VICM urges revival of value system to address Nigeria’s leadership challenges

By Olayinka Latona

A faith-based leadership development organisation, Vision International Christian Ministry (VICM), has called on leaders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors to revive strong value systems as a strategy to tackle the country’s persistent leadership and governance challenges.

President and Chief Executive Officer of VICM, Francis Olubambi, made the call during a media briefing to unveil activities marking the ministry’s 25th anniversary and the forthcoming Transformational Leadership Conference 2026 (TLC26).

Olubambi emphasised that Nigeria’s transformation depends on a shift from materialism and mediocrity to values such as integrity, character and selfless service.

“In leadership, service to humanity is very essential and critical. That is why we are calling on Nigerians to cultivate values for excellence and the restoration of strong value systems—respect for life and for one another,” he said.

“Stop celebrating mediocrity and materialism, but embrace values, integrity, honour and character over mere competence. Leaders should think more about positively impacting society rather than pursuing wealth.”

He lamented what he described as a disturbing trend in which religious institutions allow societal pressures to influence their direction instead of shaping the moral consciousness of society. He therefore urged leaders across sectors to prioritise societal impact over personal financial gain.

Established in 2000 as a non-profit leadership development consortium, VICM was founded on the belief that the strength of organisations and nations depends on the quality of their leadership.

Over the past 25 years, the organisation has focused on closing leadership gaps by promoting values-based leadership and excellence. Operating across 19 countries in West and Central Africa, VICM has reached more than two million leaders, training an average of 100,000 annually through conferences and leadership programmes that impact churches, businesses, government agencies and communities.

Speaking on the forthcoming Transformational Leadership Conference 2026, themed “Focused Leadership,” a board member of VICM and Vice Chairman of the conference, Rev. Benson Osieme, said the theme reflects the urgent need for purposeful leadership in Nigeria.

He noted that a lack of focus among leaders has contributed to many of the country’s enduring problems.

“If you are a leader and you are not focused, your organisation cannot survive. Focused leadership is the answer to many of the challenges in our country,” Osieme said.

“Nigeria needs focused leaders at all levels. The society can only improve when leaders get it right. We need leaders who understand time and seasons.”

Osieme also announced that the conference, scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Yard 158, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, will be free for participants as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary.

The event is expected to bring together prominent local and international leadership experts, including Dave Champness, David Ashcraft and Craig Groeschel, alongside Nigerian speakers such as Dr. Sam Adeyemi, Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Pastor Yemi Davids.

Reflecting on VICM’s journey, Olubambi said the organisation has built strategic partnerships with global leadership bodies, including John Maxwell’s EQUIP, the Global Leadership Network and Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven initiative, enabling it to adapt world-class leadership resources to local contexts.

He added that the ministry is intensifying its call for local partnerships while strengthening its four core pillars—Vision Leadership Institute, Publications, Consulting and Conferences—to expand its impact and reach in the years ahead.

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