Living in our world means planning for the day while knowing the rules could change by evening. Business costs shift, new policies emerge, and workplaces evolve.

So how do you lead when you are still figuring things out yourself?

That question drove the 2026 Excellence in Leadership Conference (ELC), held on November 5 and 6 at Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, under the theme Leadership in Uncertainty. The conference focused less on uncertainty itself and more on the leader standing in the middle of it.

Senior Pastor Sam Adeyemi reminded participants that leadership begins within.

“When uncertainty strikes, the first person you must lead is yourself. Manage your emotions before you manage the crisis,” he said.

He added, “Uncertainty is a certainty in life. Instead of fighting it, learn to adapt, navigate its challenges and find opportunities in the changes it brings.”

Pastor Nike Adeyemi, also Senior Pastor of Daystar, challenged leaders to use their influence responsibly.

“Leadership is about bringing light into difficult situations. When things go wrong, don’t become part of the problem. Be the person who brings hope, solutions and a positive way forward,” she said.

Corporate leader Tobi Adeniyi named character, competence and relationships as the foundations of effective leadership.

“When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind,” he said. He also noted that leadership is defined by responsibility, not title, and that success is measured by the significance of the problems you solve, not the size of your resources.

Other speakers included singer Timi Dakolo, Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Centre, and Toyin Ayinde, former Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development.

With another election cycle approaching, leadership matters more than ever. But it is not limited to those on ballot papers. It shows in business owners who develop their people despite economic pressure, public servants who act with integrity, professionals who refuse to compromise on excellence, and parents who pass on values.

We cannot predict every economic shift or know what lies ahead. But we can decide how we prepare, respond and influence others. At Daystar Christian Centre, the commitment to raising role models means equipping people to take responsibility for creating a better future.

The future needs leaders. Will you be one?

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