common Thread: From Potential to Preparation
Throughout the discussions, a consensus emerged: Nigeria's leadership question has shifted from potential to preparation. Adisa's book enters this dialogue as a call to action, placing responsibility not only on young people but also on those in positions to equip them. Other attendees included Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi; Member of Delta House of Assembly, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola; Former member of Oyo State House of Assembly, Ayo Fatokun; Honorable Tolu Akande-Sadipe; and convener of Best of Nollywood Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, among political associates.
This event marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria's ongoing discourse on leadership, emphasizing that young leaders need tangible tools and mentorship over mere applause to drive meaningful change.
