Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion at the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Awards, while former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will attend as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker. Former Kenyan Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is also expected at the prestigious ceremony as a Guest.

The event, which marks the 13th edition of the annual awards, will be held during the New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome on Tuesday, December 31, at the Loveworld Crusade Ground along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Asese, Ogun State, and is scheduled to commence at 8:00 p.m.

Ahead of the ceremony, former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Lagos, where he was received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by a high-powered delegation of the Central Executive Council members of LoveWorld Incorporated, led by Highly Esteemed Rev. Tom Amenkhienan. Members of the delegation included Rev. Ray Okocha, Pastor Ambrose Isesele, and the Executive Director of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Dr. Deola Phillips, who also serves as the 14th Chief Executive Officer of LoveWorld Incorporated.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, Senior Executive Officer of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, organisers of the awards, said the 2025 edition underscores the foundation’s commitment to recognising impactful African leadership.

“The Future Africa Leaders Awards has, over the years, remained a platform for celebrating visionary leaders whose work continues to drive positive change across Africa,” Ola-Akisanya said. “The presence of respected statesmen such as President Obasanjo, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Rt. Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka further affirms the continental relevance and credibility of the awards.”

She disclosed that 31 nominees were shortlisted for honours at this year’s ceremony following a competitive selection process that attracted over 200 applications from across the continent. According to her, the nominees cut across sectors including governance, entrepreneurship, education, technology, social development, and humanitarian service.

“This year’s selection process was particularly rigorous,” she added. “Our focus was on measurable impact, ethical leadership, innovation, and a clear commitment to Africa’s sustainable development. Only nominees who met these core values emerged as finalists.”

Dr. Ola-Akisanya also noted that hosting the awards during the New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris offers a unique opportunity to blend leadership recognition with reflection and inspiration as Africa ushers in a new year.

“As we usher in the new year, the awards serve not only to recognise excellence but also to inspire a new generation of African leaders to pursue purpose-driven leadership with integrity and vision,” she said.

Now in its 13th year, the Future Africa Leaders Awards has continued to grow in stature as a respected continental platform for celebrating visionary leadership, while the New Year’s Eve Service with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome remains a globally recognised gathering drawing participants from around the world.

Update news